Panglao Island Hotels

Panglao is one of the most memorable places in the Philippines. This quiet island in the Visayas region is home to vast swathes of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Up for an adventure? You’ll find different dive and snorkeling spots on the island -- and it's the best way to admire the rich marine life. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie then you won't run out of cliff diving on the island.

How to Get There

Getting to Bohol is quite easy. People have two options to get here and both would require a layover in either Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City located in the Visayas. If you choose to go to Cebu, you can also opt to take a ferry if you’re not in a hurry and would rather enjoy a scenic view of the island.

Getting Around

In Tagbilaran, you’ll find jeepneys to take you around, but it may admittedly be confusing for some people. For a hassle-free way around the island, a taxi or rental car would be the most convenient. If you know how then renting a motorcycle would be an exciting way to get around since you get to reach far-flung areas that are away from tourists.

Top Things to Do and See

Panglao is a beautiful destination that would keep you busy for a couple of days. Try asking someone what’s in Bohol and more often than not you’ll hear the Chocolate Hills. With over 1,268 cone-shaped hills, it’s easily understandable why people always put this at the top of their list as a must-see. Endless beaches and water activities also await you in Panglao.

Alona Beach is the main stop that’s littered with resorts and restaurants. Each one has amazing views of the water and sunset and you can spend the night away getting a massage seaside or drinking late into the night. Dumaluan Beach is quite different because of how relaxed it is. This place is perfect for activities like kayaking and having a barbecue by a campfire.

With such stunning views of the water, what lies underneath it is also extra special. Diving in Panglao is a popular thing to do with different dive sites all over. You’ll be able to see rich colorful reefs with the most beautiful marine life of all kinds. Did we mention you can also swim with dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks? Snorkeling just off the shore is another great way to observe marine life. Rent a boat and hire a guide to take you to the best spots.

If you’re up for it, Hinagdanan Cave is a small spot, but it has an amazing geological formation. It has spike-like ceilings and a hidden pool inside that would surely entice every adventurer.

A trip isn’t complete either if you haven’t seen a tarsier. These tiny creatures can be found in a sanctuary on the island. You’ll find an amazing jungle path heading there and you might even see these wide-eyed creatures sleeping. Be careful when you’re here though and make sure to observe the rules. Tarsiers are sensitive to a lot of things and since they’re endangered, everyone is doing their best to care for them.

Where to Eat

Finding a place to eat on the island is a great way to explore. It’s a dizzying buffet with a range of options that range from luxury to casual. You can be sure about finding amazing seafood on the island in every nook.

The Bohol Bee Farm is a healthy and organic option in Panglao. It’s a farm to table restaurant that serves the freshest harvests that are all-natural. Trudi’s Place is nearby and easily noticeable. There’s live music blasting almost every night creating the perfect ambiance for relaxing and drinking. You’ll be bombarded with a menu that serves all kinds of seafood too like squid adobo.

Nightlife

Alona beach is the place to go to experience the nightlife on the island. You’ll see a strip of bars that all offer a great drinking experience. You’ll encounter some that blast club music, while others are a lot more laid back with a reggae feel. If you’re up for clubbing then Pinarella is your go-to. It has a lot of DJs coming in from neighboring cities as well as Manila. Panglao Birdwatchers is calmer and they serve classic cocktails and ice-cold beers which draws in a fun crowd.

Where to Stay

Panglao is a small place, but there are still a handful of options depending on your budget. You’ll see resorts in Alona beach that will give you a variety of choices, but staying in this area means a swim is just a short walk away. Dauis is closer to the airport, but you will find budget-friendly options here. Anda on the other hand is the place to go if you want a quiet vacation. There are only a handful of people here so I would recommend this if you want to be away.

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