Panglao, Bohol Travel Guide

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🔹 Why Go?

Panglao Island delivers the essentials: stunning beaches, world-class diving, affordable resorts, and quick access to Bohol’s iconic attractions like the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. It’s ideal for couples, backpackers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed tropical escape.

🗺️ How to Get There

  • By Air: Fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark.
  • By Ferry: From Cebu City, take a 2-hour ferry to Tagbilaran Port, then a 30-minute drive to Panglao.

🏖️ Top Beaches

  • Alona Beach: The main hub. Bars, restos, dive shops. Tourist-heavy but convenient.
  • Dumaluan Beach: Quieter, cleaner, and more family-friendly. Locals love it.
  • Doljo Beach: Less crowded. Great for sunsets and snorkeling.

🤿 Things to Do

  • Island Hopping: Balicasag and Virgin Island are must-visits. Snorkeling with sea turtles, clear waters, and sandbars.
  • Scuba Diving: Reefs, wall dives, and marine sanctuaries. Top dive shops around Alona.
  • Snorkeling: House reefs off Alona and Dumaluan are solid.
  • Hinagdanan Cave: Underground pool with eerie lighting. Short visit, worth it.
  • Nightlife: Chill bars along Alona Beach. Not wild, but there’s music, drinks, and fire dancers.

🐒 Day Trips from Panglao

  • Chocolate Hills: 2-hour drive. Bucket list material.
  • Tarsier Sanctuary: See the world’s smallest primate in a natural setting.
  • Loboc River Cruise: Buffet lunch on a boat with live music. Tourist-y but fun.

🍽️ Where to Eat

  • Buzzz Café (Alona): Local ingredients, great seafood.
  • Prawn Farm Grill & Seafoods (Island City Mall): Casual dining, fresh catch.
  • Shaka Café: Vegan/vegetarian smoothies and bowls.
  • Gerarda’s (Tagbilaran): Traditional Filipino dishes.

🛏️ Where to Stay

  • Budget: Moon Fools Hostel, Dormitels PH.
  • Mid-range: Alona Tropical Beach Resort, Villa Kasadya.
  • Luxury: Amorita Resort, Henann Resort Alona Beach.

📝 Tips

  • Getting Around: Tricycles are everywhere. For convenience, rent a scooter (₱500/day).
  • When to Visit: Best weather is November to May. Dry, sunny, not too hot.
  • ATM Access: Few ATMs in Panglao. Bring cash.
  • Connectivity: Most hotels have WiFi, but don’t expect blazing speeds.

🧳 What to Pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Snorkel gear (optional—rentals available)
  • Dry bag
  • Flip-flops and water shoes
  • Power bank (blackouts happen)

Anda, Bohol – A Quick Guide

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Anda is a small but stunning coastal town located on the eastern tip of Bohol, one of the Philippines’ top islands for beaches, nature, and cultural heritage. Less touristy than Panglao, Anda is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, underground caves, and laid-back vibe. It’s ideal for travelers looking to escape crowds and experience a more authentic, raw side of island life.

📍 Location & How to Get There

  • Province: Bohol, Central Visayas, Philippines
  • Distance from Tagbilaran City (Bohol’s capital): ~100 km, about a 2.5–3 hour drive
  • How to Get There:
    • Fly into Panglao International Airport
    • You can also take a ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran / Tubigon Port
    • Drive or take a van/bus from Tagbilaran, Panglao or Tubigon to Anda
    • Some resorts offer private transfers

🏖️ Top Attractions in Anda

  1. Quinale Beach
    • Long stretch of powdery white sand
    • Calm, shallow turquoise waters
    • Often empty compared to other famous beaches
  2. Cabagnow Cave Pool
    • A limestone sinkhole with deep, clean freshwater
    • Jump in or climb down via ladder
    • There are several other cave pools in the area (e.g., Combento, Kaligoon, Tibaw)
  3. Anda’s Reef & Marine Sanctuary
    • Great for snorkeling and diving
    • Healthy coral, plenty of fish, occasional turtles
    • Best accessed through local dive operators
  4. Lamanok Island (Lamanoc Point)
    • Known for ancient burial sites and mystical cave paintings
    • Accessible via paddle boat and short hike
    • Rich in local folklore and spiritual significance


🍽️ Food & Accommodation

  • Food: Local eateries offer fresh seafood, Filipino comfort food, and snacks. Some resorts have Western or fusion options.
  • Stay: Anda offers a mix of budget inns, mid-range beach resorts, and boutique eco-stays. Popular ones include:
    • Anda White Beach Resort
    • Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa
    • J&R Residence

🚶‍♂️ Vibe & Experience

  • Chill and unspoiled: No big bars or commercial noise
  • Local life is strong: Fishing, farming, and small family-run businesses
  • Perfect for: Quiet beach getaways, nature exploration, diving/snorkeling, or off-grid retreats

✅ Travel Tips

  • Best time to visit: Dry season, November to May
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi is patchy; bring a local SIM card
  • ATM access: Limited—bring cash
  • Eco-reminder: Respect cave pools and marine areas. Avoid littering and use reef-safe sunscreen.