Panglao, Bohol Travel Guide

🔹 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)