Panglao Island, located in the heart of the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is a tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Visitors can relax on Alona Beach with a refreshing cocktail or snorkel among the colourful coral reefs of Balicasag Island. You can even swim with turtles or explore nearby natural wonders such as the Chocolate Hills. For those interested in wildlife, the island is home to the smallest primates, the Tarsiers. Panglao truly offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. There is a reason I have been to this paradise island twice.
This comprehensive Panglao Island travel guide will help you discover the best things to do, where to stay, popular beaches, and insider tips to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, this guide will help you experience the very best that Panglao Island Bohol, has to offer.
⇒ I used an Airalo regional eSIM for Southeast Asia to access the internet while staying on Panglao Island, Philippines.
Private Beach at Bohol Beach Club Hotel, Panglao Island
Things to do in Panglao Island, Bohol
Swim in Hinagdanan Cave.
Explore and swim in the naturally illuminated underground Hinagdanan Cave. Renowned for its breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as a stunning lagoon. It is located in Dauis on the island near Panglao beach and the well-known Mithi Resort and Spa, just a short distance from the local resorts and hotels in Panglao.
Hinagdanan is a popular cave pool open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and swimming in the lagoon is until 4 pm. Book a half-day tour around Panglao Island that takes you to Hinagdanan Cave.
Watch the Sunset from the Beach
There is nothing quite like a sunset on the beach in the Philippines, where the sky bursts into vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a stunning masterpiece across the horizon. The sunsets in Panglao are truly spectacular and among the best I have ever seen.
If you are staying at one of the beachfront resorts in Panglao, Bohol—such as Henann Resort Alona Beach or Bohol Beach Club — the best spots for sunset viewing are their private beaches. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cocktail at one of the beachfront bars, like Escape Bar or Aluna Beach Lounge, along Alona Beach while watching the sunset.
Sunset on Panglao Island at Bohol Beach Club Beachfront Resort
Visit the Bohol Bee Farm on Panglao Island
Take a visit to Bohol Bee Farm, an agricultural sanctuary and retreat located on Panglao Island. Visitors can stroll through its organic gardens, dine at its farm-to-table restaurant, and stay at the Bohol Bee Farm 3-star resort. Don’t forget to pick up some bee products and enjoy some delicious, refreshing ice cream before you leave.
Bohol Bee Farm restaurant is among the best dining options on Panglao Island, known for its hearty meals made exclusively from local ingredients. The restaurant is open daily until 9 PM and is a wonderful place to support local businesses while taking in the views.
Feast on Fresh Seafood and Local Specialities
No trip to Panglao is complete without tasting Boholano cuisine. A popular snack to try is Calamay, a sweet treat made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, often packaged in a coconut shell. For seafood, indulge in garlic butter prawns, fish sinigang or grilled squid. Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) was my favourite Boholano cuisine; it was refreshing in the Bohol heat.
For breakfast, consider trying sikwate, which is a Filipino hot chocolate, paired with puto maya, a dish made of sticky rice and mango. I recommend Paprika Restaurant for authentic Boholano cuisine. It is situated on a small cliff overlooking the ocean at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary. This restaurant offers a perfect setting in Panglao, Bohol to enjoy a local meal while watching the sunset.
Fish carpaccio, Paprika Restaurant, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Panglao Island Hopping
Snorkel or Dive at Balicasag Island
Just a short boat ride from Panglao, Balicasag Island is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The coral walls are abundant with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant reef formations. Even if you don’t snorkel or dive, you can still explore the charming little island, stroll along its white sandy beaches, and visit turtle points to spot turtles. Whether you’re a diver or a beginner snorkeler, it’s one of the top things to do in Panglao, Bohol.
If you wish to stay longer, Balicasag Island Dive Resort offers accommodation. You can book a day trip from Panglao that includes lunch, snorkelling, dolphin and Turtle watching at Balicasag Island with Klooks.
Travel Tip: Visit between November and May for the clearest water and best visibility.
Visit Virgin Island’s Sandbar
Take a boat trip out to Virgin Island, also known as Pungtud Island, just off the west coast of Panglao Bay. The Island is famous for its pristine white sandbar that appears at low tide. With panoramic ocean views and small stalls selling fresh coconuts and grilled seafood, it’s a picture-perfect stop on an island-hopping tour. Plus, it is a fantastic spot for taking pictures.
Book a private boat tour to Balicasag and Virgin Island, including lunch, departing from Banglao.
Snorkelling Balicasag Island – Panglao Water Activities
Beaches in Panglao Island, Bohol
Alona Beach
Alona Beach is the most popular beach on Panglao Island. It is known for its fine white sand, calm waters, and vibrant nightlife, making it the ideal destination for first-time visitors. During the day, the beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. At night, the beachfront bars and restaurants come alive with live music and serve fresh seafood. Book this fun pub crawl along Alona Beach bars that includes a complimentary drink.
Dumaluan Beach
If you enjoy soft sand between your toes but prefer a more tranquil atmosphere, Dumaluan Beach is the perfect destination. This long stretch of powdery white sand features shallow, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling offshore, like in Takarka, Tunisia. Additionally, it tends to be less crowded, making it an excellent choice for a day of relaxing at the beach.
Doljo Beach
Doljo Beach is a secluded and serene spot located on the northwest coast of Panglao. It is known for its stunning sunsets and shores filled with seashells. This beach is quieter than the more famous ones in the area, giving it a more local atmosphere, with fishing boats often seen on the horizon.
Momo Beach
Momo Beach is a secluded spot perfect for those looking to escape crowds and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Located near Doljo Beach, it features calm, shallow waters ideal for couples and solo travellers seeking privacy. This beach reminded me of the ones in Sierra Leone, beautiful but quiet and unspoiled.
Dumaluan Beach Beaches Panglao Bohol
What to do in Bohol
Panglao is the perfect starting point for exploring the inland landmarks and attractions of Bohol. A 1 day itinerary in Bohol typically includes visiting the iconic Chocolate Hills, enjoying a cruise along the Loboc River on a floating restaurant, and exploring the Tarsier Sanctuary. Additionally, it often features a stop at the Baclayon Colonial Church and its museum.
Here are a few suggestions to visit all these places on a day trip to the Bohol countryside tour
- Guided tour from Panglao to the Bohol countryside, including a dip in Panga Falls.
- Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, Loboc River & Baclayon church Day Tour pick up from Panglao or Bohol.
- A private Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, & Loboc River Tour that also includes the Man-Made Forest
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are an iconic landmark located in the municipality of Carmen on Bohol Island, which is part of the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. This unique formation consists of 1,776 dome-shaped mounds that share a similar shape and during the dry season turn brown, resembling mounds of chocolate.
While the hills are expansive, the two-level viewing deck is located in Carmen. This platform allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the unique landscape, which can be accessed by climbing 220 steps.
Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to see the world’s smallest primates, the Tarsiers, in their natural habitat. The sanctuary provides an opportunity for visitors to observe these adorable animals while learning about the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. These delicate creatures are nocturnal, so you have to be quiet, and you are not allowed to use flash when taking pictures.
Enjoy a Loboc River cruise.
Experience a Loboc River Cruise while enjoying a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant, accompanied by live performances. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to watch local villagers perform traditional dances on floating platforms. The cruise begins near Loay Bridge in Loboc and lasts approximately one hour. The price for the floating restaurant includes the cruise, the buffet meal, and one drink.
Chocolate hills from the viewing platform – Bohol, Philippines
How long do you need in Panglao Island?
If you’re planning a trip to Panglao Island, a stay of three to five days is ideal for experiencing the main attractions and enjoying the tropical sun and beaches. This duration also allows you to explore Bohol, the main island, which is connected by a highway.
Go island hopping, explore the main attractions, and take part in various water activities at the stunning beaches of Panglao Island, Bohol. In the evenings, indulge in fresh seafood while watching vibrant sunsets from locations like Alona Beach.
An example of a 3-Day itinerary in Panglao, Bohol
There are numerous wonderful activities to enjoy in Panglao, making it difficult to fit everything into just 3 days. However, I have created this 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time on Panglao Island, Bohol.
Day 1 – Hinagdanan Cave & Alona Beach
Spend the morning exploring Hinagdanan Cave and swimming in the underground lagoon. Afterwards, visit the popular Alona Beach to enjoy water sports before watching the sunset from one of the many bars and restaurants along the beach.
Day 2 – Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Take a day trip to Bohol’s countryside for a full-day tour. This usually includes visiting the Chocolate Hills, enjoying a cruise along the Loboc River on a floating restaurant, seeing the Tarsier Sanctuary, and exploring the Man-made Mahogany Forest. O
Day 3 Pangalo– Balicasag Island & Virgin Island
Spend the morning island hopping to Balicasag Island and Virgin Island, also known as Pungtud Island. Here, you can snorkel or dive, swim with turtles, and go dolphin spotting. Remember to take your GoPro for all those underwater pictures. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at Bohol Bee Farm.
Relaxing on the beach at the Bohol Beach Club Hotel in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines.
Beach Resorts in Panglao, Island Bohol
Bohol Beach Club
Bohol Beach Club is a beautiful beachfront resort, located along one of the longest beaches in Panglao. It featured a private beach, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and an Aquasports office that offers activities such as canoeing and snorkelling tours to Balicasag Island. I stayed in a spacious deluxe room with two double beds near the beachfront for three nights.
Oceanica Resort Panglao Bohol
Oceanica Resort Panglao is a stunning beachfront hotel nestled within tropical gardens along the shoreline. The resort boasts two outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. It is situated on the renowned white sand beach of Bohol, famous for its turquoise waters. I stayed in a Premium Beachfront room for three nights, and it felt like I had stepped directly from my bed into the island paradise.
Check the availability and prices of beachfront resorts in Panglao, Bohol, using Agoda.
Panglao International Airport
To reach Panglao, fly into Panglao International Airport, which is situated in the southern part of the island. From the airport, it’s just a short drive to many of the beachfront resorts. The main airlines that operate flights from the capital, Manila, to Panglao are Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and Cebu Pacific. The flight duration is only 45 minutes, and you can find affordable round-trip tickets on Trip.com.
Cebu to Panglao Island, Bohol Ferry
Most visitors combine a trip to Cebu with visits to Bohol and Panglao Island, as they are nearby. The ferry departs from Cebu City Port to Bohol’s Tagbilaran Port, and from there, it is a short drive to Panglao.
The ferry from Cebu to Panglao, Bohol, takes two hours, and several services operate this route, with the most popular being the OceanJet Ferries. They run multiple times a day, both ways, and can be booked online.
On the beachfront at South Palms Resort, Panglao, Bohol
Getting around Panglao Island, Bohol
Panglao is a smaller island adjacent to Bohol and can be easily reached via a highway bridge.
Car Rental Bohol Philippines
If you have a driver’s license and are travelling with a group or family, I recommend renting a car to explore both Bohol and Panglao. While it takes about 30 minutes to reach activities in Panglao, getting to the top attractions in Bohol, such as the Chocolate Hills, will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can book a rental car at Panglao International Airport, or additionally, you can reserve a car online in advance through Klook.
Scooter and Bike Rental Panglao
The best way to get around the beaches and tourist spots in Panglao, Bohol, is by renting a motorbike/scooter. You can easily find rental shops in more popular areas like Alona Beach. A lot of the resorts and hotels on Panglao Island also offer scooter rentals.
I wear Teva women’s sandals, which are perfect for getting around Pangao Bohol tourist sites and beaches in the hot weather.
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Have you ever visited Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: Although I was on a press trip organised by the Philippines TPB and ASEAN, all views expressed are my own and based on my personal experience.
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