Panglao Paradise: How to Spend 3 Days in Bohol, Philippines
Mahogany Forest in Pangalo
Back in February B.C (before covid), my mom and I got to explore Bohol during our 1 month trip in the Philippines. Not only is Bohol incredibly beautiful, the island is particularly special to us. My late Lolo (grandfather) grew up in Panglao, Bohol and reconnecting with his roots was a trip of a lifetime.
If you’re planning to travel to Bohol for your first post-pandemic trip, here’s everything you need to know about spending 3 days in this tropical paradise.
How To Get to
Panglao Island in Bohol
Loboc River Cruise
Flight
With its convenient international airport located in the heart of Panglao, Bohol is one of the most sought out island destinations in the Philippines. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, it’s quite easy to get to and from Panglao Island. If you’re flying domestically, there are many flights to choose from via AirSwift, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines.
Ferry
If you’re traveling from Cebu, you can take a 5 hour ferry ride from Cebu International Port with Ocean Jet for about 800 pesos for tourist pass or 1,000 pesos for business class. The ferry conveniently arrives in Tagbilaran Port in Panglao — about 30 minutes away from Alona Beach. If you don’t have any time constraints and looking for cheaper options, consider taking the ferry. But just a disclaimer if you haven’t traveled around the Philippines before: EXPECT DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS.
Where to Stay in
Panglao, Bohol
View of Alona Beach from Amorita Resort
Amorita Resort
Perched on top of a cliff overlooking Alona Beach, Amorita Resort’s stunning location and service are unmatched in Panglao. The resort is truly deserving of the Conde Nast Johansen Award for “Best Service”. If you’re looking for a boutique, eco-luxury hotel in Panglao, choose Amorita Resort. Read more about my stay on this link.
Other Options: Bohol Beach Club for a family friend beachside resort. And Bohol Bee Farm for a more rustic stay.
Where to Eat in
Panglao, Bohol
Ube Kinampay from Bohol Bee Farm
A must visit in Panglao for vegetarian eats and most importantly, ube ice cream. There are two locations in Panglao — one in Alona Beach and one about 20 minutes away from Libaong. Both locations serve delicious food and there are local goods from the farm you can purchase. We especially loved all the vegetarian eats made with cassava and Bohol Bee Farm’s ice cream.
Casava Appetizer from Bohol Bee Farm at Alona Beach
Located in Panglao city center, close to Panglao Airport, Gerardo’s Restaurant is the perfect dining experience for authentic Filipino food. All our dishes were delicious — my mom and uncle especially loved their sizzling sisig dishes at Gerardo’s.
Dinner with my mom and uncle at Gerardo’s Restaurant
If you’re looking for trendy and upscale international food, check out one the four restaurants located at Amorita Resort in Alona Beach. This cliffside resort offers incredible sea views and service.
What to Do in
Panglao, Bohol
Driving through Panglao
Panglao Land Tour
Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Conservatory, Mahogany Forest, Loboc River Cruise
If you only have time for one tour in Panglao, choose this Land Tour. There are so many landmarks unique to Panglao that you won’t experience in any other island.
Firefly Watching Tour
This tour sounded cheesy to me at first, but my uncle kept raving about it and WOW — it was magical. You’ll be taken on a night boat ride in the mangroves of Panglao gazing at enormous groups of fireflies sprinkled in the sky.
Island Hopping Tour
Balicasag Reef & Virgin Island
Fun half day island hopping adventure. You’ll visit the Balicasag Reef which houses so many colorful fishes and the sand bar on Virgin Island. Option to go snorkeling or scuba diving during the island hopping tour, which I highly recommend doing. Bohol is one of the best dive destinations in Asia.
Alona Beach
Pre-covid, Alona Beach was buzzing with tourists and vendors along the shore. Alona Beach has a wide range of beachside restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels. There’s always something to do at Alona Beach, but the best time to go is early in the morning for peace and quiet.
For a more secluded beach with a more local feel, check out the beautiful Libaong Beach about 15 minutes away from Alona Beach.
Useful Panglao Tips
Always have pesos in your pocket - similar to most of the Philippines, Bohol is a cash driven island. Make sure you always have pesos on you since many places don’t take credit card or have ATMs.
Hire a driver for the day if you’re planning to explore the island or make arrangements in advance. Unlike other islands in the Philippines, it’s harder to find taxis or tricycles on a whim in Panglao.
If you’re going on a banca (boat ride) bring a wet bag to protect valuables. These no frills banca rides can be very bumpy.
Be sure to go snorkeling or diving during your stay in Bohol. Bohol is known for it’s word class reefs.
Most importantly, eat lots of Ube Kinampay. Bohol is known for its “ube kinampay” which is the best quality ube or taro in the world. Panglao even hosts the annual ube festival on the island every year. Definitely on my bucket list!
View from Amorita Resort at Alona Beach
