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Panglao Island is located in the southwest part of Bohol, just a few minutes away from Tagbilaran City, the province's capital city. It's one of the most beautiful beaches here in the Philippines. It's my fourth time being there, and I can say that its natural beauty remains splendid as always. Let's go!
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Past Memories of Bohol
My first time there was during our high school immersion; instead of having the usual prom night, the Nuns in my school, yes, I was enrolled in a catholic school, so I'm really nice, they decided to do it in Bohol for a more memorable experience. We stayed overnight in a remote community, then toured Bohol the next day, and our last stop was Panglao Island.
My first time, and it was love at first sight. On our boat ride back to Cebu, we had a rough ride when a sudden storm made the trip even more memorable. The nun had prayed, and I thought to myself after that event, I guess my high school batch will be the first and the only batch to have an immersion outside Cebu- lucky me! My second trip was with my friends, where we conducted a cultural mapping for our school project. The third time was spent with my co-workers at work during our company team building, and here I am, always coming back for more!.
How to get there: ( by air or by sea ) Updated 2019
By Air
- For Locals: Book a domestic flight bound for Bohol. There are direct flights to Bohol from most parts of the country.
- For foreigners: Some airlines offer direct flights to the province. If you can't find a flight to Bohol, stopover at Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) then book your domestic flight to Bohol.
Another alternative, if you want to save some money, you can take a ferry from Cebu to Bohol.
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
You can take a cab going to Pier 1, Cebu Pier Area. The estimated fare is 250 PHP – 350 PHP, depending on traffic.
Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
If you have luggage, have your cab enter the ferry terminal for a fee of 10 PHP. Take note that the ticketing office is outside the ferry terminal gates.
By Sea
I personally trust Oceanjet and Supercat ferry operators. Both have daily trips.
There are two ports: Tagbilaran Port or Tubigon Port. Save your worries and take the Tagbilaran Port.
Option 1
- Ferry from Cebu Pier to Tagbilaran Port: ( Tagbilaran is the capital city of Bohol )
- Boat Fare: 500 PHP - 1,200 PHP
- Travel time: 2- 3 hours
Option 2
- Ferry from Cebu Pier to Tubigon Port:
- Boat Fare: 200 PHP - 300 PHP
- Travel time: 2 - 3 hours
- From Tubigon Port to Tagbilaran City by Van: 90 PHP - 120 PHP
- Travel time: 1 hour
- Terminal Fee: 25 PHP
Prices may have changed. Please check the ferry operators for more information.
From Tagbilaran Port
Book ahead of time for city tours.
Van tours: 2,500 PHP - 3,500 PHP
Pre-arranged pick-up transfer from your resort/hotel, or take a tricycle. Tricycle fare: 30 PHP -100 PHP
Tagbilaran Port to Panglao Island
Take a cab or van if you're going straight from Tagbilaran Port to Panglao Island
Cab fare: 300 PHP - 1,000 PHP
Tricycle fare: 250 PHP - 350 PHP
Motorcycle fare: 150 PHP - 250 PHP
Travel time: 20 minutes - 45 minutes
Tips
- Power outlets are commonly type A, with standard voltage 220 V and frequency 60 Hz. Be sure to bring a universal plug adapter!
- Money matters: We recommend getting your currency exchanged via Western Union (WU) since you'll get a better rate than at the airport. You can send your travel budget to yourself and pick up the exchanged amount at the local WU.
- Convenient phone apps: Grab for transportation.
- CR is the term for the toilet
- Salamat means "thank you"
What to do on Panglao Island
1. Where to stay: Dumaluan Beach Resort
For this trip, I'm with my gang: my family and my best friend. We stayed at Dumaluan Beach Resort 2 located in Bolod, Bohol; you'll have more privacy here compared to Dumaluan Beach Resort 1. Dumaluan 1 was actually our first choice; however, it just so happens that we went after the New Year with no reservations. The resort was fully booked, so next time it's better to be prepared. On the other hand, I love the feeling of being a walk-in customer; you'll never know what's in store for you. I wasn't worried that much because I had this feeling that everything would go well. Our trip started with an unexpected, exciting, and happy twist; I don't believe our luck for the last day on the Island will fall apart.
The receptionist then said that one customer had just checked out, and one cabin was available. My eyes sparkled with anticipation, and my stomach growled for a tasty meal. All the rooms were taken, so we had an exclusive small hut or "Bahay-Kubo" (bamboo house or a type of stilt house) for the whole family. The cabin-like hut was perfect, and they gave us a further discount too. My charm was still working in full force ^__^. In addition, we went there almost at dinner time, so you can see how we were really testing our luck.
Beware:
Let's talk about the motorcycle ride going to the resort. I should share this with everyone to avoid being tricked. People would always take advantage of tourists, so better to keep your head up. After we went to Danao Adventure Park, the van parked at Dao Terminal, we weren't able to convince the van driver for a cheaper ride to Panglao; he offered 1200 PHP, which is hilariously too expensive. I did my research, and that was overpriced. The van was owned by an agency, so the tourist price was given.
There are actually jeepneys and tricycle rides which can take you to Panglao; however, we underestimated our time, and it was dark when we arrived at the terminal. We managed to hire a tricycle ride for 2 persons for 250 PHP, which is not bad, so we took 2 vehicles and off we went. There are actually three roads that lead to our destination. The driver thought it was our first time on the island, so he took the road less traveled for tourists without telling us. It was a bumpy and torturous ride.
It took more than an hour, and when we arrived at the resort, he asked for an additional 50 PHP as he said the resort was really far. No fees were given as we've already talked about the fare in the terminal - a deal is a deal! It was frustrating to know they were trying to trick us, plus we were starving as it was past dinner time. Later on, I found out that it was only 20 minutes to the resort. I will never make the same mistake again, so going back to the port, I'd made sure to book a van from the resort to the ferry terminal. The van from the resort costs around 700 PHP, and you can even ask for a 15-minute stopover to buy souvenirs. Quality service at its best.
All was well that night as we had our very own place, the rooms were spacious and clean, plus the bathroom was not the way I had pictured it. It had no ceiling at all, fresh air- ahahaa.
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2. Food
Our stay also includes a complimentary breakfast buffet. The resort's restaurant is situated right in front of the beach. Resort Food Ranges from 200 PHP to 500 PHP
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My unusual Birthday Cake and I love it! My elder brother paid for the pizza, which rarely happens, and my little brother freely ordered my dessert, which he eventually ate almost half of- so much for my dessert, eh?!
You can also check out the restaurants at Alona Beach. Food ranges from 150 PHP to 600 PHP per meal.
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3. The Beach
Afterwards, fun dipped in the swimming pool and a walk along the white sand beach. The resort has a long stretch of white beach and an unlimited supply of blazing sun with clear waters. It was low tide, and there was an endless horizon of white sand as you left footsteps in the sand. I really have a thing for the beach, the blazing sun, the white sand, the watermelon shake, dry hair, and the smell of the summer breeze. I like to get sweaty and have sand in my hair, which a lot of girls find uncomfortable.
Note to yourself: I know sunblock is really important, but I've never brought it on my trips to the beach. Aside from that, it's expensive; it gives you this slimy and sticky feeling. I know there are a lot of new brands in the market now that give you a cleaner finish. It's wise to have this kind of product to avoid premature wrinkles and sunburn; I should have thought about this back then, but it's never too late to start, eh?!
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4. Island Hopping
Island Tour includes: Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, Dolphin, and Turtle watching.
Some boat operators include entrance fees and gear.
It's less hassle if you book straight from the resort, no need to haggle with the boatman at the beach, but if you have great talking power skills, then no need to worry.
- Island hopping rates from Alona Beach: 400 PHP - 1,000 PHP, depending on headcount.
Packages
Island Tour includes: Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, Dolphin, and Turtle watching.
Some boat operators include entrance fees and gear.
Additional fees:
- Environmental fee: 150 PHP
- Lunch: 250 PHP - 300 PHP
- Snorkeling in Balincasag Marine Sanctuary: 150 PHP - 200 PHP
- Turtle watching: 200 PHP - 300 PHP
Optional Gear rentals:
- Snorkeling gears: 150 PHP - 200 PHP
- Fins: 250 PHP - 300 PHP
- Aqua shoes: 100 PHP - 150 PHP
- Underwater camera: 1,000 PHP - 1,500 PHP
- For dolphin watching, pick-up time: before 6 AM
- Diving rates: 1500 PHP - 2,500 PHP
- Diving courses: 3,500 PHP - 25,000 PHP
5. Panglao's Nightlife
Drinks: 80 PHP - 250 PHP (fruit juices, beer, and mixed cocktails)
Panglao is such a beautiful place, and with its beauty, even bad tricycle rides can be forgiven. I am truly enchanted with the island.
More Bohol Tourist Spots:
- Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
- Man-Made Forest, Bilar, Entrance Fee: Free
- Tarsier Encounter, Entrance Fee:50 PHP
- Butterfly Conservation Center, Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
- River Cruise w/ Buffet Lunch and Harana, Entrance Fee: 50 + 350 (buffet)= 400 PHP
- Visit Ati Tribe Entrance Fee: Free, but they'll appreciate tips/donations
- Baclayon Church & Museum, Baclayon, Entrance Fee: 25 PHP (for the museum)
- Blood Compact Site, Tagbilaran City, Entrance Fee: Free
- Python Sanctuary, Albur, Entrance Fee: 10 PHP
- Hanging Bridge
- Sagbayan Peak
- Experience the World's Highest Canyon Swing
- Don’t forget to try the Zipline
- One of the Philippine's Top Beach Destinations
- Book an Island Hopping activity
Have fun and be safe ^__^
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