Panglao, BoholPanglao, Bohol at a Glance
Costs: Affordable to midrange island destination - $40-$150 daily depending on resort choice and diving activities.
Safety: Mostly safe, petty crime possible - generally safe for tourists; watch for petty theft and beach scams.
Best Time: November to May (dry season) - dry season gives best diving, beach weather and calm seas.
Why Visit Panglao, Bohol?
Rounded beaches and coral-rich waters make Panglao a magnet for divers and sunseekers, with Alona Beach and Balicasag Island as signature spots. Underwater life, dolphin-watching tours and fresh seafood-especially kinilaw-are big draws, while island fiestas give travelers a taste of local culture. The island’s limestone caves, like Hinagdanan Cave, add a different kind of exploration, and small resorts keep the vibe relaxed yet lively.
Best Things to Do in Panglao, Bohol
Island
Panglao Island
Small Philippine island known for beaches and diving
Beach
Alona Beach
White-sand beach on Panglao Island, Bohol province
Historical Site
Cantabon
Philippine village and rural locality
Panglao, Bohol Bucket List
Don't Miss
Hinagdanan Cave - Explore the limestone cave with indoor pool, stalactites, and natural light shafts.
Panglao Island Beaches - Walk diverse beaches around Panglao for calm swimming spots and snorkeling access.
Bohol Bee Farm (nearby) - Dine on organic dishes and tour the on-site farm focusing on local produce.
Hidden Gems
Doljo Beach pockets - Find quieter stretches of sand at Doljo Beach away from Alona’s crowds.
Local dive operators - Book small-group dives with local operators to explore coral gardens and reef walls.
Night market stalls on Panglao - Sample roadside grilled seafood and local desserts at informal evening food stalls.
Day Trips
Alona Beach, Panglao - Relax on Alona Beach for snorkeling, beachside restaurants, and clear shallow waters.
Bohol Countryside Tour - Take a day tour to the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and historic churches.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Panglao, Bohol
Panglao is best in the dry season (November-April) for calm seas and diving. Expect hot, humid conditions year-round and frequent heavy rains during the wet months, especially June-October.
Dry Season
Calm seas, clear water, and excellent diving and beach days; tourist numbers rise, so book dive trips and lodging in advance.
Rainy Season
Frequent heavy showers and rough seas limit diving on some days; expect lush greenery, lower prices, and possible travel disruptions.
Hot Season
Hottest, most humid months with calm seas early but intense sun and high heat; early-morning swims recommended to avoid midday discomfort.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1156 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 96 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 25° - 33° | 34° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 90 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 98 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 77 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 105 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 167 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 173 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 117 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Panglao, Bohol
Panglao is most easily reached by flying into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) on Panglao Island. For arrivals via Cebu, combine a short domestic flight or a ferry to Tagbilaran followed by local transport to Panglao.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG): The airport is on Panglao Island and is the most convenient way to reach Panglao and Bohol. From the terminal it’s typically a 15-40 minute drive to most Panglao resorts and Alona Beach; taxis, metered airport vans and tricycles are available-expect short transfer times.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB): Many international flights arrive into Cebu; from Cebu you can fly into TAG (regional flights) or take a ferry from Tagbilaran/Dumaguete routes-total travel time depends on connection chosen and can be several hours including transfers.
Train: There is no inter-island train service in the Philippines for Bohol/Panglao.
Bus / Ferry: If arriving via Cebu you can take a ferry to Tagbilaran (Bohol) and then a short drive to Panglao (Tagbilaran→Panglao ~30-60 minutes by road). Local buses (jeepneys) and vans operate on Bohol for inter-town travel; schedules vary by route and season.
How to Get Around Panglao, Bohol
Panglao is easiest to navigate by short taxi rides, tricycle hops or rented scooter. For island-to-island travel use domestic flights or ferries; local jeepneys/vans provide the lowest-cost option for inter-town travel.
- Airport taxi / metered van (PHP 150-600) - From TAG airport, metered taxis, airport vans and tricycles connect to resorts and Alona Beach. Transfer times are typically 15-40 minutes depending on destination; fixed-rate airport taxis or hotel-arranged transfers are convenient for first arrivals.
- Tricycle / habal-habal (PHP 20-150) - Tricycles are the common short-distance option on Panglao for quick hops to beaches and barangays. They are cheap and plentiful but not suited for long trips or heavy luggage-negotiate fares before departing.
- Rental car / scooter (PHP 300-1,200/day) - Scooter rentals are widespread on Panglao for independent exploration of beaches and nearby attractions; car rentals are available but pricier. Helmets are mandatory and be mindful of local driving practices-avoid night driving on poorly lit roads.
- Public jeepneys / vans (low) - Jeepneys and passenger vans serve inter-town routes on Bohol and between Tagbilaran and Panglao. They are the cheapest option but can be slower and less comfortable with luggage-useful for short budgets and local trips.
- Walking - Many Panglao beach areas and small resort clusters are best explored on foot once you arrive; Alona Beach and nearby restaurants are pedestrian-friendly. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Where to Stay in Panglao, Bohol
Budget
Dauis / inland Panglao - PHP 800-2500/night (approx.)
Panglao has inexpensive guesthouses and hostels, especially away from Alona Beach. Budget rooms are common but book ahead during peak season.
Mid-Range
Alona Beach / Panglao - PHP 2500-7000/night
Mid-range options include well-appointed resorts and comfortable beachfront hotels offering good dining and pools - popular with families and divers.
Amorita Resort - Boutique cliffside resort near Alona Beach.
Bohol Beach Club - Oceanfront mid-to-upscale property on Panglao.
Luxury
Alona Beach / beachfront - PHP 6000+/night
Panglao’s luxury resorts deliver resort-style pools, beachfront access, and full-service spas. Book well ahead in high season for best rates and rooms.
Henann Alona Beach Resort - Large beachfront resort with full facilities.
South Palms Resort Panglao - Upscale beachfront resort with pools.
Where to Eat in Panglao, Bohol
Beach Eats & Alona
Panglao blends beachfront grills, dive-side eateries, and lively Alona Beach restaurants serving seafood, pizza and casual Filipino dishes to beachgoers.
- Alona Beach restaurants (search) - Beachfront grills and international plates
- Rasta Baby Bar (Alona) - Casual beachfront bar with reggae vibes
- Giuseppe’s Pizzeria (Alona) - Wood-fired pizzas near the sand
Farm-to-Table & Organic
Panglao’s farm-to-table spots like Bohol Bee Farm emphasize organic produce, island-grown herbs and seafood with homemade desserts and ice creams.
- Bohol Bee Farm - Organic dishes and house-made ice cream
- Gerarda’s Place - Home-style Filipino meals and warm service
- Panglao markets (search) - Fresh seafood and island produce
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Panglao, Bohol’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Panglao, Bohol
Nightlife on Panglao centres on Alona Beach, where beachfront bars, live-music venues and casual clubs keep things going after dark. The scene is tourist-friendly and caters to divers and beachgoers. Outside Alona the island is much quieter in the evenings, with most nightlife tied to resorts and a few local bars.
Shopping in Panglao, Bohol
Panglao’s shopping is concentrated around Alona Beach and tourist hubs: souvenir stalls, dive shops, and small boutiques selling local crafts and clothing. You’ll also find markets and specialty food producers. For local food products, look for spots that sell Bohol specialties such as honey, coconut-based items and handmade crafts.