Panglao, Bohol Travel Guide
City City in Central Visayas, Philippines' locality
Coral reefs and dive sites pull divers to Panglao’s Alona coast; small resorts line white-sand bays, boat trips hunt for dolphins, and inland farms sell coconut products and fresh seafood cooked over charcoal.
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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
All Attractions ›
Panglao, Bohol Bucket List
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Panglao, Bohol #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1156 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (173 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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 #
On Panglao Island most short trips are by motorbike taxi (habal‑habal) or tricycle; tricycle fares are typically inexpensive for short hops (roughly PHP20-150 depending on distance). Car and scooter rentals are common if you plan to explore the island. Bohol-Panglao International Airport serves the island with domestic flights; many accommodations arrange transfers. Walking is convenient within Alona Beach and other small centres, but distances between attractions may require a ride.
Where to Stay in Panglao, Bohol #
- Amorita Resort - Boutique cliffside resort near Alona Beach.
- Bohol Beach Club - Oceanfront mid-to-upscale property on Panglao.
- 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 #
- 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
- 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.
- Alona Beach (area) - Main nightlife strip with bars, beachfront restaurants and live music.
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.
- Bohol Bee Farm - Farm-to-table restaurant and shop selling honey and local crafts.