Panglao
Intro
Panglao hangs off the southwest tip of Bohol in the central Visayas, pairing powder-white sand and turquoise water with some of the best diving in the Philippines, all within a short hop of dolphin pods, coral walls, and chocolate-hued hills inland. The beating heart for visitors is Alona Beach, a roughly 1.5 km crescent of cafes, dive shops, and sunset bars on the south coast. From here you are minutes from Balicasag Island (turtles, sardine schools, dramatic drop-offs), the photogenic Virgin Island sandbar, and the early-morning dolphin grounds of the Bohol Sea. Best of all, Panglao is connected to mainland Bohol by two bridges and is home to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), so you can land and be by the sea within half an hour.
First-timer essentials
- Visa: Most US, UK, EU and Singapore passports enter visa-free for 30 days (extendable in-country). Carry proof of onward travel and a passport valid 6+ months.
- Currency: Philippine peso (PHP). ~USD 1 = PHP 56, SGD 1 = PHP 42. Cash rules small eateries, tricycles and boats.
- Health: Tap water is not safe - drink bottled or filtered. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and repellent. Nearest full hospitals are in Tagbilaran (~30-45 min). Dive insurance recommended.
- Money & ATMs: ATMs cluster around Alona, Panglao town and the airport but can run dry on weekends; ~PHP 200-250 fee. Larger resorts and dive shops take cards.
- Safety: One of the safer, more relaxed destinations in the Philippines. Watch footing on coral, respect currents, never touch turtles or dolphins, and dive within your certification.
Top things to do
- Alona Beach (free) - The social heart of Panglao: calm shallow swimming, palm shade, and lively sunset evenings. Lounger rental ~PHP 150-300.
- Dive or snorkel Balicasag Island - A marine sanctuary ~45 min by boat, famous for coral walls, resident turtles and a swirling sardine run. Snorkel trip ~PHP 1,500-2,500; 2-tank dive ~PHP 3,000-4,500 plus sanctuary fee.
- Island hopping + dawn dolphin watching - Boats leave ~5:30-6am for spinner dolphins, then loop to Balicasag and Virgin Island. ~PHP 1,500-2,500 pp shared. Go gently; never crowd the pods.
- Virgin Island / Pontod sandbar - A dazzling tongue of white sand at low tide with clear shallows and snack vendors. Entry ~PHP 400-500. Check the tide.
- Hinagdanan Cave - A lit limestone cave with a cool natural lagoon you can swim in. Entry ~PHP 50-100 (+ ~PHP 100-150 to swim). Bring water shoes.
- Dauis & Panglao churches (free) - The waterside Dauis Church (with its freshwater well by the sea) and the historic Panglao Church with a coral-stone watchtower.
- Mainland Bohol day trip - Cross the bridge for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and a Loboc River lunch cruise. ~PHP 1,500-2,500 on a shared countryside tour.
Best time to visit
Dry season (December to May) is prime - calm seas, great visibility, reliable sun. March to May is hottest and busiest (Holy Week). June-November is wetter and quieter with better deals; Bohol often stays diveable when other regions get hit. Shoulder months (late November/early December, June) balance weather and crowds.
Getting there
By air (easiest): Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) is ON Panglao, with frequent direct flights from Manila and Cebu (~1-1.5 hrs). Alona Beach is ~10-15 min away (~PHP 300-600). By sea (via Cebu): Fly into Cebu, fast ferry to Tagbilaran (~2 hrs), then ~30-45 min across the bridges (~PHP 500-800). Tricycles (~PHP 50-150) and scooter rental (~PHP 400-600/day) get you around.
