Panglao
Alona Beach base camp for Bohol's hills, tarsiers and Balicasag reefs.
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Overview & Highlights
Panglao Island is Bohol's beach capital, with palm-lined Alona Beach as the base for diving, island hopping and countryside tours. From here you can reach Balicasag Island's marine sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier sanctuary and Loboc's river cruise. Reach Panglao from Cebu by fast craft to Tagbilaran, then a short ride across the island.
Flight Information
Interactive Map
Sample Itineraries
Panglao & Bohol Countryside
4 DaysTwo beach and reef days around Alona and Balicasag, one full countryside day for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and the Loboc river, and a relaxed final morning before the ferry back to Cebu.
Dive Panglao & Balicasag
5 DaysA dive-focused stay: daily boat dives at Balicasag and Pamilacan, a dolphin sunrise trip, an afternoon freediving session and a rest day on Alona Beach.
Tourist Attractions
Alona Beach
Panglao's lively white-sand bay — dive shops, beachfront restaurants and bangka boats lined up offshore.
Chocolate Hills
More than a thousand conical limestone hills that turn cocoa-brown in the dry season.
Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
A protected forest where you can quietly watch the world's smallest primates in the wild.
Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary
A top dive and snorkel site with coral walls, turtles and schools of jacks.
Loboc River Cruise
A floating restaurant cruise up a green river with live music and a waterfall stop.
Hinagdanan Cave
A limestone cave with a natural skylight and cool underground swimming pool.
Local Food & Dining
Bohol Bee Farm honey ice cream
Farm-to-table flavours from the organic farm's garden — try the malunggay and mango.
Alona Beach seafood grills
Evening beachfront grills with fresh fish, squid and prawns sold by weight.
Calamay & peanut kisses
Bohol's sticky coconut-rice sweet and its chocolate-dipped peanut treats.
Loboc sikwate & buffet
Local hot chocolate with rice cakes, and river-cruise buffets of Boholano dishes.
Hotels & Accommodation
Amorita Resort
South Palms Resort Panglao
Henann Resort Alona Beach
Bohol Bee Farm
Activities & Tours
Dive Balicasag & Pamilacan
Boat dives on coral walls and reefs with turtles, jacks and reef fish.
Sunrise dolphin & whale watching
Early boat out into the Bohol Sea to spot dolphins, then onward to Balicasag or Virgin Island.
Virgin Island sandbar hop
A white sandbar that appears at low tide, with shallow snorkelling nearby.
Bohol countryside tour
Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary, Loboc river cruise and the Baclayon church in one day.
Freediving & SUP at Alona
Line-diving or paddleboard sessions straight off Alona Beach.
Festivals & Events
Sandugo Festival
Tagbilaran's month-long festival with street dancing, re-enactments and trade fairs.
Ubi Festival
A celebration of Bohol's purple yam with food fairs and agricultural shows.
Practical Travel Information
Transportation
Fast craft from Cebu (Pier 1) to Tagbilaran takes about two hours, then 30-40 minutes by van or tricycle to Alona Beach. On the island, tricycles and habal-habal are the usual transport; vans are booked for countryside tours.
Weather
Tropical at 26-32°C, humid with sea breezes. Dry and sunny from December to May; short intense showers from June to November.
Best Time to Visit
November to May for calm seas and clear reef visibility — dive conditions are best from March to June.
Travel Tips
Book the fast craft a few days ahead in peak season, bring cash for boat fees and marine sanctuary charges, and arrive at the tarsier sanctuary early to avoid the crowds.
Extend Your Journey
Continue exploring through Cebu — these destinations are nearby or reachable on the same trip:
Ready to explore Panglao?
Your adventure starts at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
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