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Panglao Island, south of Bohol, and Cebu are very well connected, which makes them an excellent combination for a trip around the Philippines. That’s why we decided to write a detailed guide to Panglao. You’ll find all the info on getting there, the beaches and the sights right here in our big Panglao Guide.
Panglao Guide:
Getting to Panglao
Panglao lies south of Bohol and is easy to reach via Panglao International Airport. The island is known for its well-developed tourist infrastructure, which makes it a popular destination.
If you want to travel from Cebu to Panglao or the other way around, you can simply take the Ocean Jet ferry and cover the distance in about 2 hours. You can find a detailed guide on that here.
Getting Around Panglao
Scooters are the best way to explore the island flexibly, but there are also tricycles and taxis, as well as plenty of guided tours and excursions. Bohol is connected to Panglao by bridges, and the ride from popular Alona Beach to the bridge to Bohol takes only 30 minutes.
There is relatively little traffic on Panglao (except for the main road at Alona Beach), so travelers can explore the island at their own pace and fairly safely.
Scooter rental costs around 300 PHP per day. An international driving permit is required when renting.
Where to Stay in Panglao
On Panglao, and especially around Alona Beach, there’s a huge choice of accommodation in every price range. We stayed at the Harmony Hotel*, which combines an excellent location with a swimming pool and decent rooms. The price of the Harmony Hotel is perfectly fine too, but don’t expect great luxury.
The Beaches of Panglao
Most people visit Panglao for its beaches. Even though the beaches didn’t exactly blow us away, there are some lovely stretches. We especially liked White Beach, but Alona Beach is also worth a visit if you value having every tourist comfort right at hand. Here’s an overview of the most important beaches on Panglao Island.
Alona Beach
The best-known and busiest beach on Panglao. This is where tourist life is concentrated, with countless restaurants, hotels and bars. But the beach has suffered from overuse: trash, tour boats and crowds spoil the experience. There are better options for a quiet day by the sea. Still, at high tide the beach is nice for swimming and relaxing.
White Beach
Probably the most beautiful beach on the island. The fine white sand, clear water and palm tree backdrop make White Beach a must for every visitor. Its relaxed atmosphere and relative seclusion make this beach really stand out.
Doljo Beach
A hidden gem, ideal for a quiet beach day. This wide sandy beach sees very few visitors and offers peace and relaxation away from the crowds.
Dumaluan Beach
Much like White Beach, Dumaluan Beach impresses with clear water and fine sand. Perfect for a relaxed beach day in a picturesque setting.
Danao Beach
Not a typical swimming or relaxing beach, but the ideal starting point for island hopping tours to Balicasag and Virgin Island. Private boats here are much cheaper than at Alona Beach.
Biking Beach
This beach is especially popular with locals. Despite its beauty, the experience is often spoiled by trash. We particularly noticed lots of broken glass. Early in the morning, though, Biking Beach has a wonderfully calm atmosphere.
Things to See in Panglao
While Panglao Island definitely doesn’t offer any cultural highlights, there are still some sights and activities that are nice ways to pass the time. Here are our favorite things to see on Panglao.
Napaling Reef
A paradise for snorkelers! The steep reef wall is covered in colorful corals and offers an impressive underwater world. Unfortunately, the reef suffers from mass tourism. A visit with a local guide is still worth it.
Hinagdanan Cave
This water cave is one of the main attractions on Panglao, but it disappoints with overcrowding and not much to see. The entrance fee is relatively high, and the experience is rather limited.
South Farm Panglao
Ideal for families or anyone looking for some peace and quiet. The farm has a petting zoo, fish ponds and an organic restaurant. A lovely place to spend an afternoon away from the beaches.
Tiger Muay Thai Panglao
For sports fans, here’s a chance to train Muay Thai. The gym is small but well equipped and offers both group classes and private sessions.
Panglao Watchtower & St. Augustine Parish Church
Historic sights in the town of Poblacion. The colonial-era watchtower and the pretty church are worth a short stop.
Panglao Kartways
A highlight for motorsport fans! The outdoor go-kart track offers fun and action at affordable prices. Perfect for a quick adrenaline rush.
Day Trips to Bohol
If you’re staying on Panglao, you can also book guided day trips to the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary. On site or via GetYourGuide, there’s a wide choice of “Countryside” tours to Bohol.
Island Hopping from Panglao
Panglao also has some island destinations right nearby that make for stress-free island hopping. The following two are especially popular.
Balicasag Island
A popular island with coral beaches and a marine sanctuary. The snorkeling and diving here are impressive, but the underwater world suffers greatly from tourism. If you come early or late in the day, you can enjoy the attractions without big crowds.
Virgin Island Sandbar
Unfortunately closed since 2024. It used to be a highlight for every island hopper; it remains to be seen whether and when the sandbar will reopen.
Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife in Panglao
Nightlife on Panglao is concentrated mainly at Alona Beach, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants right on the beach. This is the place to wind down the day with a cocktail while live music and the gentle sea breeze create a special atmosphere.
For an authentic culinary experience in the town center, we recommend Diamond Resto, which scores not only with its cozy atmosphere but also with excellent Filipino food.
If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast or lunch, be sure to visit Shaka, known for its fresh bowls and smoothies. In town, a few sports bars also invite you for a cold drink and good company – perfect for a relaxed evening.
Conclusion: Panglao Guide
Panglao is a destination for those looking for a mix of tourist infrastructure, beaches and activities. The island offers quite a bit of entertainment, but it can’t match the idyllic peace and beauty of other Philippine destinations. Alona Beach in particular can be disappointing due to mass tourism, while beaches like White Beach and Doljo Beach hint at the island’s hidden potential.
If you get around flexibly by scooter and are willing to explore the island beyond the main attractions, you’ll have a great time on Panglao. For untouched beaches and authentic experiences, however, it’s worth considering other islands in the Philippines too.
We definitely found our stay on Panglao entertaining and can easily imagine that this place offers everything first-time visitors to the Philippines appreciate and need. The good connections to Manila and Cebu also play an important role and make Panglao a great stop on a round trip.
However, if you’re expecting picture-perfect beaches and secluded spots on Panglao, you’d be better off choosing another destination.
Do you have any questions or additions to our Panglao Guide? Feel free to leave a comment!