Panglao: The Pulse of Bohol

Panglao Island is attached to the larger island of Bohol by two bridges, but it feels like a destination in its own right. It is the tourism hub of the province. While Bohol offers the adventure (Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers), Panglao offers the relaxation.

In 2026, Panglao has evolved. The opening of the new Bohol-Panglao International Airport has made it incredibly accessible. Alona Beach remains the center of action—a strip of white sand lined with dive shops, bars, and resorts—but development is spreading to quieter north-facing beaches like Doljo and Dumaluan.

Why Visit Panglao in 2026?

It is the perfect base. You can wake up in a luxury resort, dive with massive schools of Jackfish at Balicasag Island in the morning, visit the world’s smallest primate (the Tarsier) in the afternoon, and be back for a seafood dinner on the beach. It offers the “Boracay vibe” but with easier access to nature adventures.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (December - May): The best weather. April and May are hot and busy (Filipino summer).
Wet Season (June - November): Rain showers are frequent but usually short. The island is greener, and crowds are thinner. Typhoons are a risk.

How to Get There

Fly: Fly directly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) from Manila, Clark, or Seoul (Incheon).
Ferry: Take a fast ferry (OceanJet) from Cebu City to Tagbilaran Port (2 hours). From the port, it’s a 30-minute tricycle or van ride to Alona Beach.

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. Alona Beach

The heartbeat of the island. A 1.5km stretch of white coral sand. It is busy, noisy, and fun. It’s where all the boats depart for island hopping.

2. Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary

A 30-minute boat ride away. This is one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. The “Black Forest” dive site features black coral forests. The shallow waters are teeming with Green Sea Turtles. In 2026, visitor numbers are capped, so book your slot in advance.

3. Virgin Island (Pungtud Island)

A long, curving sandbar that emerges at low tide. Vendors sell fried bananas and fresh sea urchins (uni) right on the sand. It’s a surreal picnic spot in the middle of the ocean.

4. Bohol Countryside Tour (Day Trip)

Cross the bridge to Bohol mainland to see:

Chocolate Hills: 1,268 conical hills that turn brown in the dry season.
Tarsier Sanctuary: See the alien-like, fist-sized primates.
Loboc River Cruise: A floating buffet lunch on a jungle river.

5. Hinagdanan Cave

A limestone cave on Panglao with a deep lagoon. You can swim in the cool, brackish water while bats sleep on the ceiling. The natural light filtering in is beautiful.

Where to Stay

Alona Beach: For nightlife and convenience. Henann Resort is the massive dominant player here.
Dumaluan Beach: Better sand than Alona and much quieter. Home to Bohol Beach Club. Great for families.
Momo Beach / Doljo: Secluded luxury.

Gastronomy: Ube and Organic

Bohol Bee Farm: A must-visit. An organic farm offering a buffet of flower salads and cassava chips. Their ice cream (made with coconut milk and cassava cones) comes in weird flavors like Malunggay, Spicy Ginger, and Salted Honey.
Peanut Kisses: The signature souvenir snack of Bohol (shaped like Chocolate Hills).
Calamay: A sticky, sweet treat made of coconut milk and brown sugar, sold in coconut shells.

Sustainability & Tarsiers

Tarsier Welfare: Only visit the official Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Avoid the roadside cages where Tarsiers are stressed. Flash photography is strictly forbidden (it hurts their sensitive eyes).
Plastic: Panglao has banned single-use plastics in many resorts.

Safety and Tips

Tricycles: The local taxis. Negotiate the fare before getting in.
Sea Urchins: Virgin Island has sea urchins in the seagrass. Watch your step.
Sun: The sun is intense.

Digital Nomad Life

Panglao is rapidly becoming a major nomad hub in the Philippines. The internet infrastructure has vastly improved with fiber connections available in most accommodations near Alona and Tawala. Co-working spaces like Nomad’s Hub have opened, offering AC and reliable power (backup generators are crucial here). The community is active, with regular meetups for sunset volleyball or weekend dive trips. The cost of living is slightly higher than Dumaguete but lower than Boracay.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Bohol Bee Farm Shop: Located at the resort but also has an outlet at the airport. Buy their honey, organic spreads (Pesto and Mango), and woven Raffia bags.
City Mall: A small mall in Tagbilaran (30 mins away) if you need tech supplies or branded goods.
Local Markets: The Dao Public Market in Tagbilaran offers a sensory explosion of local fruits, dried fish, and woven handicrafts.

Panglao is the complete package. It blends the tropical beach life with the unique geological and biological wonders of Bohol. It is fun, accessible, and naturally spectacular.