Panglao Island Bohol Travel Guide: Top Activities and Attractions

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the best things to do in Panglao Island Bohol. Whether you’re here for five days or just two, there is plenty to see and do in Panglao.

During my recent visit to Panglao I spent an entire week exploring this unique destination. From the island’s southern beaches to the famous Chocolate Hills, you’re going to love your time here.

I’ll also be sharing details on where I stayed and where to find the best food in Panglao.

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Things to do in Panglao Island Bohol

Panglao Island offers a world of experiences that extend far beyond its pristine shores. From underwater adventures to cultural immersion, this tropical location has something for everyone.

Whether you want to try parasailing or simply enjoy a relaxing day at the pool, you can do both in Panglao.

How to get to Panglao

The easiest way to get to Panglao is to fly from Manila. You’ll find multiple nonstop flights each day.

The flight is about 90 minutes and in most cases will cost under $100 USD. Flights are advertised at around $40 – $50 USD, but that does not include seat selection or luggage.

While I’m typically an aisle seat girl, I recommend booking a window seat for this one. The view out the window over the Philippine islands is beautiful.

For the return flight, you’ll find a similar selection of flights and prices back to Manila. Those wishing to go island hopping can also catch flights to Boracay, Cebu, Coron, Mindanao, and several other islands.

Alona Beach

Alona Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Panglao, and for good reason. This is a beautiful white sandy beach lined with palm trees. This area has relatively small waves, making it a safe location for swimming and snorkeling.

Along Alona Beach you’ll find all sorts of cafes, restaurants and bars. You can also find tour operators here offering day trips and excursions to Chocolate Hills, Parasailing, Diving, Snorkeling, etc.

You will also find the best hotels in Panglao on Alona Beach. I discuss this in more depth below, but the
Henann Resort Alona Beach is a great place to stay during your visit to Panglao if you’re looking for something really nice.

The bars along Alona Beach are a great place to watch the sunset from, which is an activity I enjoyed every night of this trip. I strongly recommend if you enjoy the perfect pairing of cocktails and sunsets like I do.

Other beaches you may wish to visit include Doljo Beach, Panglao Beach, Momo Beach and Danao Beach.

Chocolate Hills

Visiting the Chocolate Hills was one of my favorite day trips while exploring Panglao.

The Chocolate Hills are located in the countryside on Bohol island about 2 hours from Alona Beach. This area is a geological formation created from over 1,260 rolling hills. The hills have been created by a combination of erosion and tectonic processes.

The hundreds of hills are covered in green grass that turns chocolate brown during the dry season, thus the name.

Visitors to the Chocolate Hills can climb up to a multi-level viewing platform overlooking the countryside dotted with these spectacular hills.

The easiest way to get to the Chocolate Hills is by booking a Countyside Tour. You can also rent a car if you prefer to drive yourself. I personally opted for the tour and had a really great time.

The Countryside Tour also included stops to the island’s other famous attractions including the Tarsier Sanctuary, Bilar’s Manmade Forest, Baclayon Church, the Blood Compact Shrine.

This tour also included lunch and live entertainment on a Loboc River Cruise. This was unexpected as I had not thoroughly read the tour description prior to booking, but this ended up being quite the experience.

I recommend the Bohol Countryside Tour if you want to see all the island’s biggest attractions in one day without having to deal with the logistics or the driving.

Tarsier Sanctuary

The Tarsier Sanctuary in Panglao is an intimate encounter with one of the world’s smallest primates. These wide-eyed creatures, endemic to the Philippines, are as fascinating as they are fragile.

A visit to the sanctuary is more than just a photo opportunity, during your visit you’ll have a chance to get up close and learn all about what makes them so special.

Guided tours offer an up-close look at these nocturnal creatures, shedding light on their behavior and conservation efforts. It’s essential to remember that flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect their sensitive eyes. As you observe these tiny animals, you’ll be struck by their endearing appearance and intriguing habits.

Beyond the tarsiers, the sanctuary provides a glimpse into the local ecosystem. Lush vegetation and informative displays create an immersive experience. It’s a reminder that protecting these creatures requires understanding and respecting their natural habitat.

If you visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary as part of the Bohol Countryside tour you will not be given a guided tour, but will be free to explore the sanctuary on your own.

The Tarsier Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Panglao Island Bohol so be sure not to miss stopping here during your visit.

Bilar’s Manmade Forest

Bilar’s Man-Made Forest is a two-kilometer stretch of towering mahogany trees that was once barren land.

The mahogany forest is the result of a reforestation project initiated in the early 20th century to combat the pressing issues of erosion, deforestation, and soil degradation.

Over the years, individuals including government officials, students, and volunteers, have worked tirelessly to plant and nurture the mahogany trees that now define this iconic landscape

As you drive through the forest, you’ll be amazed at the sheer scale of this human-engineered forest.  

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Bilar Man-Made Forest plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. It serves as a habitat for various flora and fauna, helping to protect biodiversity.

A visit here offers an interesting perspective on how impactful human intervention can be when creatively addressing climate change issues.

You’ll make a quick stop here on the Bohol Countryside tour, just long enough to get a few quick photos and admire the scenery.

Hinagdanan Cave

Another of the most popular things to do on Panglao Island is to visit Hinagdanan Cave.

Hinagdanan Cave offers a unique adventure for those seeking to explore beyond the island’s beaches. This natural wonder is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon.

The cave is lit by sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lagoon is a popular swimming spot, but is known to test for high levels of various pollutants, since it is fed by ground runoff.

You can visit the cave without swimming, which is what I would recommend.

The name “Hinagdanan” translates to “ladder,” referring to the natural rock formations that serve as steps leading down into the depths. As you venture deeper, you’ll encounter an array of stalactites and stalagmites.

Beyond its geological beauty, Hinagdanan Cave also holds cultural significance. I was told the cave was used as a hiding place by locals during World War II to escape the Japanese occupation.

Hinagdanan Cave is located on the north side of Panglao island and costs PHP 50, or PHP 75, if you wish to swim.

Balicasag Island

Balicasag is a small circular island just off the southeastern coast of Panglao. The island is a popular destination for those joining the dolphin and snorkeling tours offered from Panglao.

Balicasag Island and its surrounding waters are a marine sanctuary featuring an array of marine life and corals. This is an excellent place for snorkeling during your visit to Panglao. While snorkeling you may even encounter dolphins or sea turtles in additional to hundreds of varieties of fish and other marine life.

Note, due to the protection and preservation laws in place for Balicasag Island, visitors can only enter the waters with a local guide.

When you book the dolphin and snorkeling tours, this guide is included. It’s honestly a really cool experience to get to snorkel here, I highly recommend this tour if you have time time.

Since the dolphin and snorkeling tours are one of the most popular Panglao island activities, I suggest booking in advance if you wish to take this tour.

Virgin Island

Virgin Island is a sandbar located off the coast of Panglao. This is a popular stop for the dolphin and snorkeling tours departing from Panglao Island.

The sandbar is rather small but its white sand and crystal clear waters make for a beautiful stop. Due to the island’s popularity, it gets quite crowded as you can see from the picture above. It is recommended to visit during the shoulder season or in the early morning if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds.

Loboc River Cruise

The Loboc River Cruise is a must-have Bohol experience. This leisurely journey takes you along the serene Loboc River, offering a picturesque view of the lush countryside.

As you float down the river, you can enjoy the greenery that lines the riverbanks. This is a perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the region.  

The highlight of the cruise is the lunch buffet lunch served onboard. You’ll get to try and enjoy a variety of local dishes. As you eat your meal, you’ll be entertained by live music and cultural performances.

As you make your way down the river, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Near the end of the cruise you may even get to see a small waterfall flowing into the river.

The Loboc River Cruise lasts approximately one hour and departs from the river banks in Loboc town.

This cruise is included in the Bohol Countryside tour, but you can also book the cruise separately if not joining a guided tour.

Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church, also known as the Church of San Jose, is a historic landmark in Bohol. It is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and is renowned for its intricate coral stone architecture.

The church is a testament to the country’s rich colonial history, showcasing a blend of Spanish and Filipino influences.

Inside the church, visitors can admire the beautifully preserved religious artifacts and images. The church also houses a museum where you can learn more about the history of the region and the church itself.

Be sure to bring pants if you wish to enter Baclayon Church or the museum. They will not permit you to enter if wearing shorts.

The Bohol Countryside Tour also includes Baclayon Church as a stop.

Blood Compact Site

The Blood Compact Site is another popular tourist destination on the island of Bohol.

The Blood Compact is a significant historical event in the Philippines, symbolizing the pact of friendship between Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Rajah Sikatuna.

This ritual, performed on March 16, 1565, involved the exchange of blood as a sign of alliance and peace.

While the exact location of the original blood compact remains a subject of debate, a monument commemorating this historic event stands in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

This iconic statue depicts the two leaders engaged in the ritual, demonstrating this pivotal moment in Philippine history.

Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

If you have extra time, I also recommend a visit to the Rice Terraces located on the island of Bohol.

Places like Candijay and Cambuyo are home to terraced rice fields that offer an interesting contrast to the island’s coastal allure.

One of the most popular spots to visit is the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces where you’ll find an overlook offering expansive views of the rice terraces down below.

These emerald landscapes are a testament to the island’s agricultural heritage and provide a serene escape from the bustling tourist areas.

What to eat in Panglao

There are many, many great foods to try while in the Philippines.

As you see from the picture above, my favorite of those foods was the Halo Halo. I ordered this after just about every meal I had while in Panglao. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert that translates to “mix-mix.” It’s a refreshing concoction of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a variety of sweet ingredients. Think of it as a tropical, colorful, and incredibly delicious ice cream sundae, Philippino style.

Here are a few other popular Philippine dishes to try while you’re visiting Panglao.

Main Courses:

• Adobo: A classic Filipino dish featuring meat (usually chicken or pork) marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper.
• Sinigang: A sour soup made with tamarind or guava, typically with pork, shrimp, or fish, and a variety of vegetables.
• Kare-kare: A rich and flavorful peanut-based stew with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables, often served with bagoong (shrimp paste).
• Lechon: A whole roasted pig, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Inasal: Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
• Pancit: A versatile noodle dish with various toppings and flavors.
• Lumpia: Spring rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp.

Vegetable-based dishes:

• Pinakbet: A hearty vegetable stew featuring a mix of bitter gourd, eggplant, okra, and squash cooked in a savory sauce.
• Gising-gising: A spicy stir-fry made with green chili peppers, eggplant, and string beans.
• Adobong Kangkong: A vegetarian version of the classic adobo, using water spinach instead of meat.

Rice and noodle dishes:

• Pancit Canton: A stir-fried noodle dish that can be easily customized with various vegetables.
• Sinigang na Ugat: A sour soup made with vegetable roots like taro, cassava, and sweet potato.
• Vegetable Lumpia: Spring rolls filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables.

Tofu dishes:

• Tofu Sisig: A vegetarian take on the popular pork dish, made with tofu, onions, and chili peppers.
• Adobong Tokwa: Tofu cooked in a classic adobo sauce.

Where to stay in Panglao

There are plenty of great hotels and guest houses on Panglao to choose from no matter your budget. Below are a few such examples to get you started:

• Henann Premier Coast Resort: This is where I stayed. You’ll find nice rooms and a beautiful courtyard pool overlooking Alona Beach.
• Henann Resort Alona Beach: This resort sits right on Alona Beach and has a large pool and bar overlooking the beach.
• The Bellevue Resort: This is a five star luxury propery on Doljo Beach. It has well-appointed rooms, all the amenities, and sits right on the beach.
• Amorita Resort: Also sits right on Alona Beach but a bit more affordable than the Henann properties.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this travel guide to the best things to do in Panglao Island Bohol. Thanks for reading.