Panglao Island sits just off the southwestern tip of Bohol, connected to the mainland by two short bridges, and it’s the reason most travellers come to this province at all. The beaches here — particularly Alona Beach — have a reputation that stretches well beyond the Philippines, and the diving is genuinely world-class. But Panglao is more than one famous strip of sand, and knowing what’s actually here will help you make the most of it.
Getting to Panglao
The closest airport is Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), which opened in 2018 and receives direct flights from Manila (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines), Cebu, and a handful of other domestic destinations. From the airport to Alona Beach takes about 30–40 minutes by tricycle or car hire. If you’re arriving by sea, fast ferries run from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City (the Bohol capital) in about two hours, and from Tagbilaran you can take a tricycle to Panglao (about 40 minutes, ₱200–300).
Alona Beach
Alona Beach is a 1.2-kilometre stretch of white sand on the southern coast of Panglao, lined with guesthouses, dive shops, restaurants and bars. It’s busy — particularly December to May — but the sand is genuinely white and the water is clear, and the atmosphere is low-key enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming outside peak season. The beach is best in the morning before the boats arrive for the day’s island-hopping tours.
Most of the accommodation here is budget to mid-range. Dive resorts cluster along the beach and the lanes behind it. If you want something quieter, stay at one of the guesthouses just off the main strip — same access, less noise from the bars at night.
Diving and Snorkelling
Panglao is one of the Philippines’ best diving destinations. The most famous site is Balicasag Island, about 8km southwest — a marine sanctuary with steep walls dropping to 40+ metres, exceptional coral cover, and reliably good visibility. You’ll see sea turtles on almost every dive here. Other sites worth noting include Arco Point (a swim-through arch with strong fish life), Snake Island (an easy drift dive), and the Cervera Shoal for open-water encounters with thresher sharks in early morning dives.
Dive trips from Alona Beach run ₱1,000–1,500 per dive all-in (equipment, guide, boat). Most shops offer Open Water courses for around ₱15,000–18,000. Snorkelling day trips to Balicasag and Virgin Island can be arranged for around ₱800–1,200 per person.
Other Beaches on Panglao
Dumaluan Beach on the eastern coast is wider, less developed and much quieter than Alona — a good option if you want a beach day without the dive resort atmosphere. Momo Beach, just east of Alona, is similarly low-key with a few small resorts. Doljo Beach on the northern coast is the least visited and feels genuinely remote by comparison.
Hinagdanan Cave
A limestone cave with an underground lagoon on the northern coast of Panglao — dimly lit, dripping, and a bit crowded at peak times, but worth the short visit. You can swim in the lagoon. Entrance is ₱50. It’s a 15-minute tricycle ride from Alona Beach.
Best Time to Visit Panglao
The dry season runs November to May, with peak crowds December to February (Christmas/New Year) and again at Easter. March and April are the most reliably calm for diving. June to October brings habagat (southwest monsoon) with rougher seas, some rain and stronger currents — diving is still possible at sheltered sites but Balicasag can be rough. Prices drop significantly in the wet season and the beach is much less crowded.
Day Trips from Panglao
Panglao makes a natural base for exploring Bohol’s interior. The Chocolate Hills are about 55km from Alona Beach (1.5–2 hours by motorbike or car). Philippine tarsiers can be seen at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, about 45km away. The Loboc River cruise is a popular half-day add-on. Most resorts can arrange multi-stop Bohol tours for ₱1,500–2,500 per person.
Where to Stay
Budget options (₱800–1,500/night): Alona Tropical Beach Resort, Pyramid Resort. Mid-range (₱1,500–3,500/night): Alona Kew White Beach Resort, La Estrella Beach Resort. Higher end (₱3,500+/night): South Palms Resort Panglao (proper beachfront hotel), Henann Resort Alona Beach.
Find dive sites across the Philippines and more Philippine beach destinations in our complete guides.
