Panglao Island

Pulo ng Panglao

Adjacent to Bohol, Panglao Island is celebrated for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and exceptional diving sites featuring pristine coral gardens and marine biodiversity. The island serves as a perfect base for exploring Bohol's attractions while offering its own world-class underwater experiences and peaceful tropical ambiance.

Things to do

• Diving at Puntod Reef — Explore one of Panglao's premier dive sites featuring vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
• Snorkeling at Balicasag Island — Take a short boat trip to this nearby island sanctuary where you can snorkel directly over stunning coral formations and encounter diverse marine life including reef sharks.
• Beach relaxation at Alona Beach — Spend time on Panglao's most popular white-sand beach lined with beach bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities perfect for swimming and sunset viewing.
• Island-hopping tour — Visit nearby islands like Virgin Island, Pamilacan Island, and Cabilao Island to experience secluded beaches, dolphin watching, and pristine snorkeling spots.
• Mangrove kayaking — Paddle through the island's mangrove forests to observe unique ecosystems, bird species, and experience the peaceful inland waterways.
• Visit Hinagdanan Cave — Explore this natural cave featuring a freshwater pool and stalagmites, located in the interior of Panglao Island offering a cool escape from the heat.

Food to try

• Lechon Babhoy (roasted suckling pig) — A Boholano specialty widely available on Panglao featuring crispy golden skin and tender meat, often served at local fiestas and family restaurants.
• Tiyula ng Itum (Boholano black soup) — A rich, savory chicken or beef stew made with squid ink that gives it a distinctive dark color, reflecting the island's connection to Bohol's culinary traditions.
• Fresh grilled seafood at beachfront restaurants — Enjoy daily catches of grouper, snapper, and shrimp grilled over charcoal at Alona Beach establishments where you can select your fish from displayed tanks.
• Dried fish (tuyo) with rice — A traditional Filipino breakfast staple commonly served at local warungs and hotels, featuring salted and sun-dried fish that pairs perfectly with garlic rice.
• Bohol chocolate (cacao-based drinks) — Sample the region's famous thick hot chocolate made from ground cacao beans, served either hot or cold and often available at local cafes and resort breakfast spreads.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the diving environment — Do not touch coral, feed fish, or collect shells; many dive operators enforce strict marine protection policies to preserve Panglao's underwater ecosystems for future generations.
• Dress modestly away from beaches — While beach attire is acceptable at resorts and Alona Beach, wear appropriate clothing when visiting local communities, shops, and dining areas in respect of local customs.
• Learn basic Filipino phrases — Using simple Tagalog greetings like 'Mabuhay' (hello) and 'Salamat' (thank you) is appreciated by locals and enhances interactions at small restaurants and family-run establishments.
• Observe sunrise and sunset traditions — Many locals and visitors participate in the serene practice of watching sunrise or sunset as part of the island's relaxed, nature-connected lifestyle, often at beachfront gathering spots.

Nearby

• Moalboal — 27 km
• Siquijor Island — 38 km
• Oslob — 44 km
• Bohol — 54 km