Why Panglao Is Easy to Stay Longer
Panglao is a small island where it’s easy to stay longer.
We actually started thinking about moving here for a couple of months next year.
Panglao is about something special. About waking up without plans, walking to the sea, swimming, having breakfast, and suddenly realizing you don’t need to go anywhere. I caught myself thinking, how nice it is to think about nothing except how to live today well.
It’s a small island next to Bohol. Many people choose it as a beach base, but if you don’t rush, Panglao opens up in a very calm and pleasant way.
⸻
Where it is and how to get there
The easiest way is to fly or take a ferry to Panglao via Cebu.
The ferry takes about 2 hours. Ferry and flight tickets can be booked directly in the Trip app.
The fastest route:
Cebu → Tagbilaran
Flight time about 1 hour
Price usually 40–90 USD one way
From the airport to the beaches of Panglao it takes about 15–20 minutes by tricycle or motorbike.
If you’re already on Bohol, Panglao is connected to it by bridges. The drive takes around 30 minutes.
⸻
When to visit Panglao
The best time is from December to May.
February and March are the most comfortable.
April and May are hotter, but the sea is great.
From March to May there can sometimes be algae bloom, especially:
• at Alona Beach
• on popular beaches without strong currents
It’s not constant and not everywhere. Often it’s enough to change the beach or the time of swimming. Reef areas and boat trips are usually clean.
⸻
Where to stay
Panglao is simple. There are no “bad” or “good” areas here, it’s more about the rhythm.
Alona Beach
The most popular area. Cafes, shops, dive centers, active life. It can be noisy.
Good if you want to be in the center of everything.
A bit away from Alona
Quieter, more space, cheaper.
A good option if you want calm without isolation. Many beautiful and aesthetic hotels.
West and north of the island
Fewer people, more local life.
Good for long stays, especially if you have a motorbike.
We stayed at Fun Hotel. You can read my review on my page. We were very happy with it.
⸻
Beaches and the sea
Panglao is not about one perfect beach. There are many beaches around the island, all different.
Alona Beach
The most crowded with tourists, but there is enough space. Sandy beach, you swim past some algae and reach the reef. Some people even saw a whale shark near the reef beyond the buoys. Whale sharks are safe and do not attack people.
It’s lively and convenient, with boats, tours, dive centers, and sunsets.
Sometimes the water can be a bit cloudy, but not always.
Dumaluan and White Beach
More spacious and calmer.
Great for swimming and long walks.
Reefs
Many reefs start right from the shore.
With a mask and snorkel you can swim every day without tours.
⸻
Things to do in Panglao
It’s great here to:
• snorkel from the shore
• visit nearby beaches
• take boat trips to small islands
• watch sunsets
• eat seafood
If you want more activity:
• diving
• reef trips
• a day trip to Bohol for hills and waterfalls
You can also visit a cave, ride jet skis, banana boats, parasail, or take a boat trip to see dolphins. These activities are affordable and easy to arrange locally.
⸻
Food and cafes
Food is simple and easy.
There are many cafes with European and Asian cuisine.
Fresh fish, fruits, rice, coconuts, McDonald’s and fast food near Alona Beach.
There are shops and several 7-Eleven stores on the island.
If you need specific familiar products, it’s better to buy them in advance.
Cash is still important. Cards are not accepted everywhere. There are many exchange offices on the island, and the exchange rate is usually better than in Cebu and much better than at the airport.
⸻
Getting around the island
The best option is a motorbike.
Rental costs 10–15 USD per day.
Bike rentals are everywhere. They usually don’t ask for a license, but I don’t recommend riding without one. Always follow traffic rules.
If you don’t want to ride:
• tricycles
• taxis (Grab does not work here)
Short rides usually cost 2–5 USD.
⸻
Places I recommend visiting
• The cave
• As many beaches as possible. Bring your own mask and snorkel so you don’t need to rent every time
• Napaling Reef. Very beautiful but crowded. Swim a bit farther and it’s amazing. Entrance fee is 200 pesos per person. Parking and access to the hotel area cost another 100 pesos. Lockers and tables are available
• A beautiful palm tree alley about 10 minutes from Alona Beach. If you stay longer, bring mosquito spray and food. Almost no people, quiet, palms and sea. Perfect for sunset
• Diving on the island is good. Not spectacular, but solid. For certified divers, one dive costs about 1,500–2,000 pesos, which is cheaper than in many other places
⸻
Thank you for reading.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I wish you a great trip and unforgettable experiences.