DiscoverPanglao
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Panglao
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Panglao
- Panglao is a gorgeous island municipality that is nestled in the North Bohol Sea, being connected to Bohol Island by the two strong bridges that render it appear as a distinct but approachable paradise.
- The island has emerged as the major tourist attraction point of Bohol and the main focus of the Bo-ho island is its long miles of white sand beaches which are attractive to all sun seeking beach goers and the adventurous divers.
- The up to date gateway is the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) which serves the island and travellers can arrive to the island without much stress of travelling to major cities in the Philippines.
- The scenery is an impressive karst mosaic of limestones, with distinct caves and flawless beaches which make every view look like a postcard to life.
- The island hosts an attractive marine ecosystem comprising of bright coral reefs, a large number of sea turtles and spectacular diving areas which are the best in the country.
- To the tourists who are planning to book tickets with the world pinoy flights, the convenient airport at Panglao will help allow the holidays to Panglao and Bohol to begin successfully.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran City
- International airport: Bohol-Panglao International Airport – main domestic and international airport serving the province
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Bohol-Panglao International Airport – located on the island itself
- Mactan–Cebu International Airport (Cebu City, Cebu) – major international gateway nearby
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Cebuano (Boholano), Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The most renowned area in the island is Alona Beach, where a stretch of endless white sand is challenging a bustling promenade with resorts, restaurants, and shops of every kind that sells the numerous varieties of dive gear.
- The nearby Pearl of a marine sanctuary is Balicasag Island, which is renowned with colourful coral gardens, and which harbours sea turtles hence making an excellent touring spot when it comes to snorkelling and diving tours.
- The Hinagdanan Cave it is only a short walk off Panglao, Dauis, where the naturally lit cave of limestone tops off with crystal-clear underground lagoon that will make the swim refreshing.
- Bohol Bee Farm is a sustainable farm-to-table venue, with organic gardens, honey production and a seafront restaurant where one can enjoy local and organic cuisine.
- A brief Island-hopping trip usually starts at the Alona where visitors get an opportunity to visit the nearby islands which have their own picturesque beauty as well as marine sites.
- The coastline of the island is dotted with nestled coves and peaceful beaches, which enable the visitors to find exclusive places without the masses and have a very personal experience with the beach.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dry season, which is between November and May brings sunshine, the wind is more consistent and the best time to do beach activities, diving and island hopping.
- The crystal waters during this period display the entire beauty of the coral reefs and snorkelling and diving are particularly successful.
- The tropical climate on the island ensures that the temperatures are warm all year round and therefore cool breezes are usually substituted by cool sea breezes that keep away the heat.
- Rainy seasons are unusual between June and October and are characterised by heavier rains that may disrupt boat schedules and underwater visibility, but also, it has a fertile and green landscape.
- Travelling during shoulder months such as April or September would offer a combination of good weather and less traffic and offer a traveller a more serene experience for holidays to Panglao.
- Various festivals in different seasons during the year like the Panglao Town Fiesta on August will also provide the trip with a cultural touch and present local cultures and lively celebrations.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Alona Beach
- The central attraction in the tourism industry in Panglao, a very friendly strip of white sand, which is several kilometres long.
- A busy waterfront street with beach resorts, small restaurants, and vibrant beach bars, which are all age friendly.
- Water-sporting activities like Jet-skiing, parasailing and trips on a banana boat is easily accessible.
- The waters in the beach are shallow and calm and are perfect when the family has children or first time swimmers.
- Sunset over the South China Sea is a canvas of breathtaking view which attracts photographers, as well as the romantics.
- The nightlife of the area is also lively with live music and outdoor karaoke that ensure the evening is energetic.
Balicasag Island
- It is a tiny, rocky isle, which is a marine reserve, where there is a great variety of coral and marine animals.
- Famous due to its clear waters and visibility, whereby the divers can see coral formations up to 40 metres underwater.
- Turtles often move in the sea giving a very rare and soft experience with nature.
- Snorkelers are in a position to observe a kaleidoscope of various species of tropical fish that are playing around the reefs.
- There are also guided tours which have a small walk to the scenic lookout points in the island which view the turquoise sea.
- The protection of the island makes the marine ecosystem healthy and alive to the visitors in the future.
Napaling Reef
- This reef is found on the north coast of Panglao and it is renowned due to spectacular sardine run that can be observed directly before the shore.
- The blinking school of sardines makes a moving and near-living tapestry on the background of turquoise water.
- Snorkelers are free to swim through the sardine cloud and have a natural almost theatrical display of the sea.
- The rocky structure of the reef offers the ideal snorkelling sites to the novices and the professionals.
- The region can also be swam even at the height of the sardine run, which is also a relaxing but exciting experience.
- The local diving stores provide tours that would include reef snorkelling with the opportunity to see other marine animals.
Virgin Island (Pungtud Island)
- A sandy bar which is formed when the tide is low, and which exposes a shallow turquoise lagoon, in which the kids can wade.
- The peaceful waters of the lagoon offer a natural and secluded area where a person can swim and sunbathe.
- The isolated location of the sandbar is often utilised in photography and more so during sunset and sunrise.
- The name of the island is an indicator of the beauty of the island that is untouched and pristine hence it is a great place to enjoy some quiet moments.
- The depth level is low and thus children can be closely monitored by their families as they make splashes.
- The low tide exposure of the area also brings out rare rock formations which contributes to the beautiful beauty of the island.
Reason 05
Discover More
Hinagdanan Cave (Dauis)
- An underground cavern with natural light which surrounds the underground lagoon in a magical light.
- The transparent pool is a lure to swimmers to have a cool dip in a natural, private pool.
- There is a entrance to the cave and it is surrounded by greenery, thus providing a harmonious beginning to the adventure.
- Visitors will get to visit the unique stalactites and stalagmites within the cave that are formed thousands of years.
- The water temperature in the lagoon is cool even in the summer season hence a refreshing rest.
- It is all dark and does not feature any artificial lights, keeping the atmosphere of the cave intact.
Dumaluan Beach
- An extended expanse of fine white sand that is more quiet and is more serene than Alona.
- Waves are mild and hence the beach is the best place to have a swim and sun bath.
- The coast has numerous resorts that are large and provide posh facilities and rooms.
- The clear waters of the beach will suit the needs of the family with young children or the family that needs some peaceful time.
- Sunset over the Pacific at Dumaluan is known to have extraordinary sky colours, which attracts the audience.
- The region is yet to be spoiled by commercial activities and thus enjoys its natural calmness.
Doljo Beach
- This is a beach located on northwest coast, which is characterised by its seclusion and the peace that it provides.
- The beach is a broad stretch of powdery sand which offers space to relax without any form of crowds.
- Observing the sunset at Doljo Beach, one could see amazing mix of orange, pink and violet colours on the sea.
- Its still beaches ensure that it is a secure swimming destination particularly to families with kids.
- There are local restaurants that offer fresh seafood, which means that the locals can have a meal at the beach in the cosy environment.
- The isolated nature of the beach forces one to take his or her time and allows travellers to relax and be in touch with nature for holidays to Panglao.
South Farm Panglao
- A growing organic farm and resort that encourages sustainable farming and practical education.
- The visitors have an opportunity to visit farm tours, to study about organic production, harvesting, and old methods.
- Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that are produced in the farm are introduced into on-site restaurants and then used to make wholesome meals.
- They have local products that have been handmade like soaps, honey, and baskets that can be bought as souvenirs.
- Family activities involve farm tours, instruction of children on nature and conservation.
- Green rooms will enable the visitors to relax as they experience the country life and the sea.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Cebuano commonly referred to as Boholano is the most spoken language on the island with Tagalog and English being widely spoken.
- The people are warm and welcoming as it has been a culture of hospitality in the region.
- The primary driving economic force is tourism and most of the families run resorts, dive shops, and local restaurants.
- Fishing and agriculture continue to feed a number of households especially the more remote barangays.
- St. Augustine is celebrated in the Panglao Town Fiesta in the of August with colourful processions, music, and dancing.
- There is displays of traditions like hand-woven textile in the local market as well as traditional cooking which means that visitors can enjoy the authentic Boholano culture.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Fresh seafood is a cuisine and most beachfront restaurants have live catches which can be either grilled to perfection or simmered in coconuts milk.
- The farm-to-table concept at the Bohol Bee Farm presents local products (produce), organic honey, and self-made ice cream, including a famous malunggay flavour.
- Local delights such as Peanut Kisses are small peanut-butter cookies that are available in every store and fair throughout the island.
- Nostalgic Visayan cuisine like sinigang (sour soup) and adobo are localised, with fresh ingredients being used in family kitchens.
- Most restaurants offer local fish that is cooked with simple marinade and the true nature of the catch comes out.
- Desserts Sweet desserts, including halo halo (a mix of ice-cream and typically tropical fruits), offer a refreshing end to a meal, particularly on hot days.
Fun
- A front seat view to marine life biodiversity can be found in scuba diving and snorkelling in the reef-rich waters around Balicasag and Napaling.
- dolphin-watching, Balicasag, and Virgin Island sandbar are usual destinations on Island-hopping tours.
- The Bohol Country Tour is a most notable day trip which visits the visitor of Panglao to its signature tourist attractions such as the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Loboc River Cruise.
- Alona and Dumaluan have relaxed and shallow waters that are perfect in paddleboarding, kayaking, among other water sports.
- There are so many beaches in the island where beach volleyball and other sporting activities are practised bringing a more relaxed and communal atmosphere.
- The entertainment is plentiful in the evenings, with beach bars providing live music, karaoke, and fire-show entertainment to night time partying.
Fashion
- Breathable light fabrics like cotton and linen will be necessary in the heat of the tropics to keep warm.
- Multitiered methodology will allow the travellers to adjust to the changing temperatures, particularly in the mornings or late afternoons.
- Beach cover-ups and swimming suits are required; it is possible to choose reef-friendly options that do not cause harm to marine organisms.
- It is recommended to use sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and polarised sunglasses to block intense UV-rays and to add fashion.
- Beach days should be accompanied by comfortable sandals or flip-flops, whereas serious hiking shoes should be used on cave trips.
- Basic items such as straw bags or woven belts will also be a flair of localism without being overwhelming to the outfit.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The Panglao coral reef system is one of the richest in the Philippines with a huge number of fish and invertebrate species.
- The coastline of the island is characterised by powdery white beaches, which have uncontaminated sands that make one feel like sipping a meal in the sea.
- Sea turtles that glide through the ocean, dolphins that play in the surf, and schools of sardines that make living spectacles are found in the marine ecosystem.
- The karst limestone terrain offers fantastic cliffs, concealed caves and picturesque vistas to be explored.
- The flora of the island is mangrove forests and tropical shrubs which makes the island a rich and healthy habitat.
- Conservation is aimed at preserving reefs, coral gardens and marine parks so that future generation will be able to enjoy this natural marvel for holidays to Panglao.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- On the 28th of August every year, the Panglao Town Fiesta in the town is dedicated to St. Augustine; it includes processions, street dancing, and colourful parades.
- Local Catholic holidays offer serious masses, lantern processions, and feasts of the community where local food is served.
- There is patronal feast in each barangay, which is also an opportunity to enjoy specific cultural representations and local music.
- Bohol Mango Festival in October every year is a celebration of the abundance of agriculture with fresh fruit samples and cooking competitions.
- Music and dance festivals e.g. the Panglao Music and Arts Festival invite local and foreign artists to entertain the visitors.
- The festivals also attract community involvement in the festivals whereby the tourists are encouraged to become part of the festivals and understand the Boholano culture for holidays to Panglao.