Our adventure continues as we explore Panglao Island, a small yet breathtaking destination southwest of Bohol, known for its white-sand beaches, rich marine life, and hidden natural wonders. This self-guided journey took us from the famous Alona Beach to secluded shorelines, a sardine-filled reef, and an underground swimming cave—capped off with a visit to an adorable cat café.
Morning at Alona Beach
We began our day at Alona Beach, one of Panglao’s most popular spots. While it offers soft white sand and crystal-clear water, it has mixed reviews depending on the tide.
- First Impressions: The beach looked beautiful with soft sand and swimmable water at high tide.
- Tourist Infrastructure: Lined with restaurants, resorts, and beach bars.
- Day-Use Option: Some resorts offer a day pass (1,500 pesos per person) that includes pool access, buffet lunch, and a private lounge chair.
- Current Construction: Some sections were under development, creating noise and dust.
- Crowd Levels: Not overly crowded, even on a Sunday morning.
After a quick walk, we grabbed water from a convenience store (35 pesos for 1.5L) before heading back to our hotel to pick up our motorbikes for the day’s adventures.
Doljo Beach: A Hidden Escape
A 20-minute ride from our hotel brought us to Doljo Beach, a quieter and more secluded alternative to Alona Beach.
- Secluded Feel: Few tourists, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
- Natural Beauty: More seaweed and some litter compared to the well-maintained Alona Beach.
- Free Parking: Available near a small strip mall.
- Personal Preference: While not as pristine, we preferred the solitude and natural feel of Doljo Beach.
Dave also launched his drone to capture aerial shots, giving us a better view of the coastline without having to walk far.
Napaling Reef: Snorkeling with Sardines
A short ride from Doljo Beach brought us to Napaling Reef, a must-visit snorkeling spot known for its sardine ball, where thousands of fish swirl near the shore.
- Entrance Fee: 100 pesos per person.
- Guide Requirement: Mandatory, costing an additional 100 pesos.
- Snorkel Rentals: Available for those without their own gear.
- First Impressions: The sardines were clearly visible, even from shore.
- Time Constraints: We skipped snorkeling this time as we wanted to reach our next stop before closing.
Despite not diving in, the friendly staff and stunning marine life made this a place we’d love to revisit.
Hinagdanan Cave: Underground Swimming
Next, we visited Hinagdanan Cave, a famous limestone cave with an underground swimming hole.
- Entrance Fee: 50 pesos per person (additional 75 pesos for swimming).
- Crowds: The cave was busier than expected, surpassing its 50-person limit.
- Atmosphere: Humid, with water dripping from the ceiling (hopefully just water and not bat pee!).
- Wildlife: Bats were present but not overwhelming.
- Worth It? Only if you plan on swimming. The cave itself is small and can be seen in just a few minutes.
- Parking: 15 pesos per motorbike, paid upon exit.
The humidity inside was intense, making us wish we had opted for a swim. By the time we left, we were drenched in sweat!
Lunch at a Local Café
After hours of riding, we were starving and stopped at a highly rated local café.
- Our Orders: Chicken Katsu with yellow curry, a flavorful beef dish, rice, and vegetables.
- Food Quality: Easily one of the best meals we’ve had in the Philippines.
- Cost: 320–350 pesos per dish, reasonable for the portion size.
It was the perfect meal after a long day of adventure!
Ending the Day at the Cat Café
To wind down, we visited a cozy Cat Café, where we spent time with friendly, sleepy felines.
- Vibe: Relaxing, perfect for animal lovers missing their pets.
- Highlight: A particularly playful ragdoll cat stole our hearts.
- Time Limit: We couldn’t stay long, as we needed to return before sunset.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
✅ Alona Beach: Best at high tide; expect a mix of luxury and commercialization.
✅ Doljo Beach: Great for solitude but not as maintained as Alona.
✅ Napaling Reef: Amazing snorkeling opportunity—worth considering for the sardine ball alone!
✅ Hinagdanan Cave: Only visit if you plan on swimming.
✅ Motorbike Rental: The best way to explore Panglao independently.
✅ Food Recommendation: Seek out local cafés—they often have the best meals!
Next Adventure: Bohol to Siquijor
Next, we take the ferry from Bohol to Siquijor, where we’ll discover incredible snorkeling, breathtaking waterfalls, and an unexpected fish spa experience!
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