Panglao Island is located southwest of Bohol Island (accessible via bridge or ferry) in the Philippines. It’s known for its white-sand beaches and vibrant life. Although it’s a small island, it’s still a popular destination among tourists. Overall, you should consider a trip to Panglao Island if you are seeking adventures and love the beach. So, here are 4 of the best activities to do when you visit the island:
Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave is a limestone cave that features impressive stalactites and stalagmites. There’s also an underground lake where visitors can swim. It’s a popular activity on the island since it’s accessible from major locations like Alona Beach. Open from 8 am to 4 pm daily, the entrance fee is 75 pesos (1.75$ CAD) (including the possibility of swimming inside the cave).
If you’re looking to book this activity with a tour company, click here to find an amazing option on Viator!
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation on Bohol Island, not on Panglao Island. However, since it’s such a popular activity, I’m still mentioning it. If you’re staying on Panglao Island, I recommended booking a day trip for this activity. You’ll find some recommendations just below!
The Chocolate Hills consist of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills. During the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, giving them a chocolatey appearance. In this activity, you’ll mainly enjoy the panoramic views of the hills from observation points and platforms.
I recommend booking this activity with Viator. Click here to see a great option with amazing reviews!
Enjoy the beaches
I think everyone knows how beautiful the beaches are in the Philippines, and Panglao is no different. However, since it’s a busy and small island, some beaches are way more crowded than others. So, here are the main ones to explore while you’re there:
Alona Beach: the most popular one, obviously the most busy one with tourists, bars and restaurants. Great if you’re looking for powdery white sand and nightlife.
- Doljo Beach: a quieter alternative to Alona Beach, with beautiful views of the sunset.
- Momo Beach: a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing away from the crowds.
- Bikini Beach: the less touristic one. Perfect for those seeking privacy and solitude.
Enjoy the nightlife
Panglao is a great island to enjoy the nightlife. I stayed at Mad Monkey Hostel and can say that 90% of the people at my hostel had the time of their lives each night. Honestly, the places to go out vary each week and each season. Your best bet is to go to Mad Monkey (even if you’re not sleeping there) to see where the party is going, or ask your hostel if they have a pub crawl or any recommendations to give you! Either way, you’re going to have fun no matter where you go!
