Friends, ready for an island break you can drive to? Panglao links to Bohol by bridge in the Philippines, so you roll in—no ferry stress—straight to white sand, calm water, and breezy seafood spots.

Settle near Alona for easy transport, then mix beach-hopping, cave swims, reef days, and garden cafés. Here’s a smart, budget-savvy plan with prices, time tips, and where to stay.

Alona Beach

Panglao’s lively hub delivers swimmable water, palm shade, and a sunset stroll. Public access is free; sunbeds run $5–$8. Expect tricycles across the island for $2–$4, airport taxis $6–$10 (15–25 minutes), and scooter rentals at $8–$12 per day. Budget rooms cluster behind the sand from $18–$30; midrange hotels from $45–$80.

Beach Massage

Canopies pop up along Alona and Dumaluan with one-hour massages for $8–$12 and 30-minute foot rubs around $5–$7. Go late afternoon for cooler temps, bring small bills, and confirm oil vs. dry before you start. House-call massages to your room usually add $2–$3.

Dumaluan Beach

This wide, shallow curve is ideal for kids and long wades. Kayaks and SUPs rent for $7–$12 per hour; huts and simple BBQ stalls make lingering easy. Arrive before 10:00 for quiet water and parking ($1–$2). Resorts nearby sit mid-priced ($55–$95), with day-use passes often $5–$8 including facilities.

Scuba Diving

Operators on Alona run daily boats to Balicasag and Pamilacan. Certified divers pay roughly $35–$55 per fun dive (gear extra $10–$15); discover-scuba experiences start near $65–$85. Expect steep walls, bright reef life, and excellent visibility. Book the earliest trip for calmer seas and less crowding.

Snorkel Trip

Prefer the surface? Join a half-day banca to reef shallows from $15–$25 including mask and fins. Private hires run $45–$80 depending on stops and time. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water, and a rash guard; shoes help with rocky entries. Morning runs offer the best light and smoother water.

Hinagdanan Cave

Slip down the steps into a limestone chamber with a clear, chilly pool. Entry is about $2–$3; guided notes are included. Swimming is allowed—water shoes help—and lockers are often available for $1–$2. Combine with nearby cafés and spend 45–60 minutes end-to-end.

Bee Farm

Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant champions organic produce and locally made honey. Expect garden-fresh plates, hearty salads, and house-made spreads—mains $5–$12, smoothies and ice cream $2–$4. Pick up honey, breads, and dips at the onsite shop. Sunset tables book fast; reserve or come early.

Tarsier Center

Meet the region’s tiny, wide-eyed primates respectfully at a conservation site (entry $3–$4). Trails are short, shaded, and guided; voices low, no flash, and keep distance—these are sensitive, protected animals. Pair with a Bohol countryside loop if you’re day-tripping by car.

Doljo Beach

For mellow sunsets, head to Panglao’s northwest tip. The long, often quiet shoreline is great for low-tide walks and shell spotting. Bring snacks and shade; amenities are minimal. A few low-key resorts line the bay (rooms $50–$90), but the vibe stays calm and crowd-free.

Clear Kayaks

Join a small catamaran shuttle to reef flats, then paddle transparent kayaks over coral gardens—fantastic for non-swimmers. Tours run 1.5–2 hours for $20–$35 including vest and dry bag. Best light is mid-morning; avoid windy afternoons. Guides typically provide photos at no extra cost.

Oasis Dining

Picture sandy toes, lantern glow, and a broad menu—seafood, Filipino favorites, and comfort dishes. Expect mains at $6–$14, fruit shakes $2–$4, and kids’ plates under $6. Reserve front-row beach tables for sunset, or flop into beanbags for relaxed late meals after the evening stroll.

Botanika Garden

Step away from the shore into curated greenery: cactus beds, wetlands, and tropical blooms, with friendly resident animals and a café. Plan 60–90 unrushed minutes; light bites and desserts run $3–$6, coffee and coolers $2–$4. It’s an easy mid-day escape when the sand is hottest.

Practical Tips

Fly into Bohol–Panglao International; many hotels offer $8–$12 transfers. Car hires with driver for Bohol loops cost $55–$80 per day; self-drive compacts start around $35–$50. Good budget stays: garden bungalows behind Alona from $20–$30. Splash-out resorts with pools/beach access from $120–$250. Best weather is generally December–May; shoulder months are quieter and cheaper.

Conclusion

Panglao is easy mode island life: quick airport hop, bridge access, gentle beaches, and nature-first days that don’t drain your wallet. Which will you do first—cave swim, clear-kayak glide, or a long, lazy Dumaluan wade? Drop your plan, Lykkers, and help others plan a perfect Panglao week!