Alona Beach in Panglao Island is the crown jewel of Bohol's tourism coastline. Boasting a 1.5-kilometer stretch of powdery white coral sand lined with coconut palms, beachfront open-air restaurants, PADI dive shops, and world-class resort villas, it serves as the ultimate base for exploring the Bohol Sea, the Chocolate Hills countryside, and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
Panglao Island itself is a compact 44-square-kilometer island connected to the Bohol mainland by two causeway bridges and to Panglao International Airport by a direct coastal road. The island's western and southern coasts host the lion's share of resort development, while the northern coast faces inland waters and serves as Bohol's primary marine sanctuary zone.
Panglao Island Quick Reference
- Primary Beach: Alona Beach (1.5 km, western Panglao) — resort strip, dive boats, restaurants.
- Secondary Beach: Dumaluan Beach (southern Panglao) — larger, quieter, luxury properties.
- Airport: Panglao International Airport (TAG) — 15–20 min from Alona Beach.
- Ferry Port: Tagbilaran City Wharf — 25–35 min from Alona Beach.
- Peak Season: March–May (dry season), December (Christmas holidays).
- Value Season: June–November (wet season, 30–50% rate discounts).
Featured Panglao & Alona Beach Accommodations
Amorita Resort
Perched dramatically on the limestone cliff at the quiet south end of Alona Beach, Amorita features iconic infinity pools overlooking the Bohol Sea, an award-winning spa, and a superb ocean-view restaurant. Ideal for honeymooners and sophisticated couples.
Henann Resort Alona Beach
The largest beachfront resort in Panglao with direct white sand access, multi-tiered swimming pools with swim-up bars, a full PADI dive center, convention facilities, and a prime beachfront location at the heart of Alona Beach.
South Palms Resort Panglao
Situated along the secluded and expansive Dumaluan Beach with endless stretches of calm white sand, private pool villas, a world-class spa, and peaceful oceanfront cottages far from the crowds of Alona.
Bohol Bee Farm
A beloved organic farm and cliffside restaurant/resort. Famous for its garden-to-table dining featuring organic honey, seaweed salad, and insect-based delicacies served with panoramic sunset ocean views.
Panglao Beach Hotel
An excellent mid-range resort with direct beach access, multiple swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, and a strategic location between Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach. Strong value for families.
Budget Guesthouses (Alona Beach)
Dozens of locally owned fan rooms, dorm beds, and budget cottages line the Alona Beach resort strip at ₱600–₱1,500/night. Look for Alona Beach Backpacker Inn, Sea Explorer Inn, and Oasis Resort for the best budget value.
Diving from Alona Beach
Alona Beach is one of the Philippines' most celebrated scuba diving hubs. The dive shop row along the beach offers PADI Open Water courses (from ₱18,000), fun dives (₱1,200–₱1,800 per dive), and full-day dive safaris to premium sites. Key dive destinations within 30–60 minutes by outrigger include:
- Balicasag Island: The Black Forest coral wall (25m) and Cathedral coral (18m) are world-class drift dives. Green sea turtles common year-round.
- Cabilao Island: Famous for rare thresher shark sightings at 20–30m depth during early morning dives.
- Pamilacan Island: Manta ray cleaning stations (seasonal) and whale shark encounter zone.
- Panglao House Reef: Multiple coral bommies accessible by shore diving directly from Alona Beach.