10/07/2025
Travel Guide to Panglao, Bohol, from Cebu, Manila, or Other Parts of the Philippines
Panglao, Bohol, is a tropical paradise renowned for its white-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, and proximity to iconic attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary. This guide provides instructions on how to reach Panglao from Cebu, Manila, or other parts of the Philippines via air, sea, and land, along with practical tips to ensure a smooth journey.
1. Overview of Panglao, Bohol
Location: Panglao is a small island in Bohol Province, connected to the mainland via bridges near Tagbilaran City. It’s famous for Alona Beach, diving spots, and a relaxed island vibe.
Key Attractions: Alona Beach, Hinagdanan Cave, Balicasag Island, Chocolate Hills (on mainland Bohol), and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December to May) for sunny weather ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. Avoid peak seasons (Christmas, New Year, Holy Week) for lower costs and fewer crowds.
2. Getting to Panglao, Bohol
From Cebu
Cebu is the closest major hub to Bohol, making it a convenient starting point.
,
By Air
Airport: Fly from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG).
Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia offer flights, though direct flights are limited and may involve layovers (e.g., Manila, Davao).
for travel to the island
Flight Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes for direct flights; layovers can extend travel time to 2 hours or more.
Cost: One-way tickets range from ₱2,900 to ₱3,700 (~$ 50-$70), depending on the booking time and season. Book 2-3 months in advance for better deals.
From Airport to Panglao: Bohol-Panglao International Airport is on Panglao Island, about 20 km from Alona Beach. Options include:
Taxi/Van: ₱500-₱1,200 (~$10-$25) for a direct ride to Alona Beach or other resorts.
Tricycle: ₱850 (~$16) to areas like Tangnan or Alona Beach.
Airport Bus: ₱50 to Tagbilaran Central Terminal, then transfer to a tricycle or jeepney to Panglao.
Tip: Arrange airport transfers with your hotel for convenience.
By Sea
Ferry Terminals: Ferries depart from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran Port, Tubigon Port, or directly to Panglao (Momo Beach).
Operators and Schedules:
OceanJet: Fast craft to Tagbilaran Port, 6 daily trips (6:00 AM to 6:40 PM), 2-hour journey, ₱500-₱1,000 (~$9-$18) depending on class (Open Air, Tourist, Business).
Lite Ferry: To Tagbilaran or Tubigon, 4 daily trips (e.g., 1:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM), 2-4.5 hours, ₱275-₱500 (~$5-$9).
FastCat: To Tubigon, 6 daily trips (e.g., 1:30 AM to 8:00 PM), 2 hours, ₱275-₱500.
Apekoptravel: Direct ferry from Oslob (Quartel Beach) to Panglao (Momo Beach), daily at 11:30 AM, 1.5 hours, ₱1,000 ($18).
From Port to Panglao:
Tagbilaran Port: 30-minute drive to Alona Beach. Take a tricycle (₱100-₱200, ~$2-$4), taxi (₱500-₱1,200, ~$10-$25), or shared van.
Tubigon Port: 1-1.5 hours to Panglao via bus or V-hire (shared van) to Tagbilaran, then tricycle to Panglao. Total cost: ₱100-₱300 ($2-$6).
Momo Beach: Direct to Panglao, short tricycle ride to resorts (~₱100).
Tips:
Book ferry tickets online via 12GO or the ferry company's website to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
Consider seasickness tablets for rough sea conditions.
Ferries offer scenic views, making them a budget-friendly and enjoyable option.
By Land
Not applicable, as Cebu and Bohol are separated by sea. Land travel is only relevant after arriving in Bohol (see below).
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From Manila
Manila is a major international and domestic hub, making it an ideal destination for travelers coming from abroad or other parts of the Philippines.
By Air
Airport: Fly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG).
Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia operate over 10 daily flights.
Flight Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.
Cost: One-way tickets range from ₱1,406 to ₱4,000 ($26-$80), with November being the cheapest month. Book 2-3 months in advance for deals as low as ₱1,286 ($24).
From the airport to Panglao: Same as from Cebu (taxi, tricycle, or bus; see above).
Tip: Check for seat sales from Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines for budget-friendly fares.
By Sea
Route: Direct ferry from Manila to Tagbilaran or via Cebu to Tagbilaran/Tubigon.
Manila to Tagbilaran:
Operator: 2GO Travel, departs from Manila’s North Harbor, ~50 weekly trips.
Duration: ~22-25 hours.
Cost: ₱2,000 ($41) for foot passengers, with higher rates for vehicles.
Manila to Cebu, then Cebu to Bohol:
Manila to Cebu: 2GO Travel, 3-hour ferry, ₱2,000 ($41).
Cebu to Bohol: OceanJet or Lite Ferry to Tagbilaran/Tubigon, 2-4.5 hours, ₱275-₱1,000 (~$5-$18). Total travel time: ~5-7 hours from Cebu.
From Port to Panglao: Same as from Cebu (tricycle, taxi, or van; see above).
Tip: Ferries are economical but time-consuming, making them suitable for those with flexible schedules or who have heavy luggage.
By Land and Sea
Route: Bus from Manila to a port (Batangas or Lucena), ferry to Cebu, then ferry to Bohol.
Duration: ~23 hours total.
Steps:
Bus from Manila: Take a bus to Batangas or Lucena (~2-3 hours, ₱200-₱500, ~$4-$10).
Ferry to Cebu: From Batangas/Lucena to Cebu (~20 hours, ₱1,500-₱2,000, ~$30-$41).
Ferry to Bohol: From Cebu to Tagbilaran/Tubigon (~2-4.5 hours, ₱275-₱1,000).
Cost: ₱2,000-₱3,500 ($41-$70) total.
From Port to Panglao: Same as above.
Tip: This option is lengthy and complex; flying is recommended unless on a tight budget.
From Other Parts of the Philippines
By Air:
From Davao, Clark, or Cagayan de Oro: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia offer direct or connecting flights to Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Flight times: ~1 hour from Davao, ~1 hour 15 minutes from Clark.
International Routes: Limited international flights to Panglao (e.g., Seoul via Jin Air or Air Busan, 5 hours, from ₱10,348/$185). Most international travelers connect via Manila or Cebu.
By Sea:
From Siquijor: OceanJet ferry to Tagbilaran, 2-3 hours, operating on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7:00 PM, ₱1,069-₱1,663 (~$19-$30).
From Dumaguete: OceanJet, 2 daily trips (10:00 AM, 2:30 PM), 2 hours, ₱1,069-₱1,663.
From Camiguin: Take a 4-hour ferry to Jagna, then a bus to Tagbilaran (~1 hour), followed by a tricycle to Panglao.
From Oslob: Direct ferry to Panglao (Momo Beach), 1.5 hours, ₱1,000.
By Land: Only feasible within Bohol after arriving by air or sea. Use buses, jeepneys, or V-hires from Tagbilaran’s Dao Bus Terminal to reach Panglao or other towns.
3. Getting Around Panglao
Tricycles: Ideal for short trips (e.g., Alona Beach to resorts), ₱100-₱200 (~$2-$4).
Taxis/Vans: ₱500-₱1,200 (~$10-$25) for longer trips or airport/port transfers.
Motorbike Rentals: ₱300-₱500 per day (~$6-$10) for flexibility. Check for police checkpoints on bridges to Panglao.
Jeepneys/Buses: ₱20-₱50 (~$0.50-$1) to Tagbilaran or other towns.
Tours: Book guided tours (e.g., Bohol Countryside Tour) for hassle-free visits to Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, and other mainland attractions.
4. Practical Tips
Currency: Carry small Philippine Peso (PHP) denominations (₱20, ₱50, ₱100) for tricycles and local vendors. ATMs are available in Panglao and Tagbilaran.
Connectivity: SMART and GLOBE have good reception. Buy a local SIM (₱65) for affordable texts (₱1) and data.
Weather: The Dry season (December-May) is best; the wet season (May-October) may experience typhoons, but it offers lower costs.
Safety: Panglao is generally safe, but it is advisable to avoid Western and Central Mindanao, as well as Sulu, due to travel advisories.
Booking: Reserve flights and ferries 2-3 months in advance for peak seasons. Use the Grab app for taxis in Cebu.
Cultural Note: English is widely spoken throughout the country. Greet locals with a friendly “Hello” for better interactions.
5. Sample Itinerary (3 Days in Panglao)
Day 1: Arrive at Bohol-Panglao Airport or Tagbilaran Port, transfer to Alona Beach, relax, and enjoy sunset dining.
Day 2: Join a Bohol Countryside Tour (Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River Cruise). Evening at Alona Beach.
Day 3: Island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin Island for snorkeling/diving, and depart via airport or port.
6. Where to Stay in Panglao
Alona Beach: Resorts like Panglao Sea Resort or Ecostay Panglao Resort, priced at around $50-$100 per night, are ideal for beach access and nightlife.
Tangnan: Quieter, budget-friendly options like Freedive Academy accommodations are priced at around $20-$50 per night.
