Perfect One Day Panglao, Bohol Itinerary

Panglao, Bohol has become more and more famous these days. Back to those years where only Boracay gets the attention from all tourists and local visitors. A few years later it has made its grand popularity to the Filipinos and now one of the finest destinations in the country.  We’ll show you an amazing Panglao Bohol itinerary that will surely make you visit one of the islands in the Philippines.

Panglao is an island located in the Southwest Province of Bohol City Philippines, it is one of the two municipalities of the prominent city. One of its popular destinations is the Alona Beach which zillions of tourists come to visit for its wind sand and clear water. There’s Pamilacan and Balicasag Islands which are considered the world’s famous diving sites and stunning tropical islands of Panglao.

The main attractions of this noted island are island hopping, scuba-diving, dolphin watching, snorkeling, kite surfing, fishing, and many more. There are a lot more things to do and discover in this islands apart from the water activities. Today I’m going to present to you its hidden gems that are purely locals creation and discovery through the years.

Panglao Island

That’s why I will give you some hint of these locations and places that you should note on your bucket list when you visit Panglao. I’m gonna share with you as well my Perfect One Day Panglao, Bohol Itinerary, and experiences whilst on my stay with my brother, sister-in-law, and hubby (the love of my life).

San Agustin Church of Panglao

Called as La Iglesia de San Agustin de Panglawod, the fact that the old name of Panglao was “Panglawod”. Named given to the island by Spanish expedition who came across this area which literally means “to the open sea”.

18 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, lying on the southwestern side of the Island. This massive stone church nestled on a plain, the view of its back is to the seashore and its right façade facing wide plaza which is the town’s venue of many religious and social activities.

It is beside the ruins of an older church known for its Baroque architectural design. The older church was destroyed in 1886. According to its history, there are twin antique confessionals in the church that carved artistically with grape and dove patterns and the ceiling’s frescoes depict the Seven Sacraments.

Arriving at the location was very easy since it’s located in Dauis, Panglao you will definitely not miss this huge church. The inside is wonderfully covered with its exceptional ceilings design.

Unluckily, we were not able to enter the church that time.Because they only open the church for mass and with the scheduled time. However, the outer view of the church was captivating with those Spanish glamour effect. It reminds me so much of my city Zamboanga which is well-off for it Spanish influence and Culture.

The Watchtower

Right after the church, a quick snap of this watchtower dragging out our attention to it. It was a ginormous octagonal shape tower standing alone close to the seaside area. It’s a 5-story bell/watchtower, which was built in 1851.

Known for its Octagonal in shape and pitched roof. Considered as the tallest of its kind in the country. The tower now is newly renovated and has regained its alluring beauty.

Considering it’s my second visit to this island. I would say it has one of the most hulking and tantalizing views I’ve ever seen in Panglao. This place should be on your Bohol Itinerary list and never should be missed.

Isola di Francesco, Virgin Island

One of the popular destinations for those who love to meditate and reflect. Owned by the Philippine Centre of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. It also features a mini-museum of Padre Pio (a saint of the Catholic church). He was a friar, priest, a stigmatist became famous for exhibiting stigmata.

According to my research Stigmata is a term used by members of the Catholic faith to describe body marks, sores, or others  corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. An individual bearing the wounds of stigmata referred to as a Stigmatist or a Stigmatic.

Some travelers named it as “a very strange place” since it encompasses a large variety of religious display on the island. Aside from it Shell Museum you’ll see various types of Catholic statues.

I would personally talk more about this virgin island. But I prefer to same some details for a whole article about Isola Francesco. The reason why I chose it to be part of the Panglao, Bohol Itinerary is that it’s an enchanting place where travelers especially family and a group of people could unwind and rebuild their trust to each other.

Anticipating the part of religiously related to a Padre Pio’s life history. It could be a bright destination for those people who are open to accept and respect religious beliefs. Aside from that, the exquisiteness of the island will truly please you.

Best View

Thinking about all the picturesque photos that I’ve taken in this place, this one outshines the rest. The best part of it, is the low tide moment of the sea where you can actually walk barefooted and just feel the life of nature.

Looking closely at these baby mangroves, they will grow in time the same as the life teaches us to grow deliberately and learn leisurely.

Getting to this place would be easy for those who have their Panglao tour or island hopping tour organized. But for those who don’t these are some tips for you, Panglao port is only some minutes walk away from San Agustin Church.

From there you can register to the Isola Francesco Management for your visit and they will assist you with their own shuttle boat to the island. Note that the tour is Free, but you can donate it’s more recommended.

Isola’s boat schedules are from Mondays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or 3:00 pm. You can bring your own food or there are some Carenderia (local food stalls) in the island.

Bohol Bee Farm

The Bohol Bee Farm is an agricultural place situated on top of a cliff on Panglao dedicated to Bee cultivation, healthy eating, and organic farming. Aside from growing diverse agricultural products, Bohol Bee Farm also houses a resort and a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

It’s the ideal place to go after a visit at Isola di Francesco. If you need a coffee break, dessert, food or souvenir shopping you can all find it here in the Bee Farm.

Wandering in this place, the first thing that would snap your attention is the numerous organic plants. You’ll hear the tour guide explaining to the visitors how to cultivate and identify herbs.

At the souvenir shop, you’ll see products like honey, jam, spreads, chips, chocolates, tea (honey & ginger) and other organic products. And of course, apparel souvenirs made by locals.

The Buzzz Ice Cream

The best part of this Bohol itinerary? the dessert part! You can buy their home-made special ice cream with different flavors. The cone is made of dried cassava (“Manioc” in French)

Dining in the resort’s restaurant was amazing, we ate some healthy unique style cuisine of the chef and owner herself Chef Vicky Wallace. I’ve heard that the plants/vegetables that are used to serve on the dishes are organically grown in the farm.

Finishing our lunch with this incredible dessert, we have chosen different flavors. I chose the spicy ginger which I really did enjoy eating. Among other flavors are avocado, dragon fruit, durian, pandan, mango, guyabano, ube, buko, and many more. The price for 1 scoop is 60 Pesos (1 Euro).

The ice cream shop is inside the resort, you can order it in the restaurant while dining in or while you’re taking your coffee break or while walking in the resort.

How to get to the Bohol Bee Farm

If you are staying in Panglao Island you can simply ask a habal-habal driver (motorbike) to bring to you the Bee Farm’s place it won’t cost you that much if you are in the area.

If you are in a tour package, ask your driver to drop you in the resort. You can also do the Bee farm tour or simply stay here and dine in or relax.

Another way is to call the Bohol Bee farm’s office and let them pick you up at the Airport or at the Tagbilaran Port.

Visit Bohol’s Bee Farm Official Website or visit their location: Dao, Panglao Island, 6339 Bohol, Philippines

Nova Shell Museum

Nova Shell Museum has a wide range of seashells owned and personally collected by Mr. Quirino Hora. It’s actually his second time that a seashell named after him.

Mr. Hora discovered the first shell in 1987 and the second was in 1994. The first named seashell is “Bursa Quirihorai” and “Primovula Horai” and both these shells were discovered in Panglao.

It’s a wonderful place where you will see tons of seashells species, including multi-colored and rare ones. You will also see some huge seashells, Stingray and Sea Urchin collection. It is known as the biggest shell museum of the Philippines.

For those who love seashells this a perfect place to include in your Bohol Itinerary. Discovering this place will give you some idea how abundant the ocean is and how much rare seashells are existing.

Nova Shell Museum is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is located near Alona Beach in Panglao Town Center.

Hinagdanan Cave

The Hinagdanan Cave, meaning “Laddered” in Cebuano. It’s a small grotto with beautiful rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites surround the underground lake.

According to the history, the cave was accidentally discovered by a farmer; while clearing his land he found 2 holes, curious, he dropped a stone and heard a splash. He built a ladder “hagdan” and was able to access the cave and find its hidden beauty, thus the origin of the name Hinagdanan.

The temperature in the lake is about 25 °C. Our tour guide told us that the cave has a freshwater lagoon that is about 10 to 12 meters deep. Visitors are allowed to swim in the lake. The cave is filled with sleeping birds in small holes in the ceiling.

The sunlight that permeates is unsuitable for bats. Be sure to close your mouth when looking at the ceiling of the grotto. You might taste bats or birds urine.

It was the best place to visit all places in Panglao. The water was so clear you can almost see the bottom of it. If you like to visit this cave make sure to wear your sports shoes (due to its slimy and smooth friction on the walkway caused by the cave’s natural water droplets)

If you plan to take a deep swim in the lagoon. Bring your bikini with you but vigilant on leaving your personal belongings while swimming.

The Hinagdanan Cave is on Panglao Island, a few miles from Alona Beach. It can be easily reached via motorbike, bicycle, or via an organized tour.
Address: Bingag, Dauis, Bohol, Philippines
Open Hours: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Ticket price: 50 pesos

Alona Beach

Finally, to complete our Panglao Bohol Itinerary list. A small stretch of tropical paradise on Panglao Island. Alona Beach becomes one of the top travel destinations in the Philippines because of its wonderful white sand beach, beautiful blue waters, world-class diving, and tours.

Alona is a 1.5 kilometer stretch of white sand bordered on both ends by two rock walls. Same as Boracay it has one of the most beautiful white sand and blue water.

For me and my hubby, it’s our second time visiting this place. This place has engraved in our hearts since we stayed here for a week way back 8 years ago.

This place has changed a lot. Before it wasn’t that much populated but now it’s filled with tourists (local and foreigners). There are more shops and restaurants around and Hotels are bigger and luxurious.

By merely walking on the seaside would make you feel better and even the sunset here is magnificent. It would be a very special place where you can experience the rare beauty of the sunset with the love of your life. This is clearly a must visit place in Panglao Island.

Recommendations

We would like to thank again Bohol Chasing Bliss Tours and Transport Services for the great service! Thanks to Mr. Reno (our tour guide) for being so kind and helpful to us whilst on our stay and thank you for making our visit memorable.

Thank you as well for making this Panglao, Bohol Itinerary happen!

You can contact Bohol Chasing Bliss Tours and Transport Services on their Facebook account or call them to avail your Package Tour via +63 917 326 0232

One Day Panglao, Bohol Itinerary