7 BEST Beaches in Panglao, Philippines • (2024)

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When dreaming of the beaches of Panglao, most will imagine beautiful stretches of white sand, crystal clear waters and the sizzling sun beaming down. That feeling of warmth soaking into your skin feels daaaamn good, right? So, let’s make sure you visit Panglao when the sun is out in full force.

To maximise sunshine and minimise rainfall during your trip, I’d recommend locking in a trip during the dry season which runs from November to May. This is a beautiful time of year to travel in the Philippines – the sun is shining, smiles seem to be bigger and the marine life is out and about for all to see.

If you want to enjoy the beaches with fewer people around, I’d suggest heading there on the shoulder of each season: November-December or April-May. Panglao’s peak season is between December and March, this is when the beaches are PACKED with locals and travellers alike.

If you visit during the wet season (from June to October), Panglao is still a beautiful place to visit however, you may need to pack a good rain jacket and be prepared to dodge the downpours.

• Who It’s For: Travellers who like to have everything they could ever need at a beach. Restaurants, bars, shops, tours and more.
• Don’t Miss: Heading to the bars and restaurants in the evening, if you’re into nightlife – it’s a great place to be!

A trip to Panglao isn’t complete without a stop at Alona Beach – whether that’s to sip a cocktail and enjoy the sunset, spend the day banana-boating across the sea or just relax with a book in hand. Alona Beach is easily the most famous beach in Panglao, it’s top of the list for most travellers staying in Bohol.

Alona Beach has A LOT going on, there are endless amounts of shops, restaurants and fellow travellers enjoying the beach. Once the sun comes down, the beach comes alive with music and entertainment.

There are a done of water activities to get involved in – from jet skis and kayaks to boat tours to explore nearby islands. I’d recommend asking around to get a few prices before locking in your activity (and put those haggling skills to good use!)

Be sure to treat yourself to a massage while you are here. They are SUPER affordable and you can have them right on the beach! No need for a soothing ocean soundtrack here, you can get the real deal crashing right in front of you.

Best Place to Stay Near Alona Beach:

Island World Panglao

Just a few minutes away from Alona Beach, you’ll find this little slice of paradise. The service is unmatched, the pool is LUSH and the rooms are gorg. You won’t regret staying here.

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• Who It’s For: Travellers who want to venture off the mainland and enjoy snorkelling at smaller islands.
• Don’t Miss: Checking it out at low tide, this is when the long stretch of sandbar emerges and you can walk along it!

Although Virgin Island isn’t actually on Panglao, it’s worth every second of the short (and scenic) 20-minute boat ride. The island has a unique shape that makes it look like it has a sand bank tail that you can walk alone. Take a good travel camera as you’ll want to snap some shots here.

In reality, Virgin Island is not an island in the way you’d imagine, instead, it’s a long stretch of the sand bar surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise-coloured seawater. It’s called ‘Virgin’ Island as nobody lives there! However, nowadays, the “island” is packed with tourists and shops.

The water is beautiful and clear, you can walk along the strip when the sandbar emerges at low tide and spot starfish that get washed up on the shores. There is an entrance fee of 100 pesos so be sure to check with your boat/ tour operator if this is included in the cost of your trip. There are loads of good tour operators but this Virgin Island trip from Bohol is my top recommendation.

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• Who It’s For: Travellers who like a quieter beach for swimming and relaxing, but still enjoy the comfort of having a few shops and restaurants to enjoy.
• Don’t Miss: Join in on the watersports – from banana boating and jet skis to kayaks and snorkelling.

Dumaluan Beach is said to be one of the cleanest beaches in Panglao which is a HUGE tick in my books. To be honest, it’s probably my favourite beach on the island! The sand feels like powder beneath your toes and the sea is a vibrant shade of blue that would get anyone stripped down into their bathers and diving in.

There is enough going on at Dumaluan Beach to keep you occupied without the chaos of Alona Beach. There is an entrance cost of 100 pesos for this beach but in my opinion, it’s worth it. When I was travelling around Panglao I rated this as my favourite beach.

Dumaluan Beach is a nice mix of it all – there are watersports available to keep the adrenaline junkies fueled but there are also bars, resorts and restaurants for those who prefer to sip cocktails and sunbathe.

Best Place to Stay Near Dumaluan Beach:

Bohol Beach Club

Smack bang on the beach, you can’t beat the Bohol Beach Club. If you’re looking for a splash of luxury during your stay in Panglao – this is where you’ll want to be staying. Morning yoga and dinner at the on-site restaurant? Sign me up.

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• Who It’s For: Balicasag is particularly special for divers looking to see the islands’ thriving marine life.
• Don’t Miss: Diving, freediving or snorkelling with turtles, whitetip sharks and more!

If diving, snorkelling, boating and tiny tropical islands are your thang – well, let me introduce you to Balicasag Island! This EPIC little island is home to some of the best marine life around Bohol and is one of the best islands in the Philippines for diving!

There are five dive sites around Balicasag, including my favourite “Black Forest”. Here you’ll have the chance to dive with whitetip reef sharks, giant barracuda, turtles, INSANE coral reefs and other little fish and critters. It’s a great spot for beginners too.

Even if you don’t have your PADI diving license, this is also a neat spot to go snorkelling and freediving. You don’t have to dive too deep to hang out with the critters below the surface.

Pro Tip: If you wanna go diving in Panglao or learn to dive, be sure to hit up Alex — he’s a LEGEND and really knows his shit… both under AND above water. Just reach out via WhatsApp and let him know I sent you: +44 782 648968.

• Who It’s For: Families and chill travellers looking for a place to relax away from the crowds.
• Don’t Miss: Renting a snorkel and checking out the marine life under the crystal clear water.

If you wanna hang with the locals, Momo Beach is a pretty good place to start. This beach has been a hidden gem (and will take you off-the-beaten tourist track) for years, but is slowly gaining more attention from international tourists.. and it’s clear to see why. This beach is absolutely gorgeous.

Most of the time, you’ll find this beach fairly quiet, which is a nice reprieve from the bustling touristy beaches around Panglao. Rent a snorkel or a kayak, go for a beach walk or watch the sun go down at this stunner of a beach.

There are a few restaurants and resorts around that will offer you a place to grab a bite to eat and drink – with a pretty damn incredible view over the beach. I can recommend the Beach Tree Cafe for coconuts and curry!

Best Place to Stay Near Momo Beach:

Mario Dive Resort

If you want to stay near Momo Beach, this is easily the best place to stay. The service is outrageously good, the pool is refreshing and the food… don’t even get me started about the food.

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• Who It’s For: Travellers who want to escape the crowds of beaches like Alona.
• Don’t Miss: Strolling along the quiet beach and snorkelling in the shallows.

If you want some peace, quiet and tranquillity – Doljo is the beach for you, my friend. Nestled away from the crowds on the southwestern tip of the island, this beautiful beach is worth a visit. Less travellers make the trip down and chances are, you could have this stretch of beach all to yourself. Dreamy.

The sand is white and powdery, the sea is crystal clear and the palm trees are swaying! To make it even better, life looks just as good under the sea as it does above – the marine life is thriving (just watch out for the pesky sea urchins).

Surrounded by swaying palm trees, Doljo Beach is a true tropical paradise when staying in Panglao. However, although you’ll feel secluded at this beach with limited facilities available, you’re just a few minutes walk to a mall – so you can stock up on all the beach snacks and essentials!

Best Place to Stay Near Doljo Beach:

The Bellevue Resort

This resort is an absolute DREAM. Located right on the beach, you can take your pick of the infinity pool or the sea to start your day. This is one of the top resorts on the island and it won’t take you long to see why.

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• Who It’s For: Those travelling as a family and others looking for a more secluded escape.
• Don’t Miss: Waking up early to catch the sunrise, it’s an epic spot for it.

White Beach is another secluded spot to hang out in Panglao. As its name suggests it is a gorgeous stretch of white sand, blue sea and swaying palm trees. You’ll find the beach is lined with local fishing boats.

It’s the kinda of beach where it may just be you and a few locals enjoying it. It’s important to note that at low tide, the tide goes everrrry far out so it won’t be swimmable – be sure to check the tides if you’re planning to take a dip. (It’s pretty much like being a Southport beach innit!)

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend the day with the kids, playing in the shallows and enjoying a drink at one of the few stalls along the beach – this is the place for you.

Best Place to Stay Near White Beach:

Amarela Resort

A stone’s throw from the beach, this resort is the perfect place for families to base themselves. From kayaking to table tennis, there are loads of activities to do as a family here. Plus, the breakfast in bangin’ which is always huge brownie points for me.

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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Panglao

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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As you can see, you won’t be short of beaches to choose from on your trip to Panglao! Whether you’re heading there with the fam and after a secluded escape or you’re heading there with mates after a bit of nightlife… Panglao has a mix of it all.

I hope you were able to note down a few beaches that you’d like to visit from this list. My favourites are Balicasag Island for diving and Dumaluan Beach to spend the day relaxing and swimming!

Most of the beaches will have at least a few local shops and restaurants to keep you hydrated, full and entertained – but it’s always a good idea to pack your own water and suncream just in case.

I’d love to know if you make it to any of these beaches listed and how you find them! Or, if you have any others to add to the list? Let me know in the comments 🙂

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