Looking for your next summer destination? Next to Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay is an island in Bohol that reportedly stands with the rest of these titans of beachdom for their immaculate scenery: Panglao. It boasts of pristine shores, world-class resorts, and a rich biodiversity more robust than that of Japan or the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it one of the great diving sites in the world.
If you're thinking of visiting Panglao this summer, here's a guide to help you experience the full beauty of the island:
LOOK: Here Are The Top 6 Things To Do In Panglao, Bohol
1. Stay at the Bellevue Resort Panglao
For years, Bohol has been a model of eco-tourism for the country. Bellevue Resort Panglao is a big part of this movement. The ASEAN Green Hotel is, after all, an exclusive five-star hotel resort. From the koi fish-filled ponds and the tropical architecture to the gorgeous 250-meter white-sand beachfront, the hotel happens to be one of the premiere hotels in Bohol. It's a favorite of tourists who want the full island experience.
Right by Doljo Beach, this getaway prides itself on offering its guests a package that could include island hopping, jet skiing, kayaking, freediving, dolphin watching, and, yes, countryside tours, among others.
2. See dolphins in their natural habitat
At 5:00 a.m., we woke up to catch the Bellevue boat scheduled to go to the middle of the Panglao waters. We were told there would be an abundance of dolphins roaming around.
We ended up spotting a couple of them. There's something neat about watching dolphins in their natural habitat. How graceful.
3. Dive near the Virgin Island
Just between Panglao and Balicasag Island is a relatively shallow area of the seas where Pungtud Island is situated. It only takes about 20 minutes to get here from the resort. With the absence of huts, vendor stalls, and other tourists, it's called virgin island simply because it remains untouched in the era of mega-development.
Because it's devoid of settlement, the island retains a natural beauty and charm. We are treated to the same white sands and turquoise waters, surrounded by the rest of the islands that define the shape of Panglao. The only companions around here are a population of corals, schools of fish, and sea turtles.
4. Get a selfie with a sea turtle and other marine life
As expected, we'd join a myriad of other snorkelers and scuba divers in the surrounding location. For newbies like my partner and me, guides would tend to pre-spot the sea turtles themselves. With us were a couple of retirees looking for some adventure. "We can take selfies," the guide tells us. The other divers wanted first on the action.
We proceed to dive and there they were. We ended up spotting four Hawksbill sea turtles, who have likely migrated here from hundreds of nautical miles away. Brownish brute hexagons make up the pattern of their shells. They move ever so carefully and feed on scattered jellyfish around.
5. See the tarsiers
ICYDK, tarsiers are one of the most suicide-prone species around. As sad as it is, there have been cases when some eager tourists invade their spaces. These shy and anxious creators become depressive when their environments are disturbed. So if you're planning to visit these tiny creatures, make sure to be respectful of their space and habitats.
6. Visit the Chocolate Hills
What's made Chocolate Hills such a world-famous tourist destination is the fact that it truly is one of a kind. They're about two million years old, with the land and the sea and natural elements conspiring to create this chocolatey landscape. It just so happened to be in the Philippines. These things can reach about 400 feet tall and span 50 square kilometers. Experts say that there are at least 1,260 hills, but it could get to the 1,700 mark.
Suites at The Bellevue Resort Panglao start at P9,000. For more information on packages, visit the resort's website here. To book a flight from Manila to Panglao, visit Cebu Pacific for the best rates.
*This story originally appeared on Esquiremag.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
