Island in Bohol, Philippines
Panglao
Bohol's beach island, linked by bridge to Tagbilaran, with Alona Beach's bars, good diving and dolphin trips. Easy for a week or a slow month; busy in season and beaches are small.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$799–1,280Comfortable, one person · ₱50,000–80,000Details
- Value for money86/100Better value than 85% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; refill stations sell cheap filtered water and hotels provide bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts and many Alona restaurants; cash for tricycles, boat trips and markets.Details
Where to stay in Panglao
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Alona Beach | Restaurants, dive shops, bars and most hostels |
| Doljo / Danao | Quieter beach resorts away from Alona's crowds |
| Bolod | Local village with cheaper stays and fewer visitors |
| Dauis–Tawala | Cheaper long stays near Tagbilaran and the airport |
Apps that work in Panglao
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Limited coverage; few drivers outside Tagbilaran |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Tricycles are the norm. Agree the price first; hotels can book airport transfers and full-day cars.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts and many Alona restaurants; cash for tricycles, boat trips and markets. ATMs on Alona sometimes run dry.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Panglao solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Panglao meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.