Bohol, Philippines | A Luxury Experience in Panglao Island

Everyone knows that Bohol is an adventure destination. But did you know that Bohol, specifically Panglao Island is one of the most expensive destination in Philippines.

While I try to do a budget friendly travel, once in a while it is nice to try a luxury experience. So in this trip, we did a 3 days 2 nights, vacation at Amorita Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol.

Amorita Resort is a 5 star luxury resort situated at the far end of Alona Beach.

When we arrived in Amorita Resort, a staff guided us to the welcome lounge and gave us drinks and cold towels.

While waiting for our room, we went to Saffron Restaurant for a light snack. An al fresco restaurant situated in the middle of the garden. With a view of a long stretch of infinity pool facing the Bohol sea.

After lunch, we’ve checked in and decided to go out and explore more of Amorita Resort.

While Wynne stayed in the infinity pool area near the welcome lounge, I went and explore the underwater life of Alona Beach.

After the snorkeling session, we walked along Alona Beach. Had an early dinner at Coco Vida Bar and Restaurant. This is the restaurant of Alona Vida Beach Resort.

As always, we try a spa/massage on our travels. So on our first night, we’ve scheduled a session with Sea Tree Spa. This is the in-house spa of Amorita Resort.

WATCH THE FULL VLOG OF DAY 1 HERE

Started day 2 with a buffet breakfast at Saffron Restaurant. The spread includes several silog options, a charcuterie area, bread, fruits, salad and egg stations.

After the sumptuous breakfast, we went to Alona Beach and did a guided snorkeling tour c/o of Amorita Resort. All I can say is that the coral reefs here is way better than the snorkeling spot in Balicasag Island.

We also spent time in the infinity pool with the view of Alona Beach before heading out for lunch.

Since we have an activity scheduled that afternoon, we decided to try a random restaurant somewhere in the main road (Panglao Island Circumferentail Road). We stumbled upon Jose Panglao. A local restaurant that serves grilled food and Filipino favorites.

I miscalculated the travel time to Loboc that forced us to rent a car to Fox and the Firefly Cottages. Here we’ve tried the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Loboc River. For me, this is one of the must try activities in Bohol.

On our 2nd night, we wanted to splurge a little so we tried The Lost Cow for dinner. This is Amorita Resort’s Chophouse restaurant.

For our last day, we had another breakfast buffet at Saffron Restaurant.

We spent the remainder of our time swimming in the infinity pool near Saffron Restaurant.

Curious about Bohol Island? Check out Best of Bohol

WATCH THE FULL VLOG OF DAY 2 AND 3 HERE

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PANGLAO ISLAND

The best time to visit Panglao is during dry season. This is from December to May. Also, take note that December to March is Bohol’s peak season. Bohol’s tourist destination is open all year round.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO PANGLAO ISLAND

• Comfortable clothes

• Beach wear

• Swimwear

• Sandals / Slippers

• Protection from the sun

• Tumbler

• Dry bag

• Camera / Action Cam

• Powerbank

• Toiletries

• Towel

HOW TO GET TO PANGLAO ISLAND FROM MANILA

To get to Panglao Island, Bohol from Manila, is via a direct flight to Bohol – Panglao International Airport. Amorita Resort is just 10 minutes away from the airport. 

Another way is to fly via Cebu because there are plenty of flights with lower prices. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. 

From Cebu International Airport, head to Cebu Pier 1. The fastest way is via taxi. Travel time is around 20 minutes depending on traffic. 

Then take a ferry to Tagbilaran Port. Travel time is 2 hours. Tagbilaran port to Panglao Island is roughly around 30 min to an hour. This will depend the mode of transportation you’ll take.

PANGLAO ISLAND BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a 3 days 2 nights stay in Amorita Resort is around Php34,000.00 per person. This is computed based on 2 pax and the activities mentioned above.

See costs details below:

You can still lower the cost of food, activities and transportation.

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING PANGLAO ISLAND

• Bohol is a large island. Going to places will take time.

• There are several transportation options when exploring Bohol. This may depend on your budget or style of travel.

• Credit card is widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Still bring cash especially on tours.

• There are plenty of ATMs in the area.

• Signal is weak in remote places.

• Panglao Island is famous tourist destination. Expect cost to be expensive and places to be crowded.

• You can buy your ferry ticket from Cebu to Tagbilaran in advance through online but I recommend buying once you arrive in the port. The reason for this is schedule flexibility. There are factors you won’t be able to control like a delayed flight or traffic that may cause you a missed ferry schedule. Don’t worry because schedule of the fastcraft is almost every hour for the whole day.

PANGLAO ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS

• Bohol has limited flights. Try via Cebu to maximize your first and last day in Bohol. Take earliest flight to Cebu and last flight from Cebu to Manila.

• Coming from Cebu, you can buy your ferry return ticket in advance.

• For convenience, you can arrange the port pickup from your hotel.

• Tour packages in Bohol is standard. They have a list of destinations you can visit. You can modify it just like what we did in this trip.

• Best to ask your hotel receptionist on the standard rate for tours and fares. Use it as guide.

• Book the tours in advance.

• Do not leave trash behind.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”

See you on my next adventure…. Peace!