Quiet Beaches, Teeming Marine Life in Bohol
Those who are yearning to commune with nature will find Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines a godsend. Indeed, Bohol is teeming with exotic destinations; but for those who have a special longing for the sea and its vibrant marine life, Panglao Island is truly a world-class find.
The Spanish explorers who reached the shores of Panglao in 1803 christened the place as such, after the word ‘mapanglao,’ denoting a lonesome place. Their reasons for naming this old, old town of Bohol may be due to their initial defeat at conquest in Cebu; but today the name of the island is synonymous with solitude, not loneliness, as it is a popular destination for people from the stressed-out metro to lay back and enjoy the sunset, or delve deep into the waters and get an up-close look at the sublimity of the sea.
A fourth-class municipality of Bohol province, Panglao Island is an excellent preview of what the Philippines has to offer when it comes to beauty in diversity. Though it is but one of the more than seven thousand islands of the archipelago, its tranquil views, quiet beach resorts, and topnotch dive sites make it so distinctly exquisite and apart from the rest, that it is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Center.
The coastline is extensive, and you’ll be able to sample almost three thousand new species of marine life from almost every shore; from the numerous coral varieties stretched out across the reefs, to the myriad of fish species which weave in and out of your path on your snorkeling escapades. The northwest and southeast shores are particularly excellent snorkeling sites, and boast of a teeming ecosystem of sea stars, crustaceans, mollusks, sea snakes, and fishes.
It is best to have reservations at Panglao Resort beforehand so that everything will be taken care of ahead of you. Panglao Resort is built along the natural curve of the coastline, and provides for excellent accommodations and exquisite cuisine. The huts are high-thatched and air-conditioned for cool comfort, and the resort offers services and amenities for function and relaxation, such as wi-fi services, gyms and saunas, kayaking and windsurfing equipment. Panglao Resort is the perfect retreat for personal or business-oriented functions alike.
Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines is accessible through a 15-minute commute from nearby Tagbilaran city, or through less than two hours of fast ferry from Cebu. If you want to appreciate fully what the island offers, you’ll find that rented boats are indispensable. These are offered at very reasonable prices at Panglao Resort, or you can take your pick at Alona Beach, Bohol or the fishing village in Barangay Danao. The locals are friendly enough to take you on a guided tour, as well as suggest other places of interest at no extra cost. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast, a beach body, or just a regular guy who likes to kick your feet up and relax in the sun, you’ll surely find something in Panglao to keep you coming back for more.
