On all (and there haven’t exactly been few) of our visits to Panglao we had always opted to stay in the popular Alona Beach area. Since diving in Balicasag and at other spots in the area really appeals to us, we liked always having the dive school a stone’s throw away and, why not, the convenience that comes with the variety of places to eat in what is one of the most touristy areas in the Philippines.
This time, we decided to try something new. We already had a reservation at our beloved La Sirenita Resort right on the beach, but before that we had a couple of spare days that we used to stay in Panglao outside Alona Beach and, if we got our choice right, be able to suggest a new place to you. Spoiler: we nailed it! This was our stay at the Moravian Apartments in Panglao.
Location of Moravian Apartments in Panglao
Does Moravian Apartments have a good location? There isn’t an exact answer to that question, as it will completely depend on what you’re looking for during your time in Panglao. The location of this aparthotel is perfect for those who want to visit Panglao without being right in the thick of it in the Alona Beach tourist area. If you’re after absolute tranquility and don’t mind having to drive 10 minutes on a motorbike to go out for dinner, these apartments can be a great option for you.
Another great advantage of Moravian Apartments, which comes from its location, is the price. If you’re looking for a place in Alona Beach with rooms this large and well maintained, Wi‑Fi like this and a pool you’ll share with only 6 other rooms, the price could easily end up tripling. So, choosing this accommodation means gaining a series of comforts and advantages such as the price in exchange for not being in the very heart of the Alona action and depending a little more on the motorbike.
Keep in mind that in Panglao it’s not all about Alona Beach. Moravian’s location will place you closer to other interesting places to see in Panglao such as the Napaling sardine bank, Hinagdanan Cave or our favorite area to watch the sunset on the island at the western tip.
Moravian Apartments, a recommended place to stay in Panglao outside Alona Beach
Above all, Moravian Apartments offers a quiet, relaxed place to spend a few days on the island of Panglao. The property has only 7 rooms, which ensures at all times that it doesn’t turn into a crowded spot or a noisy place.
Its rooms are (very) large. They feature a huge, truly comfortable bed with a pretty mahogany headboard and a couple of warm lights ideal for creating a cozy nighttime atmosphere. The sheets—something we don’t usually mention in this kind of review—were new and very pleasant to the touch, far from those you sometimes find in some hotels that feel more like gift‑wrapping paper.
Just like the sheets, our room stood out for its absolute and immaculate cleanliness of every detail of the room.
Opposite the bed there’s a large unit with plenty of storage space on which you’ll find a TV—perfect if you feel like getting to know the “fascinating” Filipino programming. Next to it is another of the room’s strong points, a mid‑size fridge ideal for keeping water cold (or a couple of beers if you feel like ending the day with them at night) and a huge drinking‑water dispenser with which to refill your reusable bottle and thus avoid using and consuming plastic on a daily basis. In addition, this “pack” is completed by a kettle that will be great for heating up a bit of water if you feel like making yourself a coffee or, why not, preparing some instant noodles if one night you don’t feel like going out for dinner.
Obviously, a room of this kind comes with an air‑conditioning unit—one of those new ones that neither make noise nor smell bad.
At the other end of the room there’s another wardrobe, which looked a bit more used than the rest of the furniture, with plenty of space to leave your luggage and an electronic safe where you can leave your valuables if you’re going out to dinner or on an excursion and don’t want to take them with you.
The bathroom at Moravian Apartments was another of the things we liked most about this accommodation. Even though we’d seen photos online, you always tend to think they’re taken from the best angle or on opening day when everything looks new. On entering we found a modern, clean and complete bathroom on a par with many 4‑star hotels we’ve stayed in. It has both a handheld and a “rainfall” shower, the classic ammenities and good space to leave your things. The towels, as we said about the sheets, also seemed to us to be of very good quality.
Each of the 7 apartments available at Moravian Apartments has a terrace where you can sit and relax and where you can have breakfast in the mornings. Although breakfast isn’t included in the room rate, it is reasonably priced (around 100 pesos) with different and interesting options to choose from.
Common areas of Moravian Apartments in Panglao
Beyond its large, spacious and modern rooms, what stands out most at Moravian Apartments is the pool that all the rooms face. With a maximum depth of approximately 1’80 meters at its deepest point, a super‑well‑kept setting, spotless maintenance and its sun‑lounger area for stretching out to sunbathe, it’s a perfect place to relax and cool off on those days when the temperatures in the Philippines are crying out for a dip.
The next space just after the pool is a small tent with chairs and tables that becomes an ideal area, for example, to have a drink at night if you’re traveling with friends (or to meet new travelers in the hotel itself, as was our case) and you want to be a little away from the rooms to avoid disturbing other guests.
After this tent, near the main entrance, is the house where the hotel owners live. This is something to appreciate because if you have any problem, you always have them close at hand for whatever you need (she, Filipina, is lovely; he, a foreigner, let’s just say doesn’t particularly have a knack for dealing with people).
Next to the owners’ house there is a space used for parking motorbikes and from where you can rent yours at the same price as in Alona Beach. They have both manual and automatic bikes, big and small, in very good condition. Being able to rent your bike here really makes things a lot easier, because once you arrive at Moravian Apartments you’ll be able to start discovering Panglao without first having to rack your brains sorting out transportation.
Recommended restaurants from Panglao Moravian Apartments
As we mentioned in the location section of Moravian Apartments, there are no restaurants or carenderías near this accommodation. To go out for dinner you’ll need to ride about 10 minutes by motorbike. But thanks to the range of options in nearby Alona Beach, we assure you the ride will be worth it. In Where to eat in Panglao you have an extensive guide to the best restaurants but, to whet your appetite, here are some tasty suggestions already:
- Giuseppe Pizzería: Our favorite pizzeria in Bohol and in the top 3 of our favorites in the Philippines. Ideal for a night when you want to enjoy the best flavors of Italy. That said, go early because although they cook amazingly, they aren’t very fast at serving.
- Isis Thai Restaurant: If you want to get to know Alona Beach’s nightlife, this is an ideal place for it. They have a very varied menu of Asian dishes and serve fairly generous portions of each. You won’t go hungry here!
- Trudi’s Place: Another seafront option with very good prices, nightlife often accompanied by live performances and a BBQ where you can eat fresh fish.
Video summary of Moravian Apartments
We’ve explained in detail what you’ll find when you visit this accommodation, but we also like to show it to you live through our videos. Hit play and walk through it with us:
Final opinion on Moravian Apartments
Time to deliver the final verdict on our experience at this hotel. Would we stay again? Yes, as long as we’re in Panglao and being in Alona isn’t an essential requirement. If it isn’t, this is without a doubt a great choice.
Pros:
- The location if you’re looking to get out of the thick of it
- Huge, clean rooms with details such as a fridge, water dispenser or safe
- Its pool, ideal for a dip
- Very good value for money
- The possibility of renting a motorbike right there
Cons:
- The location if you’re after Alona Beach’s most touristy vibe
- The owner could be a tad friendlier
Final score: 8/10 Filipino suns
Check prices and book
By clicking here you can check prices and available dates at Moravian Apartments, heads up—it usually fills up!—and from our guide to Where to stay in Panglao you’ll find many more alternatives for staying on the island.
