Panglao Island is, for many travelers, their base of operations to explore Bohol on their Philippines travel itinerary. Connected to it by a couple of bridges of approximately 500 meters, it offers a huge number of accommodations, of all types and budgets—some of them set on beautiful beaches—and a wide range of activities that go from diving to excursions that will take you to the must-see things to do in Bohol.
In the guide Where to stay in Bohol we tell you which are the island’s main areas to stay and their key advantages, so if you’ve chosen the small island of Panglao, this guide to where to stay in Panglao will be very helpful to find the hotel, hostel, or resort you need.
Best area to stay in Panglao
The answer to “What is the best area to stay in Panglao?” will depend completely on what you are looking for during your time in Bohol. As we already mentioned in the article about accommodation in Bohol, Panglao is usually chosen by those who, in addition to getting to know central Bohol (Chocolate Hills, Man‑Made Forest, Loboc River…) and diving or snorkeling in Balicasag, want to be close to the liveliest part (especially at night) of the island: Alona Beach.
So, when it comes to choosing where to stay in Panglao you should pick between staying right in the thick of it, with all the restaurants, bars, and dive schools just a stone’s throw away, or keeping a little distance and heading there by motorbike or tricycle whenever you want, opting for a much more relaxed stay. To do so, you could go for areas such as Doljo or Momo Beach, where new accommodations are popping up and from which you get very pretty sunsets; or (in our opinion, much better) the Dumaluan and White Beach side, where you’ll find the best beaches in Panglao.
To make the choice easier, we present our Panglao accommodation suggestions divided between the Alona Beach area and its surroundings. As you’ll see, there are a lot of options. The good thing about Panglao being one of the best‑known islands in the Philippines is that its tourist development started decades ago, so you have a huge variety of accommodations. So much competition means that prices are relatively better than in other parts of the archipelago. Therefore, if you spend a few pesos more than elsewhere, you’ll have the chance to enjoy better facilities.
Finally, a small note: many travelers leave the Alona Beach area very disappointed because it is indeed very touristy and geared towards Asian tourism. However, as you can see, Panglao is quite a large island and you don’t necessarily have to stay there. It’s true that the accommodation and restaurant offer in Panglao is bigger in Alona, but if that kind of tourism isn’t for you, you just need to drive 5–10 minutes and you’ll have a completely different experience.
Where to stay in Panglao: Alona Beach
If you want restaurants, bars, and dive centers close at hand, the best area to stay in Panglao is Alona Beach. Here we’re going to give you a few recommendations divided by price and style, since we know there are lots of different kinds of travelers.
Hostels in Panglao – Alona Beach
We know many of you travel solo and prefer hostels where you can socialize with other travelers, sign up for excursions, and have a good time in the common rooms. If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends and you prefer a bit of buzz, there are also hostels in Panglao with double or family rooms where you’ll be comfortable.
The truth is that in the Alona area there isn’t much, basically boiling down to these three as of today:
Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Just a 10‑minute walk from the Alona Beach area, the Nautilus is possibly the hostel in Panglao with the most “vibe”. The concept may not appeal to everyone, but backpackers who’ve been on the road longer and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of comfort for good atmosphere and charming common areas will love it.
The Nautlius Hostel & Hammocks, as its name suggests, has hammocks to sleep in (with a fan, a little sheet, and a safe), but also 6‑bed shared dorms and what they call budget double rooms, separated from one another by curtains, from €11 per night. If you’re after more privacy, you can choose the deluxe doubles, which do have walls, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.
With almost a 9 on Booking, travelers fall in love with the tranquility of this place and the kindness of Carolina, the owner. Breakfasts, which cost only €2, are super complete and you always have free hot and cold water available. The internet works wonderfully.
Book your bed at Nautilus Hostel here
© Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Mad Monkey Panglao
If you’re looking for the exact opposite of peace and quiet (at least not when you sleep), you should choose this branch of the Mad Monkey hostel chain. Thanks to its pool, bar and restaurant, pool table area and, above all, the number of activities they have every day, it would be rare not to end up meeting a bunch of people.
It’s true that the location isn’t 100% in Alona Beach, but in the Danao area; however, if you plan to rent a motorbike or you’re not too interested in Alona, you’ll have a great time here.
They have shared rooms for 4 and 8 people, some of them female‑only, but also double rooms with private bathroom. All have air conditioning and the best thing about the dorms is that the beds have curtains for greater privacy. Prices from €11 per night.
Take a look at this hostel in Panglao here
© Mad Monkey Panglao
Moon Fools Hostel
All of the above are fine, but if what you’re looking for is to be right in the heart of Alona Beach, with easy access and lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and dive centers around, you need to book at Moon Fools Hostel.
The facilities aren’t amazing, but it’s central, has 4‑ and 8‑bed shared rooms (some female‑only) with air conditioning and lockers for just €8 per person with breakfast included. In short, a real bargain for where it is.
Check Moon Fools Hostel prices here
© Moon Fools Hostel
If you’re looking for backpacker accommodation, don’t miss our article with the best hostels in Bohol and Panglao. Below we’ll also give you some hostel suggestions outside the Alona Beach area.
Budget accommodation in Alona Beach
We’ll stay around the Alona Beach area and now we’ll recommend a few places we’ve tried over all these years that come in at €20–30 per night and that we think are pretty decent for staying in Panglao. Obviously, you can’t expect great luxuries, but you can expect clean rooms to spend the night.
Unk’s House Homestay
Unk’s House Homestay is ideal for those looking for a cheap place to stay in Panglao. It’s a no‑frills homestay, but with a super affordable price and very kind owners who will help you with whatever they can (recommendations, excursions, motorbike rental…) and make you feel at home.
It’s in a very quiet area from which you can reach the Alona Beach hub on a short walk and they offer breakfast included in the room price, which is around €25 for a double, although they also have quadruples perfect for family and friends. Highly recommended! Heads up, it’s almost always full and has over a 9 on Booking… There’s a reason.
© Unk’s House Homestay
Mingche Apartment
In Alona, but away from the “crowd” and with less traffic, while still being able to reach the main road on foot in just 5 minutes. Its standard rooms cost just €17 per night for 2 people and have air conditioning, a fan and private bathroom (though without a water heater). The common areas are nice and, although they serve an OK breakfast for a couple of euros, you can also pay a little more and have your own apartment with kitchen and TV.
It’s a cheap place to stay in Panglao if you’re not looking for too much luxury, but you do want cleanliness and friendly staff to brighten your stay. Money‑saving tip: they also have free potable water dispensers for guests.
© Mingche Apartment
More budget hotels in Alona Beach
If the above don’t convince you, take a look at these others, also under €30 per night:
- J&J Tourist Inn: ideal location, in a quiet yet central area. The internet works well and the room, although small, is clean and has air conditioning. From just €22 per night. Have a peek here.
- Alona Guest House: very similar to the previous one in terms of location and format, but this one is a little better, since for €17, in addition to air conditioning, it has a water heater in the shower. Book now via this link.
Mid-range hotels in Alona Beach
If you can invest a few more euros, these hotels in Panglao in the Alona area offer very good value for money compared with other parts of the Philippines. Don’t wait too long to book so you don’t miss out on them. We’re talking about hotels priced per night between 30€ and 60€.
The Three Shooting Stars
It’s hard to find a room, but don’t stop trying because it will be worth it if you get one. These apartments next to the main road of Alona Beach are like a haven of peace and it’s hard not to like them, since travelers rate it over 9 on Booking. For just 30€ you’ll have a fully equipped apartment with kitchen, super comfy bed, air conditioning, private bathroom (with water heater), good Wi‑Fi, and a lovely garden to admire while you have breakfast or dinner.
Vivian and Michael, the owners, will bend over backwards to make sure you have a great stay, offering rental motorbikes, tours or simply a good chat. We were in heaven.
Book at The Three Shooting Stars
© Three Shooting Stars
Alona42 Resort
If you’re looking to stay in Panglao in the Alona Beach area but in its quieter side, Alona42 Resort is a great option. With really affordable prices, it offers both double rooms with the typical comforts such as safe, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, and a small terrace, as well as small apartments where you’ll have a living room with sofa and a simple kitchen with hob, microwave, and fridge. It has friendly staff, clean rooms, is located a 5‑minute walk from the beach and has a great pool to relax in after a day of sightseeing around the island.
© Alona42 Resort
La Sirenita Resort
Located right on the beach at Alona Beach, we stayed here for almost two weeks on our last visit to Panglao. The rooms are huge—in fact, they have 2 double beds, as do the bathrooms. You’ll have a small terrace to relax on while looking at the sea, and the staff are super nice—what more could you ask for? If you can’t decide, we’ve written a dedicated review of this Panglao hotel: Staying at La Sirenita Resort.
Book beachfront accommodation in Panglao here
TipTop Hotel
TipTop Hotel in Alona Beach is located very close to both the beach and the area with bars and restaurants, but not so close that the noise bothers you at night. If being so close to the beach isn’t enough for you, they have a pool where you can cool off on the hottest days.
They have rooms starting at 35€ with basics like air conditioning, up to suites that include a hot tub. Their restaurant opens very early (ideal for those who want to make the most of the day and head out early) and next to it there’s a small restaurant that also belongs to the hotel where you’ll find almost everything. The hotel has a Swiss owner so, even if it sounds odd, you’ll feel a little like you’re in Europe.
Book accommodation in Panglao here
© TipTop Hotel
Tamarind
Tamarind is a charming place to stay in Panglao. Modern, well‑kept rooms decorated with excellent taste and equipped with all the amenities you might need (fridge, safe, kettle…) for under 50€ per night. In the garden there’s a good pool that will be the ideal complement after a day exploring Panglao – Bohol.
It’s a 10‑minute walk from Alona Beach and barely 5 from the main street. The hotel staff are lovely, the rooms very clean, and the hotel has a varied menu of well‑prepared dishes. In short, the nearly 9 they have on Booking is well deserved.
© Tamarind
More mid-range places to stay in Panglao
In case the above don’t appeal to you or are full, we recommend taking a look here:
- Scent of Green Papaya: we stayed here on our last visit to Alona and we really recommend it. It’s a bit removed from the restaurant area and such, but they have a free shuttle that drops you at McDonald’s from 8h to 17h. The staff are friendly, they have a couple of cool pools and the Wi‑Fi is lightning fast. Perhaps the only downside is you have to walk a little if you’re not going to rent a motorbike and don’t want to rely on the shuttle. Take a look here.
- Alona Pawikan: Alona Pawikan Resort is close enough to this popular area that you don’t depend on a motorbike and far enough that you won’t feel in the thick of it and can enjoy a few relaxed days. It has spacious, simple but fully renovated and clean rooms, air conditioning, and a fridge. In addition, if one night you want a drink but feel tired, you can do it at the resort’s own bar. Check prices from this link.
Resorts in Alona Beach, Panglao
The truth is there are fewer and fewer worthwhile beachfront resorts in Alona Beach (for our taste, it’s much better to stay in Dumaluan if you want to be right on the sea), but do take a look at the following to see if they suit you.
Henann Resort Alona Beach
If you’re looking for a resort in Panglao right on Alona Beach, this is what you were looking for. The ideal place to treat yourself on your trip around the Philippines or to celebrate a honeymoon. Rooms with all the luxuries you can imagine, spotless and with thoughtful details and attentive service, with access to its huge pool you won’t want to leave.
Pool not enough for you? The private villas at this Panglao resort also have a small private pool so you won’t lack a thing. Its restaurant is one of the most varied and to get to the beach from the hotel door you literally have to take a single step. In fact, it’s the only one that truly has sun loungers on the beach and in the most spacious area of Alona to relax by the sea.
©Henann Resort Alona
Amorita Resort
Be careful choosing this Alona Beach resort—if you try it, you might never want to leave. The impeccable taste with which both the rooms and the hotel are decorated will win you over from the first moment. It’s located at the eastern end of Alona Beach, elevated above it to offer epic views from its tremendous pool and give you total serenity without being far from a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and dive centers.
It has deluxe rooms, suites, and private villas so you can choose the level of indulgence you want to treat yourself to. And to top off your self‑gift, why not a session at their spa? They also have several high‑end restaurants, including a tapas spot if you’re missing the flavors of home. Without a doubt, one of the best resorts in Panglao.
Stay in Panglao and treat yourself
© Amorita
More resorts to stay in Alona Beach
The above are the best on the beach, but here are a few more to check out:
- Pyramid Resort: this was one of the first places we stayed in Panglao back in 2010 when we visited for the first time, and we’ve been lucky to see how they’ve improved it over the years. Located beachfront, with the pricier rooms enjoying the views, it’s a pleasant, central Panglao resort with a pool. Click here and take a look.
- Villa Kasadya: not beachfront, but very close to everything without being noisy. This is one of the best resorts in Alona. It’s modern, uses local materials for the décor, has a gorgeous pool and, overall, it’s a colorful, pleasant place to switch off. Book via this link.
- Alona’s Coral Garden Resort: adults‑only resort in Panglao—perfect if you’re going as a couple and don’t want any noise to bother you. Cozy studios, bungalows, and 2‑ and 3‑bedroom villas with private villa and close to the beach are what have earned it over a 9 on Booking.
Where to stay in Panglao: outside Alona Beach
Since you’ll most likely rent a motorbike to head into inland Bohol or explore Panglao Island itself, you might prefer to sacrifice proximity to bustling Alona Beach for accommodation with better value for money and possibly more peace and quiet. Here’s a selection of some we’ve tried ourselves and those travelers have been recommending to us in recent years. As in the previous case, we’ve divided them by price.
Budget accommodation in Panglao and backpacker hostels
If you want to keep costs to a minimum, here are some cheap places to stay in Panglao that you’ll like for under 30€ per night:
Peaceland Hostel
How does staying in Panglao for 5€ sound? It’s possible in the shared dorms of this hostel located in the northern part of Panglao. If you don’t want to share, they have singles and doubles for 11€ and 13€ respectively. Don’t expect great luxuries, but it’s pretty good for the price. The place has a great vibe thanks to its location in the middle of nature and the lovely people who run it. They host communal dinners several times a week for 150 pesos, which are wonderful.
The downside is that due to its location you’ll depend on a motorbike or transport such as a tricycle, but if you’re looking for a good hostel in Panglao at a good price, this is your option.
© Peaceland Hostel
Panglao Moravian Apartments
Excellent value for money at this aparthotel near Momo Beach where all rooms have a flat‑screen TV, their own Wi‑Fi router, fridge, safe, and a water heater so you can make an instant coffee/tea at any time. It also has a lovely pool and a super relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for basing yourself on the beaches of the island’s northeast and staying in Panglao near the airport. It tends to fill up quickly, for obvious reasons and because it’s around 23€ a night, so don’t hesitate to book fast!
Don’t miss our article Staying at Panglao Moravian Apartments, where we tell you all about our experience.
More cheap accommodation in Panglao (outside Alona Beach)
If the above don’t work for you, then one of these surely will:
- Greenspace: a true BBB. Modern rooms with air conditioning, TV, fast Wi‑Fi, and a private bathroom with hot water, plus a kitchen, for only 17€ per night. The location isn’t bad, between the airport and Dumaluan Beach. Book now here.
- Izla Soanna: whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends and looking for a Cheap place to stay in Panglao, you’ll love this one. Beds in shared dorms from just 7€ a night and cute, newly renovated doubles for 13€. It’s on the main road, halfway between Alona and Dumaluan. Take a look from this link.
Mid-range hotels in Panglao
Stepping up a bit, here are some hotels in Panglao starting at 30€ per night.
Panglao Bamboo Oasis
Panglao Bamboo Oasis is located halfway between Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach, which means in just 5 minutes by motorbike you can be in the middle of the action for dinner, a drink, or to pop into any dive school.
It opened to the public relatively recently with a simple, modern décor. It also has a pool that’s ideal for cooling off after a day touring the island. It has apartment‑style rooms where you’ll have a living room, terrace and even a small kitchen to prepare something. A good place to stay in Panglao with excellent value for money, coming in around 55€ per night.
© Panglao Bamboo Oasis
Red Picnic Hostel
We think it’s a hostel in name only because, despite having shared dorms, it’s one of the cutest hotels in all of Panglao and also one of the most modern. Located on the main road, almost at the access road to gorgeous White Beach, it has 8‑bed dorms that look straight out of a catalog, with comfy beds each with its own outlet, light, locker and—best of all in our opinion—curtain. The double rooms are spectacular for just 40€ per night—just take a look at the photo below. And best of all, everyone can enjoy common areas that include a restaurant, pool‑table area, and an incredible pool.
© Red Picnic Hostel
ARAMARA Resort
Right on White Beach, one of the island’s prettiest, this is one of the few hotels in Panglao where you can sleep so close to the sea for around 30€ a night. True, the rooms aren’t the most modern, but they’re clean, with air conditioning, a fan, and a water heater and—best of all—almost all (if not all) have a little terrace with direct views of the beach.
The staff are also lovely and they prepare nice breakfasts you can eat in such surroundings before the rest of the world arrives. This place still feels like a secret, so try to take advantage.
© ARAMARA
More mid-range hotels in Panglao
Other hidden gems for staying in Panglao are:
- Imagine Bohol: located in the Danao area, relatively close to Alona but at the same time in a quiet spot, these apartments around a pool for about 40€ a night are fantastic and will make you feel at home. Book here.
- Island Tiki Paradise Resort: there are fewer and fewer places in Panglao with traditional nipa style, but this one keeps it and from just 20€ a night (breakfast included!) lets you stay in a nice little hotel with a pool. Have a look at this link.
Resorts in Panglao
If you’re willing to splurge, there are some incredible hotels in Panglao with value for money that stands out compared to the rest of the Philippines.
North Zen Villas
If you’ve chosen to stay in Panglao but away from the bustle of Alona Beach and you’re looking for a resort for a few days of top‑tier relaxation, take a look at this one: North Zen Villas. Its smallest suite has 70 square meters of luxury and comforts, and the private villas surpass both those luxuries and that size.
The décor is impeccable and when you step out of your room two things will keep you hooked: its palm‑fringed pool and the beautiful, highly instagrammable bamboo walkway, a long bamboo bridge that takes you to a hut that’s one of the most incredible, relaxing places to watch the sunset in Panglao. It’s located in front of Doljo Beach, so peace and quiet are guaranteed.
Treat yourself by clicking here 😉
© North Zen Villas
Oceanica Resort Panglao
You’re looking for a resort to stay in Panglao but not in Alona Beach; close to the beach but not a crowded one; and with a pool but not one of those small, basic ones… Oceanica Resort (formerly called South Palms) has all that and much more.
Right on Dumaluan Beach (and, even better, on its best stretch), they offer modern, impeccable rooms with every comfort and extras like very good Wi‑Fi, gym, private beach, free kayak and bikes, and a delicious restaurant ideal for a romantic dinner with sea views. If you want to treat yourself, no doubt—this is your place. One of the best resorts in Bohol (if not the best).
© Oceanica Resort Panglao
Bohol Beach Club
Even so, if we had to choose just one from this whole list of places to stay in Panglao, we wouldn’t hesitate and we’d book at the Bohol Beach Club, also known as BBC. The reasons: it’s on the best beach in Panglao, Dumaluan, and it has everything you need for a relaxing holiday. In fact, we spent our birthdays/anniversaries here and loved every minute.
It’s a top‑class hotel, with a pool, beach villas, a restaurant with sea views (at great prices for what it is), bar, gym, massage area… Best of all, it has a long exclusive beach area just for them with hammocks and full of palm trees where we spent the whole day. In short, the closest thing to an “all inclusive” you can find. We stayed in the simplest rooms and honestly found them perfect: spacious, with thoughtful details, a great bathroom, and good internet.
Panglao map: where to stay
Here you have these recommended places to stay in Panglao located on the island map:
Do you have any questions about where it’s best to stay in Panglao? Tell us in the comments and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
By the way, you’ll surely be interested in reading our Panglao Guide.
