Experience a peaceful escape at Malinawon Resort, a boutique sanctuary in Panglao, Bohol. Known for its expansive swimming pool and modern, quiet atmosphere, this resort offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling Alona Beach crowd while remaining just minutes away from the island’s best activities.
Travel Guide and Tips
Malinawon Resort is situated along Daorong Boulevard in Danao, a quieter section of Panglao Island. It underwent significant renovations in 2024, offering refreshed 4-star facilities that prioritize comfort and relaxation.
Check-in/Out: Standard check-in is at 2:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Connectivity: While the resort offers free Wi-Fi, it can be inconsistent in some rooms. If you are working remotely, bring a local SIM (Globe or Smart) as a backup.
Packing Essentials: Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for island-hopping tours.
Nearby Attractions
Alona Beach (2.2 km): The hub of Panglao’s nightlife, dining, and diving.
Danao Beach: A much quieter alternative to Alona, perfect for sunset walks.
Hinagdanan Cave: A naturally lit limestone cave with a deep lagoon for swimming.
Virgin Island: A stunning sandbar accessible via a 20-minute boat ride.
MIST Restaurant: One of Bohol’s most famous “Instagrammable” dining spots, located very close by.
Transportation Tips
Airport Shuttle: The resort is only 2.8 km (about 7 minutes) from Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). They offer a shuttle service for approximately 800 PHP per vehicle.
Complimentary Tuk-Tuk: The resort provides a free scheduled shuttle to Alona Beach—always confirm the latest timings with the front desk upon arrival.
Motorbike Rental: For maximum flexibility, rent a scooter for around 400–500 PHP per day to explore the island at your own pace.
Tricycles: Readily available outside the resort; a ride to the main Alona strip usually costs 100–150 PHP.
Best For
Families: The pool is designed with varying depths, making it safe for children, and the rooms are exceptionally spacious.
Couples & Solo Travelers: Ideal for those who want a “me-time” vibe away from the loud music of beachfront bars.
Digital Nomads: While the Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss, the quiet environment and poolside “office” spots are excellent for deep work.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge, sparkling clean heated pool | Limited on-site dining (mostly breakfast/snacks) |
| Large rooms with private balconies | Occasional noise from airport/local wildlife |
| Exceptionally friendly and attentive staff | Wi-Fi signal can be weak inside rooms |
| Recently renovated (2024) | Not directly on the beach (requires a short ride) |
Pricing Observations and Comparison
Malinawon Resort typically sits in the mid-range category for Panglao.
Current Rates: You can find Standard Queen rooms starting around 1,500 PHP to 2,800 PHP ($27–$50) depending on the season.
Comparison: It offers much larger room sizes compared to budget inns like Acacia Sunset (approx. 800 PHP) but is significantly more affordable than luxury beachfront spots like Henann Resort or The Bellevue, which often exceed 8,000 PHP per night. It is considered a high-value “hidden gem.”
Local Food and Tourism Tips
Must-Try Dining: Visit Barwoo for Asian fusion or Jose Panglao for authentic Filipino grilled seafood.
The “Paluto” Experience: If you visit a local market, look for “Paluto” services where you can buy fresh catch and have a nearby carinderia cook it to your liking.
Bohol Countryside Tour: Don’t stay only in Panglao! Dedicate one day to seeing the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River Cruise on the main island.
First-Person Review
“As soon as I walked into Malinawon, the stress of the airport just melted away. The first thing you notice is the pool—it’s massive and surprisingly warm, which was perfect for a late-night dip. My room was huge, easily twice the size of a standard hotel room in Manila, and having a balcony overlooking the water was a total win. While it’s a bit of a trek to get to the ‘main’ beach action, the free shuttle made it easy, and honestly, I preferred coming back to the quiet of Danao at night. Don’t skip their cafe latte in the morning—it’s surprisingly one of the best on the island!”
