Inspiring Story
Imagine escaping the heavy hum of city traffic and stepping into a secret sanctuary hidden just behind the lively pulse of Panglao Island. A few travelers discovered Alona42 Resort by accident after searching for a place that balanced beach access with absolute serenity. Walking down the stone pathway lined with tropical greenery, they found a quiet paradise where mornings begin with fresh coffee on a private balcony and evenings are spent floating under the stars in a pristine courtyard pool. It is the kind of place where time slows down and the warmth of Filipino hospitality makes you feel instantly at home.
Holiday Getaways
Alona42 Resort is best for budget conscious families, couples seeking quiet romance, and independent digital nomads who want a functional, peaceful home base close to the action. It is an ideal pick for holiday getaways where you want to be close enough to walk to the shore but far enough to escape the late night party noise.
Pros
- Excellent quiet location a short walk from Alona Beach
- Spacious rooms and apartments equipped with kitchenettes
- Beautiful clean outdoor swimming pool and garden area
- Friendly and highly accommodating staff members
Cons
- Located down a narrow lane that can be dark at night
- Air conditioning units can be slightly noisy
- No electric kettle in standard rooms though hot water is available on request
In-Depth Spotlights
When it comes to value, Alona42 Resort stands out as a highly competitive two star property. Standard rooms generally range from 3500 PHP to 4500 PHP per night depending on the room type and season. Compared to expensive beachfront luxury properties like Henann Resort, Alona42 provides a fraction of the cost while offering similar proximity to the beach. While it lacks the massive fitness centers of upscale establishments, it beats neighboring budget homestays by providing a superior swimming pool, air conditioned comfort, and beautifully kept private terraces.
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating 8.6 out of 10
- Service 9.0 out of 10 Excellent hospitality with attentive staff ready to arrange tours or early morning breakfast boxes.
- Facilities 8.5 out of 10 The outdoor pool and garden are well maintained, though in room amenities are basic.
- Value for money 9.2 out of 10 Highly rated for its spacious setups and complimentary breakfast options.
- Cleanliness 8.9 out of 10 Rooms and public pool areas are kept exceptionally tidy with daily housekeeping.
- Location 8.8 out of 10 Perfectly tucked away on Kalipayan Road, giving quick beach access without the loud beachfront music.
Solving the Travelers Problem
Many travelers face the dilemma of choosing between a noisy beachfront hotel or an affordable resort located miles away from the water. Alona42 Resort solves this exact problem by sitting right in the sweet spot. It offers a peaceful night of sleep away from the club speakers, yet remains a brief three to five minute walk from the sand.
Safety Scams and Packing Guides
Panglao is generally very safe for international and domestic tourists. Be aware of overpriced tricycle drivers at the beach entry points and always clarify tour inclusion fees before boarding boats. For your packing checklist, include lightweight linen clothing, reef safe sunscreen to protect the marine sanctuaries, a reliable waterproof dry bag for island hopping, and water shoes for walking along rocky shorelines.
Transportation Tips
The resort is located just 10 minutes away from the Bohol Panglao International Airport. You can easily arrange an airport shuttle directly through the hotel front desk. For exploring the rest of Panglao Island, renting a scooter is the most cost effective option, while local tricycles are readily available for short point to point trips.
Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive at Alona42 Resort, unwind by the courtyard pool, and catch a beautiful sunset walk along Alona Beach.
- Day 2 Take an early morning island hopping tour to Balicasag Island for world class snorkeling and dolphin watching.
- Day 3 Book a countryside land tour to visit the famous Chocolate Hills, see the tiny Tarsiers, and enjoy a buffet lunch on the Loboc River Cruise.
Local Food and Local Attractions
Do not miss out on trying fresh grilled seafood along the beachfront or dining at the nearby organic restaurants. Essential local attractions include the iconic Chocolate Hills, the historical Baclayon Church, and Hinagdanan Cave with its stunning underground lagoon.
Events and Festivals
If you travel during May, you can experience the colorful Tagbilaran City Fiesta and the island wide celebration of patron saints. July brings the famous Sandugo Festival, which features dramatic street dancing and cultural re enactments celebrating the historic blood compact between Spain and the Philippines.
Things to Know and Trivia
Alona Beach was actually named after a famous 1970s Filipino actress, Alona Alegre, who shot a movie on its white sands and charmed the locals. Cash is king in Panglao, so ensure you withdraw pesos at the airport as local ATMs occasionally run out of money during peak tourist weekends.
Frequently Ask Questions
- How far is Alona42 Resort from the beach?The resort is a short three to five minute walk down a flat path leading straight to Alona Beach.
- Does the resort provide free wireless internet?Yes, complimentary Wi Fi is accessible for all guests in public spaces and guest rooms.
- Are there cooking facilities inside the rooms?The apartment room options come with an equipped kitchen and basic utensils, while standard rooms do not.
- Is breakfast included in the nightly room rate?Yes, stays typically include a delicious filling breakfast with Western and Asian choices.
- Can the hotel assist with booking local tours?The front desk staff gladly helps guests organize countryside tours, motorcycle rentals, and boat packages.
- Is there a swimming pool available on site?Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool set in the middle of the tropical garden courtyard.
- What are the check in and check out times?Check in starts from 2 00 PM onwards and check out is required by 12 00 PM noon.
- Does Alona42 Resort have private vehicle parking?Yes, free private parking is available on site for guests traveling with their own vehicles or rentals.
- Are pets allowed to stay at the property?No, the resort maintains a strict no pets policy to ensure comfort for all travelers.
- Is there a safety deposit box inside the room?Yes, every room features a private digital safe to secure your passports, electronics, and valuables.
