Wigotel

Tag: Panglao Island Travel Guide 2026

  • Henann Premier Coast Resort, Bohol, Philippines

    Henann Premier Coast Resort, Bohol, Philippines

    Henann Premier Coast Resort is the newest addition to the Henann family on Panglao Island, opening its doors in 2024. Positioned as a more modern, intimate alternative to the sprawling Henann Resort Alona Beach, it offers a refined stay with a focus on “sky-high” views and contemporary design.

    Many travelers to Bohol face the “Alona Beach Crowd” problem. They want to be near the famous white sands and dining options but often find the main resorts too noisy or the beach area too congested.

    • The Solution: This resort is located on a slightly quieter stretch of Alona Beach while remaining within a 1-minute walk of the action. Its signature “Sky Pool” allows you to enjoy the Manila Bay-esque sunset and ocean views away from the foot traffic of the public beach path.

    Travel Guide and Tips

    • Best Time to Visit: December to April is the dry season, perfect for island hopping.

    • Packing Essentials: Bring a physical copy of the credit card you used for booking. The resort has a strict policy requiring the physical card and a matching ID at check-in to avoid double charges.

    • Room Selection: For the ultimate experience, book the Premier Room with Direct Pool Access or the Grand Room with Beach View. If you prefer privacy, avoid the ground floor rooms as guests in the pool can see directly into your balcony.

    Nearby Attractions

    • Alona Beach (1 min walk): The hub for diving, snorkeling, and nightlife.

    • Hinagdanan Cave (15 min drive): A naturally lit limestone cave with a deep lagoon.

    • Virgin Island (20 min boat ride): A stunning sandbar exposed during low tide, famous for fried bananas and fresh seafood.

    • Bohol Bee Farm (15 min drive): Perfect for organic meals and their famous malunggay ice cream.

    Transportation Tips

    • From the Airport: The resort is only 2-3 km from Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). A hotel shuttle costs approximately 300 PHP per person, but a local tricycle is a cheaper alternative (around 150-200 PHP) if you have light luggage.

    • Getting Around: Rent a scooter (approx. 400-500 PHP/day) for maximum freedom to explore the Chocolate Hills or the Tarsier Sanctuary at your own pace.

    Who is this Hotel best for?

    • Couples & Honeymooners: The Sky Pool Bar and sunset views provide a romantic atmosphere that feels more exclusive than the older Henann properties.

    • Families: With spacious family rooms and multiple pools, it caters well to those traveling with children who want luxury without the “party” vibe of some beach clubs.

    Pros and Cons

    ProsCons
    Brand new facilities (opened 2024)High incidental deposit (3,000 PHP/night)
    Stunning infinity Sky Pool with ocean viewsStrict non-refundable/no-modification policies
    Excellent breakfast buffet varietyParking is limited and costs 300 PHP/day
    Directly on the beach but feels privateWi-Fi can be spotty in certain room corners

    Pricing Observations and Comparison

    Henann Premier Coast typically sits in the mid-to-high luxury bracket, ranging from 6,500 PHP to 11,000 PHP per night depending on the season.

    • Vs. Henann Resort Alona Beach: Premier Coast is often slightly cheaper or similarly priced but offers newer rooms and a more modern aesthetic.

    • Vs. South Palms/Modala: It is more central to the Alona nightlife, whereas South Palms offers more seclusion but requires a drive to get to restaurants.

    Local Food & Tourism Tips

    • Must-Try Nearby: Head to Garlic n’ Lemon Bistro on Ester Lim Drive for some of the best Southeast Asian fusion in the area.

    • Budget Tip: Walk further down the beach away from the resort for “Happy Hour” deals where cocktails are often “Buy One, Get One” from 4 PM to 7 PM.

    First-Person Review: A Modern Oasis

    “Walking into the lobby, the first thing I noticed was how crisp and modern everything felt compared to the older resorts on the strip. The check-in was formal but efficient. The highlight of my stay was definitely the Sky Pool—sipping a mango shake while watching the paragliders over Alona Beach was a core memory. The room was sparkling clean, and having direct access to the pool meant I could take a dip the moment I woke up. It’s luxury, but it doesn’t feel stuffy.”

  • Keep Diving Resort Bohol, Bohol, Philippines

    Keep Diving Resort Bohol, Bohol, Philippines

    Looking for a slice of underwater heaven? Keep Diving Resort in Bohol isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a gateway to some of the best coral reefs in the Philippines. Whether you’re here to get certified or just want a quiet escape from the busier parts of Panglao, this resort offers a grounded, authentic island experience.

    The Vibe: A Diver’s Sanctuary

    Tucked away from the neon lights of Alona Beach, Keep Diving Resort feels like a secret club for ocean lovers. The architecture is simple and functional, focusing on comfort and community. You’ll find a mix of modern minimalist rooms and traditional touches, all centered around a shared passion for the sea. It’s the kind of place where the evening conversation naturally revolves around what you saw at Balicasag Island that morning.

    Quick Guide & Essential Tips

    • Book Your Dives Early: If you plan on visiting Balicasag Island, slots are limited by the government. Secure your permit through the resort at least 2–4 weeks in advance.

    • Bring Cash: While major establishments in Panglao take cards, smaller local shops and transport around the resort often prefer Philippine Pesos.

    • Sun Protection: Use “reef-safe” sunscreen to help protect the local coral ecosystems you’re there to see.

    Nearby Attractions

    1. Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary: A world-class dive site famous for sea turtles and massive schools of jackfish.

    2. Dumaluan Beach: A quieter alternative to Alona, featuring wide stretches of white sand and shallow turquoise waters.

    3. Hinagdanan Cave: A naturally lit cavern with a deep lagoon you can swim in, located just a short drive away.

    4. The Chocolate Hills: About 1.5 to 2 hours away, these 1,200+ symmetrical brown hills are a Bohol icon.

    Transportation Tips

    • From the Airport: The resort is roughly 10–15 minutes from Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). A tricycle is the most common local ride, while private vans offer more comfort for groups.

    • Scooter Rentals: This is the best way to explore Panglao at your own pace. Expect to pay around ₱350–₱500 per day.

    • Island Hopping: Boats usually depart directly from the beach area or nearby Alona; the resort can easily arrange door-to-door pickups.

    Who Is It Best For?

    • Solo Travelers & Divers: The communal atmosphere makes it easy to meet dive buddies.

    • Budget-Conscious Explorers: It offers a high-value stay without the “luxury resort” price tag.

    • Couples seeking peace: It’s far enough from the party hubs to ensure a quiet night’s sleep.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Highly professional dive shop on-site.

    • Clean, air-conditioned rooms that prioritize rest.

    • Friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the local waters intimately.

    Cons:

    • Location: It is a bit removed from the main dining/nightlife strip (requires a short ride).

    • Simplicity: Don’t expect massive buffet spreads or sprawling infinity pools.

    Pricing Observations & Comparison

    Keep Diving Resort sits comfortably in the Mid-Range / Value category.

    • The Comparison: Compared to the high-end luxury resorts in the Bellevue or Henann tier (which can go for ₱10,000+ per night), Keep Diving typically offers rooms at a fraction of that cost, usually ranging from ₱2,500 to ₱4,000 depending on the season.

    • The Value: You are paying for the expertise of the dive masters and the proximity to the water rather than gold-plated faucets.

    Local Food & Tourism Tips

    • Must-Try: Head to the Bohol Bee Farm for their organic cassava tacos and unique ice cream flavors (try the Malunggay or Ube).

    • Floating Restaurant: Don’t miss the Loboc River Cruise for a traditional Filipino lunch while being serenaded by local performers.

    • Night Market: Visit the Panglao night market for affordable “turo-turo” (point-point) style grilled seafood.

    First-Person Review

    “Walking into Keep Diving felt like coming home to a group of friends I hadn’t met yet. I spent my mornings underwater with turtles that seemed completely unfazed by my presence, and my afternoons lounging with a cold San Miguel beer on the porch. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. My room was spotless, the AC was ice cold, and the dive gear was top-notch. If you’re here to actually experience Bohol rather than just watch it through a window, this is the spot.”