On my recent solo holiday trip to Bohol, I decided to stay on Panglao Island for 6 days to welcome the New Year. When I first visited Bohol back in 2018, I explored mostly the countryside. If you’re curious about what is in the countryside and how to get around, you can read my blog here. I didn’t get the chance to get around the island back then, so I decided to stay on the beachside this time.

I kept my schedule flexible and spent most of my time by the water, exploring beaches, joining underwater excursions, and trying local cafés in between, instead of following a packed itinerary. I allowed space for repetition, curiosity, and small discoveries, which led me to realize I want to travel more mindfully and intentionally.

This blog post isn’t a full travel guide to Panglao Island, but I’d love to share the places and experiences that stood out during my stay, and why they might be worth adding to your trip.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Souvenir Shops

Olivia’s Bistro

When I arrived in Alona looking around for some places to eat, I noticed that most restaurants serve international cuisine, and I was craving something “Filipino” (well, other than Jollibee, haha!).

Someone recommended Sisa Bistro. And honestly, I would recommend it too—if only I had actually made it there.

This was one of my funny travel moments. I booked my ride to that restaurant, and for whatever reason I still ended up being a bit lost and didn’t find the place. Maybe I was just not looking hard enough. Or maybe I was too hungry at that point. I decided to look around the area for a different place to eat, and that’s how I ended up in Olivia’s Bistro instead.

And honestly? No regrets.

I ordered their Pinakbet and skewers, and they were exactly what I was looking for: comforting, flavorful, and familiar. I left full and happy, which is all that really matters.

Shaka, Toto e Peppino & MoCoo

Panglao has no shortage of well-loved dining spots, especially around Alona. I tried Shaka, Toto e Peppino, and MoCoo, which are all popular for good reason.

Shaka is great for fresh smoothie bowls and lighter, health-focused options. Toto e Peppino is a solid choice if you’re craving Italian comfort food. Mocoo, on the other hand, is a Moroccan-inspired restaurant that gives you a taste of Morocco through its dishes. I enjoyed my dining experience there the most.

If you’re staying near Alona and want reliable, tourist-friendly restaurants, these are easy recommendations.

ANC Café

This particular local find made my artistic heart happy.

I was looking for souvenirs, but most of the shops around felt overly commercialized and overpriced. I pass by Alona Road almost every day, and its cute, bohemian vibe drew me in.

Tucked along the street, it’s a small, underrated coffee shop with a tiny souvenir corner beside it. It is handcrafted by the locals, and they serve good coffee at reasonable prices. It is a cozy, relaxed spot to take a break and recharge.

Common Crew Coffee Roasters & Brewers

For coffee lovers and those who enjoy discovering local twists, I would definitely recommend Common Crew’s Asin Tibuok iced coffee. Asin Tibuok, also known as the “Dinosaur Egg of Salt,” is a rare artisanal sea salt made from filtering seawater through ashes by the Boholano people. Think about drinking salted coffee in Vietnam, but made with Asin Tibuok. It’s a must-try!

This local coffee shop also doubles as a coworking space, making it ideal for digital nomads and creatives. If you’re working remotely, Common Crew is an easy choice.

Beach Spots and Activities

Dumaluan Beach

I’m glad to witness the developments made in Alona Beach since my last visit in 2018. It has definitely helped promote local tourism. It was a holiday vacation for everyone for New Year’s, so the beach was crowded and lively. A beautiful sunset view welcomed me, though.

If you prefer something quieter like me, Dumaluan Beach is only about a 10–15 minute drive from Alona. The vibe is completely different; there were fewer people, more breathing room, and a much calmer atmosphere overall. There aren’t any restaurants nearby or establishments like in Alona, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter beach day.

The New Year’s Eve Celebration at Oceanica Resort Panglao.

Since I enjoyed the slower pace of Dumaluan Beach, I decided to spend the last day of the year at Oceanica Resort. I booked a day pass that included access to the resort’s amenities and activities like crystal kayaking.

Salty hair and sun-kissed skin? Yes.

I spent the entire day lazing, reflecting, and allowing myself to experience the holidays without the usual rush. I enjoyed the beach, the food, the homey ambience, and quiet moments of journaling. I even wrote down some of my goals for the year, including finally publishing this first post of the year. ♥️

The experience made me appreciate solo traveling more, doing things intentionally and at my own pace. It’s a memory I’ll always keep.

I did get stung by a sea urchin for the first time though, so that’s something for me to remember too. Haha!

Balicasag Island Tour and Swimming with the Sardines in Napaling Reef

These excursions became some of the highlights of my Bohol trip, and honestly, they weren’t even part of a rigid plan.

I didn’t book any island tours ahead of time. As a solo traveler, most tours require a minimum number of participants, which often means paying for two people or finding someone to join. Since I was already taking lessons with Freedive Panglao Academy, it worked out conveniently that they had arranged tours I could join without worrying about filling slots or paying double.

The Balicasag tour lasts around six hours, with unreal crystal-blue waters at every turn. We didn’t spot the jackfish or dolphins we were hoping for, but swimming alongside pawikans (sea turtles) made it unforgettable.

Napaling Reef was a different kind of experience. It was only a 10-minute drive from the academy, which is pretty convenient. When we arrived, the waves were strong and the weather didn’t look ideal, but we were still cleared to go in.

The visibility wasn’t the best because of the waves, but seeing the massive school of sardines moving together was still incredible. After about an hour, we headed back, and shortly after, the reef was closed due to safety concerns. Others who arrived later weren’t allowed to dive.

When my instructor told me it was my lucky day, I simply thought about it as an answered prayer. It was in my favor to explore and experience marine life in Panglao.

Freedive Academy Panglao

One quick fact about me: I know how to swim, but I’m not a confident swimmer, not especially in open water. I wouldn’t have fully enjoyed being underwater if I hadn’t taken the boot camp at Freedive Panglao Academy first.

The training sessions gave me the confidence I needed. My instructor was patient, clear with the theory, and hands-on in the water, guiding me step by step. More than the technique, it made me feel comfortable doing new things as a beginner.

That experience reminded me that you can always learn something new if you dedicate the time and effort.

I love the academy’s motto, ”Know your limits, never accept them.” It shifted my perspective to actively pursue living life beyond the familiar and comfort and never settle for less.

Getting Around Panglao

Maxim App

Maxim became my go-to transportation app during my stay in Panglao. As a solo traveler, I preferred using an app instead of negotiating fares with tricycle drivers. It saved me time and the mental energy of guessing and bargaining over prices.

Grab is also available in Bohol, but it takes a while to find drivers and confirm bookings. I also downloaded PediApp, but they require a minimum of two passengers for the e-bike, unless you pay for both seats. It’s still a nice alternative if you’re traveling with someone or have bigger luggage.

There’s also a bicycle rental just above the restaurant Giuseppe Pizzeria if you’re up for a chill ride around the island, especially if, like me, you don’t know how to drive a motorcycle. LOL

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That wraps up my Panglao Island travel favorites.

What made this whole trip special and memorable for me was the warmth in the small things and the way each day unfolded. It’s always those simple moments that end up making travel feel meaningful.

If you ever find yourself in Bohol, I hope this blog post gives you a few ideas on where to eat, swim, explore, or simply enjoy the island at your own pace.

Always say yes to adventure, and have a travel-filled year ahead!

If you’ve been to Bohol, I’d love to hear your favorite experience too. 😃