What to Do and Where to Eat, Go and Stay when in Panglao, Bohol

Panglao is a beautiful island in the Philippines which is found in the southwest region of Bohol. It gains its popularity because of the long and lovely beaches it possess, rich biodiversity which makes it a perfect site for diving and snorkeling activities, interesting geological feature and not to mention the stunning hotels and restaurants that are rising in the island.

With the many qualities of the island I mentioned, you already know that there are bunch of places this province is proud of.

[Where to Eat] Bohol Bee Farm

We visited Bohol Bee Farm right after our Country-Side Tour in Tagbilaran and before we went to our hotel in Panglao. So basically, we were there for our dinner. My first impression of the place is that it has this relaxing vibe. It has this not so bright yellow lighting and aside from the small talk you hear from the people who are dining there, you can also hear waves coming from the sea.

I didn't also expect that the place is that big. Aside from the dining area, it offers rooms for accommodation, souvenir shop, a spa and a pool. It also has an ice cream parlor with unique flavors such as peanut kisses, dragon fruit, malunggay, etc. Those are a must try!

[Where to Go] Hinagdanan Cave

What I like about Hinagdanan Cave is that it has an underground lake inside it. Among all the caves I've been to, this is the first time I saw a big tub water inside a cave. Although it was inviting, I restrained myself to jump on it.

By the way, there is a 25 pesos entrance fee to Hinagdanan Cave. The entrance of the cave is about 1 meter wide in diameter and the way to it is slippery so one must take extra caution. The whole cave isn't that long. It only measures 100 metres but it is surrounded by rock formations and lime stones. The cave's interior is beautiful and has holes on the ceiling where sunlight infiltrates and somehow lighted the cave that added beauy to the cave. Hinagdanan Cave is a great side trip when you're in Panglao so make sure that you visit it.

[Where to Go] Alona Beach

Alona beach is also a nice beach to for you to relax. Alona beach has this long shore which is characterized by creamy white sand. The water here is pretty clear which is perfect for swimming! There are also a lot of hotels along the shore as well as restaurants just in case you decided to stay a couple of days in Panglao.

[What to Do] Island Hopping at Balicasag Island and Virgin Island

Panglao is an island which is famous for island hopping activity. The island hopping covers a visit to Alona Beach, Balicasag Island and the Virgin Island. Along side, some of the activities you can do during island hopping are: dolphin-watching, fish feeding, snorkeling and of course swimming. I published a separate blog post of my island hopping adventure at Panglao. Click the link to read my whole my adventure -- [click here].

[Where to Stay] Panglao Regents Park

I'm the kind of traveler who is not fond of stay-cation when I'm out and travelling. I would choose to spend my money on discovering islands and islets, trying out new stuff and activities or eat on a fancy restaurant rather than staying on a class hotels with soft beds, great service and lots of amenities. The reason why is because my trips are always jam-packed with activities and I only need a hotel just to get through the night for a sleep. So why would I spend a lot if all I need is a bed? But as for a change, I broke that perception and tried to check-in at Panglao Regents Park during our Bohol trip. And I never regret even a single penny I spent because it was worth the stay. Read my full story here -- [click here].

[Where to Stay] Henann Resort Alona Beach

I revisited Bohol for the second time to celebrate my girl's birthday. Since our initial plan is to have a staycation at Bohol, we decided to book an accommodation to the largest resort found at Panglao, Bohol. None other than the Henann Resort Alona Beach. To know more about my stay at Henann, just refer to this link -- [click here].

I have been to Panglao twice already and yet it never fails to amazed me. This place is a gem that our country should be proud of and take care of for future generations. Jetsetters will surely enjoy the province as it offers a lot of things, from foods, to fancy hotels and restaurants, to adventures. If given a chance to visit Bohol again for the third time, I would definitely and still include Panglao on my itinerary.

A Review: Henann Resort Alona Beach of Panglao, Bohol

Henann is a known group which offers world-class accommodations and top-notch service. They made a statement when they constructed their first luxury resort in the beautiful island of Boracay. And just last year of August, they expanded in Bohol where they opened a 6.5 hectare of property. The resort sits at Panglao, Bohol and along the pristine shores of Alona Beach. Henann Resort Alona Beach currently reigns as the biggest resort in the island of Panglao. And with that, I was so curious what it feels like to stay in this kind of resort. So, as for my girlfriend's birthday, I convinced her and her family to book at Henann since we will be celebrating it in Bohol. Luckily, they agreed!

How to get there?

Like what I have stated above, Henann Resort Alona Beach is located in Panglao. So, if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Alona beach in Panglao. Taxi ride may costs you 600-700 Pesos. But if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Henann Resort Alona Beach is so popular in the area and drivers know where exactly it is located.

Welcome to Henann Resort Alona Beach of Bohol

The Room

The 6.5 hectare resort of Henann has 400 spacious, world-class rooms and 12 Pool Villas. And during our stay, we booked one of their Premier Room. A Premier Room rates at 6, 753.60 PhP per night which can accommodate a maximum of 3 persons. However the free buffet breakfast is only good for 2 persons. We we're four during this trip, therefore we paid extra to fully experience Henann. Below is the computation of our stay for 4 persons for 3 nights (and 4 days): 

Again, the room costs 6,753.60 PhP per night. Since we stayed there for 3 nights, total room costs was 20,260.80 PhP. The buffet breakfast is only good for 2 persons. So as for the buffet breakfast of the 3rd person, we paid 549 PhP each day. It will be multiplied by three since we had 3 breakfasts during our stay, so total cost was 1,647 PhP. It doesn't stop there. Since we were 4 on that trip. The 4th person paid another 1,500 PhP for the extra bed and buffet breakfast. In which has an additional total cost of 4,500 PhP. In short, we paid a total of 26,407.80 PhP for our 3 nights stay (good for 4 pax). Now, enough with the math and let's go back to the room we availed...

Premier Room (Photo from Henann website)

Our room is located in the 4th floor and since it is a Premier room, its veranda is facing the Pool/beach side. Yet before we even reach our room, I already set my expectations high. We paid a lot just for this vacation plus this resort is known for being luxurious so I guess it's just fair. So as we entered our room, at first I was just nodding my head up and down because what I am seeing that time satisfied my high expectation. It was clean, cozy and well ventilated but what exceeds the bar are the view of the veranda plus the bathroom part of the room. The view from our veranda is merely breathtaking! We have a view of their massive, modern styled pools which is so pleasing to stare and stayed at. I know its funny, but I was also amazed with their bathroom. It was so big and spacious that another person can occupy comfortably. It has a dedicated space for bathtub and shower area, a big area for sink and mirrors with hair dryer, and of course another big space for the toilet. Everything on that bathroom is big and spacious!

View from our room's veranda

The only issue I encountered was the poor WIFI connection. Well, I do have my own data plan so it wasn't a deal breaker for me.

You may also want to try their Direct Access Pool rooms

Amenities

Dining Areas, Cafes and Bars. Henann Resort Alona Beach has a lot of dining areas and bars scattered accordingly. One of them that we personally experienced was the Coral Cafe. It is where the buffet breakfast is hold every 6 in the morning till 10. Although the cafe serves the same food during breakfast on our whole stay, we don't mind it. Why? Because there are so much varieties to choose from plus the fact that it tastes great as well. They serve breads such as pandesal and ensaymada. Dried fishes like dangit and daing. The usual breakfast food like eggs (sunny side up, scrambled, etc), ham and bacon. Soups were served as well. Tons of different drinks (about 5 to 6 kinds of juices, coffee and hot chocolate). Fruits like sweet mango, watermelon, and more. Plus desserts. Plus these and that! Really so much to choose from! Also not to mention that the staff in Coral Cafe are very accommodating and friendly. Not bad for a 549 PhP worth of meal.

View if you decided to grab some snack

As for the bars, what fascinated me, are the sunken bars located on each pool. These sunken bars are literally located in the pool. So you don't have to get out of the pool just to get a drink and some snack. It's actually pretty convenient.

Each pool has its own sunken bar

Let's have a closer look of the sunken bar

Pools and Beach. Henann has these 3 massive pools that you will surely enjoy! One of the pools are located in the middle of the resort's buildings. This is the view that are usually seen on Premier rooms and Direct pool access rooms. While the other 2 pools are located just before you reach the Alona Beach. Each pools has towel stations where you can borrow towels while you swim in the pool or in the beach. So there's no need to bring your own towel or the towel from your room.

Dip in the beach or at the pool?

A piece of heaven on Earth...

My tour guide. Haha

Alona beach is just a few steps away from the resort. In fact Henann is a beach front resort. Also, there are beach umbrellas in the shore of Alona provided by Henann in case you want to stay in the beach watching the sun rise, as it sets or just wanted to get those skin tanned.

Ready to get tanned?

Others. Other amenities you can find at Henann Resort Alona Beach are spa, fitness center with gym, airport transfers, souvenir shop, laundry service, foreign currency exchange, convention/business center, and printer, fax, and photo copying services.

The receiving area

Overall Experience

Henann Resort Alona Beach live up to its name as a luxury hotel with top notch services. Our room was maintained clean everyday by the house keepers, it was well ventilated and the beds have a comfortable bedding. The foods they serve in their cafe tastes great and in wide varieties. We were always full every time we walked out on Coral Cafe which was a nice way to start our mornings. The place is really perfect for vacation. There was even a day where we just actually lay in our room and just enjoy the pools. We really enjoyed our whole 3 nights stay. It was definitely an excellent choice to stay at while in Bohol. 

Breakdown of Expenses:

Room - 6,753.60 PhP per night x 3 nights = 20,260.80 PhP

Breakfast of the 3rd person - 549 PhP each day x 3 days = 1,647 PhP

Extra bed for the 4th person (with breakfast) - 1,500 PhP per night x 3 nights = 4,500 PhP

= a total of 26,407.80 PhP for 3 nights stay (good for 4 pax)

** Room rates may vary over time...

A Review: Panglao Regents Park of Panglao, Bohol

I'm the kind of traveler who is not fond of stay-cation when I'm out and travelling. I would choose to spend my money on discovering islands and islets, trying out new stuff and activities or eat on a fancy restaurant rather than staying on a class hotels with soft beds, great service and lots of amenities. The reason why is because my trips are always jam-packed with activities and I only need a hotel just to get through the night for a sleep. So why would I spend a lot if all I need is a bed? But as for a change, I broke that perception and tried to check-in at Panglao Regents Park during our Bohol trip. And I never regret even a single penny I spent because it was worth the stay.

How to get there?
From the name itself, the hotel is located in Panglao and merely near the Alona Beach. So, if you are coming from Tagbilaran airport you may ride a taxi to take you to Panglao Regents Park. Taxi ride may costs you 600-700 Pesos. Or if you are in a tight budget, you may rent a tricycle which you can haggle for about 300 Pesos. Panglao Regents Park is popular in the area so most of the drivers knows where it is located.

Panglao Regents Park
Panglao Regents Park is situated at Ester A. Lim Drive, Panglao, Bohol. And by its address, this hotel is no beach front. Yet, it is just 7-10 mins walk away from the long shore of Alona beach. Panglao Regents Park is divided into 2 buildings. One is the main building and the other one is what they called the "West Wing". These buildings are just facing each other and both has parking area in front. The evident difference I saw was that, in the main building, aside from the rooms, most of the amenities like bar and restaurant, spa, gym, etc are found there. While in the West Wing, it is mostly just rooms and the reception/lobby. Nevertheless, customers can come and go on both buildings anytime they want.

The main building

The West Wing

The Rooms
We stayed at Panglao Regents Park for 2 days and 2 nights. We were 5 in the group and mixed with men and women, so we decided to get two rooms - (1) Standard Superior Family which is for 3 persons and (1) Deluxe Double which is for 2 persons. Both rooms are located in  the West Wing and can accommodate one additional person with of course additional payment as well. There was a promo being hold when we booked our reservation so we got 40% discount on each room. So instead of 3,000 pesos per night per room (a total of 12000 for 2 rooms for 2 nights), we scored each room for only 1,800 pesos per night (a total of 7200 for 2 rooms for 2 nights).

Pool side room at the Main building

The lobby/reception area

Right after we settled and confirmed in their reception our reservations, we were then assisted directly to our rooms. As for the boys room (family room), my first impression was it is too spacious for 3 or even 4 persons. We estimate the room as it can hold up to 5-6 persons. The room smells pretty even and what's important is that the room is clean, cozy and we really felt and saw that it is well maintained.

Our room has the usual flat screen TV installed with cable channels, coffee maker, a personal refrigerator, inside the cabinet was a vault for safe keeping, personal bathroom with towels (which is being change everyday), liquid soap and shampoo, a phone which connects you to the reception and other rooms, has WI-FI connection (which is fast) and the room was of course air-conditioned. The family room has 1 queen size bed and 1 regular size bed and has a wide empty space. So if you have kids with you, they can actually run around the room while you got to stay in bed and just rest. Another good point of this room is that, it has a lot of power plugs. We had a total of 10 power plugs in the room so we don't have to take turns just to have our gadgets recharged. Nice!

(Photo from Panglao Regents Park site)

(Photo from Panglao Regents Park site)

(Photo from Panglao Regents Park site)

Amenities
Along with a restaurant, Panglao Regents Park has an outdoor pool on both buildings. West Wing pool is open until 6pm while the bigger pool of main building is open until 10pm. The pool in the main building reaches up to 9 feet in deep so fellas who loves to swim will surely enjoy it. You may also chill on their bar in case you want to grab some drinks after a nice swim.

A small pool at West Wing

A much larger pool at the main building

If you ever got tired on your tour at Panglao, you may also want to try their massage services as they have a spa. For health consious Panglao Regents Park also have a fitness center/gym. While, parking is free for all hotel guests. Other amenities include concierge services, dry cleaning and a function hall for conference.

Indulge yourself :)

Overall experience
Yes, our itinerary in Bohol was pretty full and occupied with activities yet above that, I was still able to enjoy and appreciate Panglao Regents Park. We didn't have any issues with their service and all our needs were addressed properly. The hotel is also accessible to other restaurants nearby which gives us a lot of options during meal time and most importantly... Alona Beach is just less than 10 mins walk away. The rooms are clean and we felt safe the whole time we were there. Another thing I like is that, rooms are being serviced/cleaned everyday and same goes with the towels. As they replaced it with new ones. Though the room is pretty spacious, ventilation hasn't became an issue as it was well air-conditioned. The only issue we had is that our television cannot read our external hard drive which contains downloaded movies. Hahaha. Although it was just a minor issue, they still handled and resolved it.

The hallway

I strongly recommend Panglao Regents Park if you are looking for a comfortable and cozy place to stay in while in Panglao, Bohol. It really offers a combination of service, value for money and great location.

Panglao Regents Park

Ester A. Lim Drive, Panglao, Bohol
Land Line: 0063 (38) 5024080 & 0063 (38) 5024081
Globe: 0926-317-8333
Smart: 0939-429-0668
Sun Cellular: 0925-502-4080
Email: panglaoregentspark@gmail.com