Panglao, so my mind recalls A morning fresh and new I board a boat at early dawn To island hop her coast of blue

Panglao, so my mind recalls A pod of dolphins in playful chase As they ascend and dive in haste Cutting through the coming waves

Panglao, so my mind recalls caves and underground lakes I swim her waters, clean and crisp And slowly bask, not in haste

Panglao, so my mind recalls Old churches and bee farms around A seafood feast with people close Here happy memories abound

A paradise reimagined Panglao Panglao,

©© Harry Stamper long strip of sandbar, pouncing mellow fishermen: vagabond home-boys

Sit along As you reach Panglao, take some time to sit beneath the ©© Isla Snapshots Choose your island Island hopping is one of the main activities that ©© SinoPinas skies and appreciate its perfect beaches and crystal-clear waters. can be done in Panglao.

Divers’ paradise Go down and see why Panglao is on one of the top diving spots in the country. ©© Tahom Manok A perfect stroll One great way to appreciate the beauty of Panglao ©© Zoom Morales Get physical For those wanting to get more physical, a popular ©© Fernando Perez is by taking a stroll along its fine stretches of sand. activity for tourists is to go kayaking.

32 PwC VisMin’s Philippine Gems 33 Strait Panglao, Bohol Panglao Beach Hinagdanan N Geography and people Cave

Panglao is a 4th municipal income Momo Beach class municipality in the province of Panglao Bohol, Visayas, Philippines. Land area: 5,124 hectares Doljo Beach Tradinational dwellers: Bol-anon Señora de Religion: Primarily Catholic la Asuncion San Isidro Dialect: Boholano Church Beach Panglao Bay ©© Isla Snapshots Points of interest Spanish-era church If you are looking for a place to reflect and pray, make Cebu your way to St. Augustine Church found within the town. Libaong • Señora de la Asuncion Church White • Hinagdanan Cave Beach Alona Beach Bohol • Alona Beach • Doljo Beach City Chocolate Hills Tarsier • Momo Beach Sanctuary Bohol • Panglao Beach Panglao • San Isidro Beach Balicasag • Libaong White Beach Island

Taking the journey Accomodation 1. Plane Take regular flights from Manila to Tagbilaran City (1 hour and 15 minutes) • Bring your own snorkeling gears, sun Food choices 2. Van From Tagbilaran to Panglao (1 to 2 block lotion and rubber sandals. It hours) is advisable to bring an underwater camera in case you want to take selfie Beyond the shores A little miles away from Panglao’s main attractions is its ©© Susan Talampas Sunset The best way to end a day in ©© Francis Tan photos with the dolphins. town proper. paradise is to appreciate its existence while Best time to visit Transportation watching the sun set. • Dolphin watching in Panglao starts Don’t miss as early as 5:00 am until around 6:30 am because they will only go The whole stretch of Alona beach. See how we rate it on page 81. out to feed during this time. • Visiting Virgin Island is advisable in the Building better Panglao afternoon at low tide since it is submerged Explore further under water in the morning while it is high Infrastructure investments such as airport tide. Popular tourists spots such as improvements, road enhancement, and better the Chocolate Hills and a Tarsier public transportation can boost Panglao’s Sanctuary is nearby. What to bring attraction to tourists.

• Be sure to bring comfortable summer clothes as the Contacts temperature in Bohol is quite hot. Bohol Office, +63 (38) 501 9186, [email protected] Hinagdanan Cave One of the most interesting place to visit is the ©© Susan Talampas Hinagdanan cave with its beautiful rock formation, natural light, and underground lake.

34 PwC Philippines VisMin’s Philippine Gems 35