When you talk about the tropical island life – the bright sun, the bluest blue of the salty sea, the white sand, a comfortable hammock, an abundance of coconut trees… Then you’re talking about Panglao. A tropical green island paradise in Central Philippines, Panglao is anybody’s dream destination. And it definitely does not disappoint. There many activities and adventures to discover in this remarkable island, and here are our top picks:
Things to do in Panglao!
Things to do – our #1 tip: Freediving in Panglao!
Of course, our #1 tip is to Freedive in the Philippines, but it’s not for no reason. Panglao has been dubbed as Asia’s Freedive Capital, so whether you are new to freediving, or regard it as your passion, you shouldn’t miss out on experiencing the underwater life that the island has to offer. The Freedive Academy Panglao offers a variety of freediving courses: from the basic freediving course for newbies to a more intensive freedive training, and even SSI freedive instructor training of all possible levels. Of course, it helps that Panglao is one of the best spots in the world to learn freediving and enjoy nature. The dive conditions and rich biodiversity underwater will make you want to return to Panglao and freedive all the more!
This is how it is to do a Freediving course with us!
We teach freediving and swim teacher courses the following languages. Please contact us to see if your course can be taught in your language.
Want to Learn More About Freediving or Start Yourself?
Send us a message via the following form, and our team will reply within a few hours.
At the same time, we’ll subscribe you to the Freedive Academy iMagazine, and every two weeks, we’ll send you an email with news and schedules for courses and online (free) events that everyone can join.
Freediving is an incredible sport, and it’s amazing what the human body can do. Message us today and submerge yourself in a beautiful world in one breath!
Fill in the form now – no strings. We have a great team of people who are all more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Things to do – our #2 tip: See the Sights and Sounds of Panglao Island
Get to know Panglao more by booking a tour around the island. The locals already have prepared itineraries for a whole day trip on the island, stopping at notable landmarks and favourite tourist spots. During your tour, visit the Dauis Church and its miracle well, learn about organic farming and check out the goodies at the Bohol Bee Farm, and appreciate the lagoon, the stalactites, and stalagmites at the Hinagdanan Cave. So hop on a rented van and get to know Panglao better!
Things to do – our #3 tip: Go Island Hopping and Commune with Nature
As with the Panglao Island Tours, there are set itineraries to go island hopping in the area. There is no better start to an early day than by hopping on a boat and being on the lookout for dolphins. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of them happily swimming in the wild. Afterwards, you are off to discover the rich marine life in the Balicasag shores. Seeing corals, fishes, and sea turtles will surely make your trip well worth it. Another stop is Bohol’s Virgin island. Already rich with marine life, the island also has a picturesque beach – perfect for lazing around and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life. So go on and waste no time – explore what nature has to offer in Panglao!
Things to do – our #4 tip: Soak up the Sun at Alona Beach
Set some time to do absolutely nothing and soak up the sun at Alona Beach. The white sand, the calming waves, and the sun will surely make your day. And whether you decide to take a dip or just spend the day sunbathing, Alona has it all for you. It has a lot of beachside restaurants where you can order your lunch and eat seafood right off the grill. If you’re feeling quite adventurous, locals also offer beachside massages at a fairly cheap price – definitely a one-of-a-kind experience! Swing by Alona beach and spend a whole relaxing day right by the shore!
Want to Learn More About Freediving or Start Yourself?
Send us a message via the following form, and our team will reply within a few hours.
At the same time, we’ll subscribe you to the Freedive Academy iMagazine, and every two weeks, we’ll send you an email with news and schedules for courses and online (free) events that everyone can join.
Freediving is an incredible sport, and it’s amazing what the human body can do. Message us today and submerge yourself in a beautiful world in one breath!
Fill in the form now – no strings. We have a great team of people who are all more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
It’s More Fun in the Philippines!
Things to do in Bohol and the Philippines!
Since you’re already in the country with more than 7,000 unique islands to discover, you might as well make the most out of it! From Panglao, you can branch out to the neighbouring islands and provinces and experience the best the Philippines has to offer.
Things to do – our #5 tip: Discover the Treasures of Bohol
Book the Bohol countryside tour to discover the unique treasures of Bohol. The number one attraction on this tour is the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Appreciate these many brown hills from the best vantage points and hear the legend of the hill origins right from the locals. You can also visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and observe the tarsiers – tiny, unique creatures that are the world’s smallest primates and also considered a symbol of Bohol. The tour will also take you to the Loboc River cruise where the locals will serenade you as you eat your lunch and appreciate the lively river scene. There are indeed many sights and sounds in the neighbouring island of Bohol, and this is only the start of discovering the rest of the Philippines.
Things to do – our #6 tip: Experience the Filipino Fiesta!
A fiesta is a big Filipino festival. Parades, street parties, and of course, a lot of food can be found in fiestas. These celebrations happen all-year-round in the islands, and they are the best ways to immerse in the culture and meet like-minded travellers.
Here are some fiestas that you shouldn’t miss:
The Ati-Atihan Festival held every January in honor of the Sto. Nino in the province of Aklan
The Sinulog Festival, also for the Sto. Nino, is held in the Visayan province of Cebu
The Panagbenga Festival celebrates the season of blooms in Baguio City, Northern Luzon, in the month of February
The MassKara Festival, the festival of masks, is held in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, every October
Things to do – our #7 tip: Try out Filipino Food
Many consider Filipino food as the up and coming star of the culinary universe. While you’re in the islands, why don’t you give it a go? Make sure you have a liking for rice, and then try it with the different traditional ulam or viands. From the staple adobo to the comforting sinigang (sour stew) to the more adventurous dinuguan (blood stew), you might just meet your favourite Filipino dish. The country also offers a variety of snacks or meriendas and desserts (this includes the famous halo-halo!) to choose from. Just make sure to try it, and have a taste of Filipino culture.
From bustling cities to the simple countryside, from the highest mountains to the flattest plains, from the deepest seas to most peaceful beaches – the Philippines has indeed so much to offer. Come visit and let its natural beauty, unique culture, and warm people surprise you. 🙂