How to get to Panglao and what to expect in Panglao, Bohol?
Across the bridge from Taglibaran, PANGLAO boasts beautiful beaches, first-rate diving and historic Spanish churches. The whole island is enjoying increasing popularity, nowhere more so than Alona Beach, and while there is now a great choice of hotels and restaurants, this also means higher room and food prices. The best quieter stretches of white sand are Bolod Beach, San Isidro Beach, Bikini
Beach and Doljo Beach.
Arrival and information
It’s not hard to find a taxi, van or tricycle at the airport or pier in Tagbilaran to whisk you across the bridge and out to Panglao. If you negotiate a little you won’t pay more than P500 for a taxi to Alona, or P250 for a tricycle. A cheaper but less convenient alternative is to take a bus from the Dao Integrated Terminal to Panglao. To get around the island (and Bohol) you can rent a motorbike in Alona or from your resort from around P400 per day.
Seashine Tours (T038/502-9038) next to the tourist information centre can book all ferry tickets, as well as arrange day-trips around Bohol, van hire, and boat trips (P1500–2500 for a boat for the day).
There’s a BPI ATM next to Jugali’s in Alona, but don’t count on it having cash. There are also plenty of places to change money in Alona – Jad-ski, a small shop on the main road, offers competitive rates.
The only place on Alona Beach which changes travellers’ cheques is the tourist centre (daily 9am–9pm) near the beach opposite the Alona Kew restaurant. It’s really just a glorified shop, but there’s also internet avaible here for P60 per hour.
Many beach resorts and restaurants also have wi-fi for customers. Laundry can be done at Dada’s, next to the tourist information centre. In case of any trouble, head for the tourist assistance centre, opposite Rona’s Corner.
Accommodation
Hotel prices have gone skywards in Alona, and there are hardly any budget options actually on the beach, but if you don’t mind a short walk to the sea, there are still a few cheapies out there. For those who prefer to be away from the buzz at Alona, there are some fantastic resorts dotted around Panglao, although most are in the mid-range to high price bracket.
No comments:
Post a Comment