Alona Beach

Alona Beach is a tropical getaway attracting tourists around the world due to its natural beauty, recreational activities, and accessibility to other attractions in Bohol.

OVERVIEW MAP NEED TO KNOW STAY TIPS & HACKS GALLERY NEARBY

OVERVIEW

Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol

The province of Bohol is known all over the Philippines because of Chocolate Hills, the seemingly endless dome-shaped formations covering an area of more than 50 km². But Bohol is not just about these grass-covered hills that turn chocolate brown during summer. The province boasts of other natural attractions which are equally worth visiting and are fast becoming popular destinations among local and foreign tourists alike.

Alona Beach in Panglao Island is one of them! It has become so popular that many restaurants, resorts, hotels, and other businesses line the 1.5-kilometer stretch of this white sand beach to accommodate tourists throughout the year.

The beach is a jumpoff point to Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island, both popular diving spots in the country. There are also diving centers in the area where tourists can learn and get certification.

As of this writing (2023), the beach has been trying to get back on its feet after Typhoon Odette (Super Typhoon Rai) devastated Panglao Island and many areas in the Philippines in December 2021.

Fast Facts

Beach:

Alona Beach

Address:

Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Panglao Island, Bohol 6340

Website:

None

Phone:

None

Hours:

Always Open

Closed:

None

Best Time to Visit:

April to May

Food & Drink:

FREE WiFi:

Cost:

Cost per Person: 0

Payment Type:

Cash

Fees:

Entrance to the beach is free.

P150 – Mask and snorkel rental
P650 – P2250 – Panglao Island hopping and dolphin watching (Per person depending on the number of persons in the group. Fee includes entrance fees.)
P1034 – P2310 – Panglao Island hopping and dolphin watching with snorkeling (Per person depending on the number of persons in the group. Fee includes entrance fees.)
P3000 – Boat rental (regular boat – for 1-4 persons)
P3500 – Boat rental (medium boat – for 5-9 persons)
P4000 – Boat rental (large boat – for 10-12 persons)

Notes:

While the beach is dotted with various businesses, there is no full shopping mall in the area.
There are a few ATMs in the area but they are not online at all times. It is best to bring enough cash.
Money changers are not a problem in Panglao but you can find better rates in nearby Tagbilaran City.
Rentals and tours are offered by private individuals or companies, not managed by the government.

MAP

This beach is located on Panglao Island near Tagbilaran City.

NEED TO KNOW

How to Get to Alona Beach?

By Air

Step 1. Domestic Flights
Book a flight to Bohol. Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines have multiple direct flights everyday from Manila to Bohol. Direct flights from Davao to Bohol are offered by both airlines three times a week.

Step 2. Bohol-Panglao International Airport to Alona Beach
Alona Beach is just a short drive away from Bohol-Panglao International Airport. The easiest way to get to Alona Beach is to head outside the airport and take a bus bound for Alona Beach. Fare is not less than P50 ($1 USD) and the bus will drop you off at Alona Beach Market. From there, you can either walk or ride a tricycle to your hotel/resort. Tricycle fare is also P50 ($1 USD).

Another option is to take a taxi or minivan to Alona Beach. You can find one in the airport or book in advance via Klook. One way trip will cost you around P500 ($10 USD).

By Sea

Step 1. Ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran
Bohol Island has various points of entry. The most popular is the Tagbilaran Port in Tagbilaran City. Ocean Jet, Super Cat, and Lite Ferries have ferries sailing to Tagbilaran Port from Cebu multiple times a day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Travel time is around two hours and the fare ranges from P800 to P1200 depending on the accommodation/seat type.

Alternatively, you can also take a ferry to Tubigon Port which is nearer to Cebu Port than Tagbilaran Port. Fast Cat, Weesam, Lite Ferries, and MV StarCraft have ferries sailing to Tubigon Port multiple times a day from 1:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Travel time is approximately one hour and the fare ranges from P240 to P650.

Other seaports in Bohol include Talibon, Ubay, and Jagna.

Step 2. From Tagbilaran City
From any point in Tagbilaran City, you can hail a tricycle and negotiate a direct trip to your hotel in Panglao. The cost of a one way tricycle ride is not less than P300.

If you are on a budget or want more experience of island life, take a tricycle to Dao bus terminal where you will find a bus or jeepney bound for Panglao Island. The fare is P70 and travel time is approximately less than an hour.

From Tubigon Port
Tubigon is located on the northwest part of Bohol and is farther from Alona Beach which is located on the southwest side. However, if you plan on a road trip and pass by Chocolate Hills, you may consider taking this route.

From Tubigon Port, take a tricycle to the bus terminal where you can ride a bus bound for Tagbilaran City. A bus leaves Tubigon every hour from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Fare is P100 and travel time is more than an hour. The bus will take you straight to Dao Bus Terminal where you can find a bus or jeepney bound for Panglao Island.