Why Our Trip to Panglao Island Was the Best Thing We Did All Year (and Why You Should Go Too)

May 7, 2022 - Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

Let’s be real: organizing a vacation for a mix of family and friends is basically like herding cats. Loud, fun, unpredictable cats. But somehow, against all odds, we pulled it off — and what happened was one of the most memorable, laugh-out-loud, sun-soaked experiences of our lives.

Where? Panglao Island, Bohol.
When? Not long enough.
Who? The dream team — cousins, titos, titas, BFFs, kids, and that one friend who treats karaoke like an Olympic sport.

Here’s what made this trip epic from start to finish.

Island Life Starts Now

From the second we touched down in Bohol, we knew this wasn't just another vacation. Gone were the traffic jams and work emails. In their place? Swaying palm trees, a salty breeze, and the soundtrack of waves crashing somewhere nearby.

We rolled into our resort at Alona Beach, and let me tell you — Google Photos did NOT do it justice. White sand so fine it squeaked under your feet, and water so clear it looked like glass. Within ten minutes, someone ordered a coconut drink, two people were waist-deep in the sea, and the rest were already planning tomorrow’s outfits.

Ocean Adventures: Turtles, Sandbars, and Salty Surprises

The next morning, we woke up before the sun (a miracle) and headed out for an island-hopping tour that turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.

First stop: Balicasag Island.
Snorkeling here was like diving into a postcard. We swam alongside sea turtles like we were in a nature doc. Corals were everywhere, and the water was so clear we could see the fish judging us as we struggled with our snorkels.

Next: the magical Virgin Island, famous for its sandbar that appears at low tide. We waded out, took way too many group selfies, and ate fresh sea urchins and scallops from local vendors right on the sand. Reactions ranged from “Yum!” to “I think it’s looking at me,” but everyone had a blast.

Chocolate Hills & Floating Feasts

Of course, we couldn’t leave Bohol without hitting the iconic Chocolate Hills. Hundreds of grass-covered mounds stretching across the landscape — it looked like a scene from another planet. We climbed to the viewing deck, took our mandatory jump shots, and debated whether they looked more like kisses or muffins. (The jury's still out.)

Next was the Tarsier Sanctuary, where we met the tiniest, most wide-eyed primates we’ve ever seen. The kids fell in love. The adults did too, but pretended they were just “appreciating the conservation efforts.”

Lunch? A full-on buffet on a floating restaurant down the Loboc River. Grilled fish, lechon, pancit, rice, desserts — we went all in while a live acoustic duo played OPM classics. By the second chorus of “Bakit Pa?”, two titas were singing along, and our guitar-wielding uncle was on stage. The vibe? Pure joy.

Poolside Nights: Beer, Karaoke & Unfiltered Fun

After a long day of adventuring, there’s only one right way to end it: pool bar, beers, and absolute chaos (the good kind).

We lounged in the water, beers in hand, trading stories and laughter under the warm night sky. The kids splashed nearby, the speakers played our old playlist.

Phones were down. Work talk was gone. All that remained was laughter, stories, and the kind of bonding you can’t plan — only feel.

What We Took Home (Besides Souvenirs)

On our last morning, we walked the beach quietly, letting the salty air fill our lungs one last time. No one wanted to leave. We had new inside jokes, way too many photos, and that rare feeling you only get from traveling with people you truly love.

Panglao didn’t just give us beaches and adventures — it gave us connection. The kind that sticks long after the tan lines fade.

Thinking of Going? Do It.

If you’re dreaming of a place where you can snorkel with sea turtles in the morning, eat seafood on a sandbar at noon, and sing your heart out by the pool at night, Panglao Island is calling.

Bring your family. Bring your barkada. Bring your appetite and your best playlist. And prepare to make memories you’ll still be laughing about years from now.

Just one warning: you’ll definitely want to go back.

By: Meme Borja