Panglao

Panglao is the southernmost town of Bohol. It is one of the 2 towns on Panglao Island, the other being Dauis. It is of historical significance in that it was the place where the Spaniards went after an unfortunate experience in Cebu. It is said that the Spanish explorers who came to this island in 1803 named it Panglao after the world ‘mapanglao’, meaning ‘lonesome place’. It is also one of the oldest towns of Bohol. It had a population of 6,543 in 1879.

Top things to do in Panglao

Visit St. Augustine Parish Church and Panglao Watchtower

A baroque-style church near the sea and the Panglao Watchtower, the St. Augustine Parish Church was declared National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and Panglao Watchtower.

Island Hopping

Take a boat tour to explore the beautiful islands around Panglao, such as Balicasag Island and Virgin Island. You can swim, snorkel, and dive to see the colorful marine life, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Enjoy the White Sand Beaches

White Beaches line along the coastline part of the town. The Dumaluan Beach, Alona Beach, Doljo Beach, Libaong Beach and many other beaches in the town.

Visit the Nova Shell Museum

The Nova Shell Museum in Panglao, Bohol has one of the world’s biggest seashell collections. According to scientists, the island of Panglao has the biggest variety of shells in the South Pacific area, numbering to more than a hundred. Many of these shells form a big part of the museum’s collection.