Half-Day Panglao Island Tour
This Panglao tour takes you to an exciting and fun tour around the island of Panglao, where some of the world’s best beaches are located. We’ll take you to the famous Hinagdanan Cave with its beautiful scenery and the Bohol Bee Farm where you can enjoy organic and natural food.(have some ice cream) You will also get to visit the churches in the municipalities of Dauis and Panglao. You will visit also the Shell Museum and lastly, we will take you to Alona Beach which is home to some of the best resorts in the island.
The tour might be done for just a half-day tour or wholeday tour.. ( may be you will enjoy swimming in the beach or in the cave.. just make sure you bring extra shirt or cloths ).. Have fun and enjoy the tour.. be ready of your camera... enjoy!
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Hinagdanan Cave, Bingag, Dauis Philippines
The Hinagdanan Cave, meaning “Laddered” in Cebuano, is one of the many wondrous caves in the island province of Bohol.
The cave was accidentally discovered by a farmer; while clearing his land he found 2 holes, curious, he dropped a stone and heard a splash. He built a ladder “hagdan” and was able to access the cave and find its hidden beauty, thus the origin of the name Hinagdanan.
Aside from its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Hinagdanan also holds a bit of history from the Second World War. The cave was once used as a hideout by the locals to escape from the Japanese Imperial army, but unfortunately they were still found.
The cave’s entrance, which leads to a cavern that is less than a hundred meters long, can only be entered one at a time. The slimy and smooth friction on the walkway is caused by the cave’s natural water droplets.
Hinagdanan is a karst cave which means it is made of limestones. Boasting several stalactite and stalagmite formations parallel to each other and a fresh water lagoon that is about 10 to 12 meters deep.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Alona Beach, Philippines
The Alona Beach is one of the most famous tourist spots in Bohol province, Philippines, because of its white sand and the rocky cliffs. The beach is located near a "house" reef, where corals and colorful fishes can be seen even without diving equipment. It is a popular scuba-diving and snorkeling spot.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Our Lady of Assumption Church, Dauis-Panglao Road Philippines
The town of Dauis is located in the Island of Panglao, on the side facing Tagbilaran City. Panglao Island nestles closely to the main province of Bohol and is connected to the mainland by two causeways. Located 3.1 kilometers southwest of Tagbilaran, the Dauis Church is visible across the narrow channel from Tagbilaran and can be reached by hiking through a pleasant path, or by riding a motor bike or car. Passenger jeepneys and mini-buses ply the Tagbilaran-Panglao route through three directions; a tourist may simply ask at the terminal as to which ride passes thru Dauis town.
The church occupies a strip of land on the shore of Panglao Island opposite Tagbilaran City. One of the most beautiful churches of Bohol, one gets an excellent view of the church and convento from the Mansasa seaside as one travels from Tagbilaran to Baclayon. The approach from the Gov. Jacinto Borja Bridge also gives an impressive view of this church.
Even before the Spaniards arrived, Dauis was already well-populated as shown by early Chinese artifacts retrieved in the area in the 1970’s. The first Spanish missionaries arrived in Dauis in 1697. According to Javellana, after 1753, the Jesuits moved their main residence from Loboc, in the interior of Bohol, to Dauis by the seashore.
On 1768, the Jesuits were expelled from the Philippines and all Jesuit missions were turned over to Augustinian Recollects. The Recollects administered the Dauis church until1898 when the Filipinos revolted against the Spaniards.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: St Augustine's Church Provinicial Road Panglao Island, Bohol, Visayas, 6340 Philippines
he church of St. Augustine stands on the southwestern side of Panglao Island, and is 18 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the capital of the province of Bohol. It snugly nestles on a plain, its back close to the seashore, its right side facing a big, wide plaza which serves as the venue of the town’s many religious and social activities. In addition to the massive stone church which is clearly of Spanish-time vintage, one can see across the spacious plaza other landmarks of Spain’s occupation: the watch tower, said to be the tallest of its kind in the Philippines, and the old municipal building and school houses made of huge stone blocks.
The church can be reached from Tagbilaran City by vans and cars, or the cheaper way by the jeepneys and mini-buses that ply the Tagbilaran – Panglao routes. All three routes to Panglao from the capital converge in the area where the St. Augustine Church stands.
In the records of the diocese, Panglao was established as a parish by the Jesuits in 1782. The Recollects’ records show that they took charge of Panglao town in 1803.
The extant church, imposing and awe-inspiring especially if viewed from its right side, stands beside the ruins of an older church, probably from Jesuit times. The ruin’s façade indicate that it may have been Baroque in design. This church was ruined before 1886. Church records show that a provisional church, made of tabigue and wood, was constructed.
To the rear of the ruins, further off to the seashore, stands a 5-storey bell tower built of cut stone in 1851. Octagon in shape and covered by a pitched roof, the tower is said to be the tallest of its kind in the Philippines. This tower as a heritage of the past needs urgent restoration.
Rev. Fr. Valentin Utande, a Recollect, started building this church in 1894 up to 1897 when he was transferred to another parish. Two other Spanish priests, Rev. Fr. Eugenio Gil and Rev. Fr. Pedro Jimenez continued the construction slowly until 1898 when the Filipino revolution against Spanish authority broke out. The construction was abandoned as there were no more Spanish priests assigned in Panglao.
In 1912, Rev. Fr. Emiliano Veloso was assigned parish priest and he continued the construction with the whole-hearted cooperation of the church leaders, town officials, and residents of Panglao. A greater part of the nave was done in 1920, and by 1924, even if still unfinished, a 4-day inauguration affair was scheduled, with Bishop Juan B. Gorordo of Cebu celebrating the Inaugural Mass and Blessing on Sunday, August 31, 1924.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Nova Shells Museum, Poblacion Proper Philippines
Aside from starfishes and seaweeds, mollusks are among the most common sights in the sea floor all over the world. With its unpolluted waters and teeming marine ecosystem, Philippines offers a wide varieties of these fascinating species, especially in the Bohol, particularly in Panglao Island.
Instead of diving into the depths for some exotic shells, clams and other mollusk, why not tour around in one-of-a-kind Shell Museum with more than a hundred varieties of seashells and be amazed by its diversity- For nature lovers, marine biologists and aficionados, a stop-over in Nova Shell Museum is a must.
Nova Shell Museum is run and owned by Mr. Quirino Hora. Mr. Hora has been studying these delicate creatures for almost half his life and collecting mollusks of all sorts is his passion. It all started when his elder brother introduced him to the mysteries of the sea.
Since then, as Quirino admitted, he has become a compulsive collector of shells. His passion has infected many and his enthusiasm has driven others to do the same. The mere hobby has converted into a successful business, providing source of income for the family and employment opportunities to the local community.
He proudly displays his collections for everyone to see. More than half of his shells were collected in the Philippines upon his expeditions to other islands. But according to some scientists who happened to came on Bohol, Panglao Island probably has the biggest variety of shells in the South Pacific. This alone could put Panglao Island on the collector’s map.
You really can’t stop yourself from admiring the beauty of each shells and its number. With more than a hundred species, Mr. Hora has its share of common to unclassified shells in the Mollusk world. There are shells that could never be seen anywhere in the world but in the museum alone and there are also shells that were never been classified. And Mr. Hora proudly owned them.
Among his collections, the rarest was found at the waters of Balicasag Island and named after Emperor Hirohito of Japan. It is so tiny that you have to use a microscope to marvel its full beauty. There are cowry shells which have special significance for Aona Beach because they were found by Jacques Trotin, a French Scuba diver.
But the most-prized possessions are the two shells named after Mr. Hora himself. The first was discovered in 1987 and named “Bursa Quirihorai”. The other was christened “Primovula Horai” upon its discovery in 1994. Both these shells were found in the waters of Panglao. It is such great honor to have your name remembered in the World of Shells.
Aside from his small museum, Mr. Quirino Hora has gift shop wherein you can find crafts, intricately designed with shells like key chains, necklaces, lamps, hanging shell designs, bracelets and wind chimes. He also supplies the locals with necklaces and bracelets for them to earn a living.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bohol Bee Farm, Dao, Dauis, Bohol, Philippines
The Bohol Bee Farm is a very cozy and relaxing place on Panglao island. Owner and Chef Vicky Wallace prepares delicious meals from organically-grown vegetables on her farm--from squash muffins, vegetable lasagna to her specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild berries. She rents her chalet-styled home to guests who want to enjoy the peace and serenity of having the entire farm to themselves...
This is certainly a place apart: not only is it a wonderful relaxing place for visitors, it also tries to contribute to the local community and the environment. From the value statement on their website:
Everything we do at Bohol Bee Farm is geared towards encouraging and inspiring our farmers to practice Organic farming. They don't need to spend for costly conventional fertilizers, nor use harmful pesticides in their farms. Basic composting and companion planting are alternatives we offer in their stead.
We also introduce and teach them different livelihood activities they can pursue in tandem with farming, and assist them in marketing their products to make such activities sustainable. We highly value the principle of giving back to our communities, and to society, in general, the benefits we derived from it. After all, our one true gift to ourselves, and ultimately to others, lies not in what we have accumulated for our own, but how much of it we shared with them.
Furthermore, we ardently support an agricultural development that leads to healthier soils and diverse agricultural ecosystems, conditions that help promote a better environment. One that we hope would be populated by a happier and healthier people.
Duration: 30 minutes
Informacion Adicional
"Please inform if you have allergy to any food"
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Children must be accompanied by an adult"
"Please wear comfortable walking shoes"
"Most travelers can participate"
"Please be a responsible traveler as this moment we are in a pandemic situation. Big changes in travel is being implemented.. but we find more effort to give the best tour and to avail the packages as long it is open. So further message if things you need to clarify and suggest."
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Duración: 4 To 12 Hours
Lugar de comienzo: Traveler pickup is offered
If you have a suggested place for pick up please inform the office for us to arrange you a vehicle for pick up.
Airports- Tagbilaran Airport, 6 Airport Road, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol, Philippines
Ports
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.