Sunday, June 8, 2008

Alona Beach and Virgin Island

At first glance, Alona Beach is like mini Boracay... the long stretchy coral beach and the side-by-side resorts and restaurants...Though the main difference is that Bora has the paraws while Panglao has the white boats scattering in the whole beach front...

Honestly speaking, don't expect much that its sand is as fine and as white as Bora's. Nevertheless, this is still a fine beach getaway which can give you a little privacy compared to what you can get in Aklan's little island.

Alona Beach maybe the most famous beach in Panglao or even in the whole Bohol Island but there are more beaches with private resorts in other parts of the Islands but most resorts and action happen here. So, if you are with your friends, wants to mingle with other tourists, want to enjoy the beach straight from your room without getting into a motorbike, the best location is Alona Beach.

I had a great time while I was there. The beach, the people, the food, the marine sanctuaries, the motorbike rides, and a lot more...First day, we were so tired that I just slept the whole afternoon and went out at night...what a waste of time, ayt?, but you can't blame me as I just got back from a chaotic busy week before the trip...

The next day, I continued being bum by having my massage on the beach that costs only Php250 and Mary the therapist is kind and good in her field. I recommend Mary. Yes, I do.

On the third day, that's when a lot of activities happen... We went dolphin watching, snorkeling in Balicasag Island, and a tour to Virgin Island with it's spectacular sandbar that can only be seen during low tide. Island Hopping cost us only Php1,500 including the snorkels as there were only 2 of us. I recommend Abeth as he is nice and he can give you a good deal compared to other guides. If you are planning to go island hopping, you just ask for him and he also gives country tours worth Php1,800 to Php2,500.

When I was in Virgin Island, I felt total exclusivity. It seems like the whole island is yours and you can hang your hammock anywhere you fancy and just chill...chill...chill...
I wish I had a bit more time but we have to keep on moving as we need to go and see the countryside as well.

Hope you can put Panglao as your next destination to go...

Location: Alona Beach is located in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.


Getting There:
If you are from Manila, you can get a plane to Tagbilaran, Bohol airport. Once there, it takes another 20 minutes from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island. You can arrange a pick-up from your hotel that costs around Php600 or take a taxi on your own that costs around Php300-Php400.
If you are coming from Cebu, you can take fast jets like Ocean Jet, SuperCat, or Weesam Express. This costs around Php400-P570 and they have seasonal promotions. Travel time takes about 2 hours.

Where to Stay?:Accommodations ranges from Php1,500 to Php25,000 depending on the resort that you will be staying. A popular midrange resort is Alona Kew White Beach. You may also have the option to check the resorts once you are there so that you can choose what fits for you as some good-priced resorts are not listed on the web.


Where to Eat?:It will be easy for you to check the restaurants at night that during daytime. If you are looking for a place to have your breakfast or lunch, it will be either, you check the resorts' restos or the carinderias. Anyways, food is not too pricey and fish is always fresh.





I will definitely come back here again...

Read More: Behold, Bohol

0 comments:

 
blog template by suckmylolly.com : header image by Vlad Studio