When people talk about Bohol, they usually think of the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, or maybe the Loboc River — but for beach lovers like me, it's Panglao Island that really steals the show. And of course, at the center of all the hype is Alona Beach.
The first time I visited Panglao in 2014, I stayed at Dumaluan Beach Resort. Honestly? I thought it was a little too quiet for my taste. I had imagined Alona Beach would be livelier and more exciting — the place to be. So in 2016, when I had the chance to return, I made sure to book a hotel closer to Alona. But fate had other plans — I found a huge discount at Bellevue Resort, located on Doljo Beach. It was too beautiful to pass up… and it became one of my most memorable hotel stays ever.
But I still couldn’t get Alona out of my mind — so I asked our guide to drop us off there.
🏝️ My Honest Take on Alona Beach
To be completely honest… I didn’t like Alona Beach as much as I expected to.
Yes, the sand is fine and the water is stunning, but the shoreline is narrow, and the whole place felt overcrowded and overdeveloped. There were even bits of garbage on the sand, which made me a bit sad considering how beautiful the beach is supposed to be.
In comparison, Dumaluan Beach — the one I brushed off on my first visit — turned out to be more peaceful, cleaner, and far more enjoyable, especially for families or travelers looking for relaxation over nightlife.
So yes, Alona has the buzz and energy… but if you’re after space, silence, and swaying coconut trees, there are better beaches on Panglao Island.
🏖️ More Panglao Beaches Worth Exploring
Here are a few beaches in Panglao you might want to check out:
- 🌊 Doljo Beach – Where I stayed at Bellevue Resort. Very peaceful, upscale, and perfect for sunsets.
- 🌿 Momo Beach – Quiet and great for snorkeling. Feels untouched.
- 🐚 White Beach – As dreamy as its name.
- 🌅 Bikini Beach – Small, scenic, and less crowded.
- 🌴 San Isidro Beach – A good local spot.
- 🛶 Batya Beach – Hidden gem vibes.
🌃 Alona Beach Nightlife (If That’s Your Thing)
If you're into nightlife, Alona has bars, restaurants, fire dancers, and live music everywhere. There’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and party — from sunset happy hours to midnight snacks. Some spots like Lost Horizon Beach Dive Resort even serve burgers late into the night and host bands till 3–5 AM.
For party-goers, Alona won’t disappoint. For quiet souls like me, though? It can feel a little too much.
🛵 Touring Panglao by Motorbike – Highly Recommended!
Panglao has mostly new roads and very little traffic — it’s perfect for motorbike adventures. I recommend Bohol Motorcycle Rentals for a reliable ride. We cruised from beach to beach, stopped at hidden viewpoints, and even passed by tiny local cafes. This was honestly the best way to see the island.
🌟 What Makes Bohol So Special
Beyond the beaches, Bohol has a lot to offer:
- 🐒 The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
- 🍫 The iconic Chocolate Hills
- ⛵ Island hopping from Panglao to Pamilacan, Balicasag & Virgin Island
- 🛶 Loboc River cruises
- 🕍 Centuries-old churches like Baclayon Church
- 💧 Hidden springs, caves, and crystal-clear rivers
Whether you’re staying in Alona, Doljo, or even the main island, you’re never too far from adventure.
🧳 Is Alona Beach Worth Visiting?
✔️ Yes, if you’re looking for
energy, nightlife, and quick access to dive shops
❌
Maybe not, if you want a quiet, clean beach without the crowds
For me, it was a great stop to experience — but not the kind of beach I’d return to for peace and quiet. I much prefer the seclusion of Doljo or the cleaner sands of Dumaluan. Still, I’m glad I got to see Alona Beach for myself — now I know where I really want to stay next time. 😉
📌 2025 Travel Tip:
Visit early in the morning or just before sunset for fewer crowds and better light. Also, off-season hotel promos can cut your costs by up to 50% — perfect if you're watching your budget!
💬 Been to Panglao or Alona Beach? Let me know your favorite beach in Bohol! Drop a comment below or message me if you need help planning — I’d be happy to share more tips and sample itineraries.
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