The Best Non-Water Activities On Panglao Island For Family Trip
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Don’t miss the non-water activities on Panglao Island during your stay !
Yes, most of us going to the Bohol island or to be specific Panglao Island (& the famous Alona beach) for the water activities like scuba diving, island hopping and marine lives encounter. However, there are a plenty of activities there besides water or beach there you should not miss.
Knowing them in advance is very important for your itinerary planning, especially you are going there with your family. Unfortunately, there are not much information on the internet and that’s why I wrote this post based on my recent visit there.
⛰️ Book Your Bohol Countryside Tour Here ✅
The Full Day Culture Tour
Bohol Countryside tour is a full day tour that includes most of icons in Bohol with cultural significance including Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Conservation, Man-made Forest, Baclayon Church and Blood Compact Shrine.
Why are the non-water activities important?
I have been to Panglao islands twice as a tourist. The first time for my scuba diving license and the second time for a family trip. The island used to be mainly for water activities with a few restaurants, bars and a few message shops. Yet during my second visit, it now looks like a Korean colony with more spa shops, restaurants and even fire shows.
These activities are a very good supplementary options for the water activities. For example, after a 6 hour long Bohol-Oslob whaleshark watching tour. I could be back on the island at around 2pm and enjoy a relaxing massage. Or else if you were on a family trip, the Countryside tour side is also a very good option other than the must-go island hopping tour.
And since most of the water-related tours ends at around 1 or 2 pm. I will show you the top activities that you can do on the island to fill up your itinerary.
1. Indulge in a relaxing massage
After a day of exploration, nothing rejuvenates like a relaxing massage. ASEAN Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos are famous for affordable massage, Philippines is no difference. To me, I had the most relaxing massage on Panglao island which is even better than the one I had during my travel in Maldives.
During my last visit, a basic 60 minute Thai massage on the island costed around 500 PHP (~9 USD). Tiger Foot Spa Massage is the most booked massage shop on the island. The signature tiger oil body massage costs 1,200 PHP (~18 USD) for 60 minutes. You can choose their tailor-made Citrus or Lemongrass flavour oil. Despite being almost double-priced as compared to most of the local massages, this shop is usually fully booked, and you will need to reserve your place in advance via IG. I recharged there at least 3 times during my visit to Bohol.
Most massage shops open at 11 am and close at 10 pm. Having a relaxing massage is the best thing to do after snorkeling or diving in the morning. My favorite one is Gateway spa which is just near Alona beach.
🌊 Book Your Bohol Countryside Tour Here ✅
One Of The Popular Options For Non Water Activities
Other than the massage shops, if you want a full day on non-water actvity. The Bohol Countryside tour is your best choice to have a great family day.
2. Shopping on the Island
Panglao offers a treasure trove of souvenirs from dried mangos, other snacks, soaps and even local craftsmanship. At first I thought it would be more expensive than the supermarkets in Cebu City and thus held the purchase until my ferry back to Cebu. However, later on I found out the souvenir on Bohol not only shares similar price but have a lot more varieties compared to Cebu. You can find a lot of well decorated shops like Monkey Tree near the Alona Beach and there is even an Island Souvenir (a souvenir chain shop in Philippines) there as well.
Shopping on the island is another great option on the island.
3. Catch a fire performance show
As the sun sets over Alona Beach, the central plaza comes alive with mesmerizing fire performance shows. Held daily at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, these displays feature skilled dancers twirling flaming poi and staffs in synchronized routines that blend traditional Filipino folklore with modern flair. The audience area would require entrance fee. However, you can choose to have dinner at nearby restaurant and watching the show for free.
4. Join a Firefly Tour
Bohol island has one of the best firefly experience in the world. The firefly tour departs daily from 6 PM and return at 8:30 PM.for just 200 PHP (~ 3.5 USD) per person. Joining the tour directly with local operator is usually cheaper than booking online which usually costs only 10 UDS. The joined tour will offer transport to Loboc River, then you will join a guided boat ride along the river. It is unfortunate that I don’t have the professional equipment to take the actual picture for you.
But the scene of many fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees with thousands of twinkling stars on the sky is the best memory you can have with your family
5. The countryside on a Tour
The Bohol countryside tour is probably the only full day tour locally that does not require you to get into the water. The tour usually departs around 8 am and return to Panglao around 4:30pm for ~ 10 USD (not including entrance ticket and lunch). It is a very time-saving option given it is hard to locate a Grab driver in Bohol unlike Cebu.
A typical full-day excursion includes stops at the historic Baclayon Church, the iconic Chocolate Hills, the Bilar Manmade Forest, a Loboc River cruise with buffet lunch, and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. These sites showcase Bohol’s blend of history, nature, and wildlife. The chocolate hill is one of the UNESCO tentative site, while the tarsier at the sanctuary is one of the 25 most endangered primates per IUNC.
It is one of the recommended activities for family travel, especially not every family member wants to swim everyday.
🌊 Book Your Bohol Countryside Tour Here ✅
An Ideal Option For Family Trip
The typical Bohol Countryside tour includes Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Conservation, Man-made Forest, Baclayon Church and Blood Compact Shrine. The lunch will be at Loboc River. The typical tour does not include entrance and lunch fee, it is usually cheaper this way than those including all.
6. Enjoy the local cuisines
Bohol’s culinary scene tantalizes with fresh, flavorful dishes. Indulge in lechon (roast pig), tender BBQ skewers, grilled chicken marinated in soy and calamansi, and freshly opened sea urchin (uni) for a briny burst. You can find endless local restaurants and bars offering the these Filipino dishes.
More surprisingly, with the influx of Korean tourists since 2019 after direct flight from Korea to Panglao being available. You can find a lot of great Korean food on the island as well. For example, Gerry’s Grill is one of the most popular local Korean family restaurant offering delicious and affordable dishes.
7. Juice & milk-shake
Given the tropical weather, Bohol is famous for fruits like coconut, green mangos, mangos and papayas. On the island you will find several milk shake shops at the Alona beach and on the pathway near the Mc Donald. A mango milkshare is only around 150 PHP (less than 3 USD). Alternatively, you can also buy fresh mangos at the local market directly to taste this most popular fruit in Philippines.
8. Iced desserts
Other than the milkshake and local fresh fruit, the iced dessert offers another great way to chill yourself up after the exhausting snorkeling or diving. One the way to Alona beach, there are multiple ice-cream, ice lolly and ice flake shops there. Amongst those, my favorite one is the Korean-style mango ice-flake shop near the Seven-Eleven. I still remember the tasty ice I had after the family sardine-run snorkerling tour at Napaling.
9. Have a drink near the bars at the Alona Beach
Panglao’s nightlife pulses at bars near Alona Beach, like Aluna Beach Lounge and Udo’s Bar. Sip cocktails amid ocean breezes, with live music enhancing the vibe. Happy hours offer deals on San Miguel beer or tropical mixes. It is the best way to enjoy the night scene with a local drink. A local near is usually around 3 USD which is very affordable.
10. Walk along Alona Beach
While you may be passing the Alona beach to depart for island hopping, snorkeling or scuba diving tour, you should not miss the beach itself. During the free time, it is a good idea to send a leisurely afternoon at Alona Beach, lounging on white sands and photographing turquoise waters. This relaxing spot is ideal for picnics, reading, or people-watching. Sunsets paint the sky in vibrant hues, perfect for Instagram.
🌊 Book Your Bohol Countryside Tour Here ✅
Don’t miss the non-water activities
Other than snorkeling, scuba diving, marine lives encounter and island hopping. There are a lot of non-water activities for you at Panglao activities. Make sure you don’t miss them !
The Panglao Island is not only for water activities !
Yes it is true that Panglao is best for snorkeling and scuba diving. Yet, it is more than that. The relaxing massage, variety of food, shopping offers and others have made it a comprehensive island for vacation and family enjoyment. It is also the best things to do after a local tour which usually ends around 2pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-water Activities In Panglao Island
What are the best non-water activities for families in Panglao?
Family-friendly options include firefly tours, countryside explorations, and tasting local sweets at farms. These are low-impact and educational.
How much do massages cost in Panglao?
Expect 500-1,000 PHP ($9-18 USD) for a 60-minute session, varying by spa.
Are fire performance shows suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re family-oriented. You are far away from the fire dance even if you pay to have a sit at audience area.
Can I do a countryside tour without a guide?
Yes, in fact even the one booked via Klook is self-guided. The difference is by booking online you save the time for negotiating with local tuk tuk driver and is more reliable.
What milkshake should I try in Bohol?
Mango, Mango and Mango ! If not Mango, then you may try Papaya or Coconut.
Are bars near Alona Beach safe?
Yes, they’re well-lit and popular, but drink responsibly.
What if it rains on the island?
The massage shop and restaurants are the best place to go during raining.
