Panglao Travel Guide, Philippines

Panglao, Philippines – Overview: The bio-diverse island

Situated in Visayas is the city of Panglao, which surrounds the cities of Cebu and Bohol. In the earlier centuries, the city was very famous amongst the Indonesian and Chinese traders. At present, it is the most beautiful destination in the country and attracts a large number of tourists to its natural flora and fauna. The city has been divided into ten barangays. The Balicasag Island located on the east of Panglao is well known for its diving spots and coral reefs.

Geography

The Panglao terrain is totally uneven and varies in its variety from plain to mountainous. The salt composition consists of soft limestone, which is also soluble and thereby led to halt the progress of airport construction. The most interesting part is the Hinagdanan Cave with water flowing underground. Due to the absence of any lakes or rivers, the cave is the only source of water for the entire island.

Thousands of varieties of mollusks and crustaceans are abundant in this island. It is for this reason that the island has some of the biggest biodiversity projects.

Festivals

Besides the natural beauty of reefs and floras, the second big thing which attracts tourists to this place are its colorful festivals. They are celebrated round the year and one almost follows the other. The Bohol Sandugo festival is celebrated in memory of the bloody war between the Spanish and the local chief. It showcases both the culture and history of the city.

The Tagbilaran city fiesta, which is celebrated on May 1 every year, is a month long festival and activities include sports, agricultural fair and street dancing. To add, there is Bolibong Kingking, celebrated on the 3rd week of May. The traditions and folklore of the town are celebrated during this 2-day extravaganza. Panad sa loboc, Sambat Mascara Regatta, Suroy Sa Musikero and Ubi Festival are are also amongst the popular festivals in the city.

Transportation

Panglao is very well connected by air and roadways. There are daily flights from Manila and Cebu. Ferry services are also very frequent and connect it with the nearby cities. Apart from these, bus services are also there both in and outside the city. And more! Rented motorcycles, taxicabs and tricycles are also in the list.

Panglao has a gifted beauty of nature, tradition and cultural heritage and it has been trying hard to maintain them with pride and honor.