Panglao Island: A Story of Sunburns, Sea Turtles & Singing Like No One’s Watching

May 7, 2022 - Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

This is the story of how our family and friends went on vacation... and turned a quiet island getaway into a full-blown rom-com-meets-survivor-reunion

Destination? Panglao Island, Bohol.
Mood? Chaotic good.

Let me take you through it — the laughs, the sand, the questionable karaoke choices, and yes, the sea creatures who now know our faces.

Day 1: We Landed, We Conquered… the Buffet

We arrived at Alona Beach looking like a travel agency ad — sunglasses on, phones out, luggage rolling over our toes. The second we saw the ocean, everyone forgot about check-in. Some jumped into the water fully clothed. Others started posing like they were being paid. (They were not.)

The resort staff probably thought we were a flash mob. We were just excited, okay?

Day 2: Snorkels, Sunburns, and Scream-Laughing Underwater

Island hopping began early. Like too-early-for-breakfast early. But once we got on that boat, it was game on.

At Balicasag Island, we snorkeled with sea turtles (!!!), floated over coral gardens, and freaked out when a fish swam too close. Someone forgot how to use a snorkel and just yelled, “I’m drowning in happiness!” underwater. Classic.

Then we hit Virgin Island, aka the sandbar of dreams. It felt like walking on water. We ate fresh scallops straight from a boat, took way too many jump shots, and tried to be aesthetic. The wind had other plans for our hair.

Day 3: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & Loboc River

We decided to be cultural and explored Bohol’s inland gems.

We climbed up to the Chocolate Hills viewpoint and debated whether they looked like muffins or alien eggs. (Answer: both.) Then we met the world’s tiniest superstars — tarsiers — who looked like stressed-out hamsters. One blinked at us. We’re still emotionally recovering.

Lunch happened on a floating restaurant on the Loboc River. It started out classy, until the acoustic singer grabbed the mic, sang “Take me home, Country roads” and turned it into a full-blown concert. No one was safe. Not even the lechon.

Nightlife? Try Poolside Beers & Chaos

Evenings were magical. And by magical, I mean chaotic.

We hung out by the pool bar, drinks in hand, laughing like there was no tomorrow. The kids ran around pretending to be sand crabs. The adults turned the poolside into our own It’s Showtime episode.

No phones. No deadlines. Just beers, stars, and memories that will haunt us (in a good way).

Final Day: Tan Lines, Full Hearts, Can’t Log Out

We didn’t want to leave. Even the tito who pretended to be “too busy” before the trip was asking, “So when’s the next one?”

We hugged the ocean goodbye. The sand stuck to everything — luggage, souls, snacks — and that’s how we knew the trip was real.

Panglao Recap:

• Sea turtles: saw 'em.

• Sandbar photos: too many.

• Sunburns: earned like medals.

• Family & friends bonding: 10/10. Would cry again.

If you’re looking for a trip filled with belly laughs, salty hair, grilled seafood, and a little bit of chaos, book Panglao. Take your people. Bring sunscreen. And prepare for your cheeks to hurt — from smiling too much.

By: Meme Borja