Beach Life in Panglao Island, Bohol

November 9, 2008 · Posted in Philippine Tourist Destinations

An island mostly of Maribojoc coralline limestone, Panglao Island as a sightseeing spot is rich in cave formations. Limestone erosion creates sinkholes and crevices rampant in the island. We see them on land and under water. These wonders and many more make alluring Panglao Island as a sightseeing spot. This island is known as a sightseeing spot as well as a diving haven boasts of a wealth of marine biodiversity better than what Japan and the Mediterranean Sea can come up with.

Panglao Island is located in the Central Visayas Area. Politically, it is divided into two municipalities: Dauis and Panglao, both in Province of Bohol. It is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu. An estimation of 1,500-2,500 mollusks are believed to be found in the waters of Panglao and Balicasag. Inventoried were about 1,200 decapods and 6,000 species of mollusks were identified in a study area of only about 15, 000 hectares. In comparison the Mediterranean Sea has yielded only 2,024 species in a 300 million hectare area.

The island was known to Chinese, Malay, Siamese, and Indonesian traders. In 1803, Spanish explorers came to the shores of Panglao in search of fresh water. At the time a couple of natives on the seashore were making fishing devices called “panggaw”. One of the Spaniards asked what the name of the island was. The natives–who thought the visitors were asking what they were making–then replied “panggaw”. Hence, from that term, was derived the name Panglao. Recently, Panglao is the one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

The Panglao Island Nature Resort is a perfect getaway from the clutter of the urban jungle. Business conventions, extended vacations, weekend stays, and day-long sunbathing at the beach are just few of the activities there. It also offers superb service and exquisite cuisine as natural complements to the paradise that is Panglao Island. Starting with a pristine white sand beach, we built around the natural contour of the premises and dotted the resort with high-ceiling, thatched roof huts.