PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol

With exquisite sand beaches and first-class diving, Panglao Island has much to offer travelers of every stripe; it is arguably the Visayas' best beach destination. Underwater fanatics dominate Alona Beach, the most developed of the island's beaches. For more seclusion, escape to Doljo Beach. Either way, arrange to watch the magnificent whales cavorting off Panglao's southern coast.

The well-paved central road connects Panglao in the west with Bohol and the new bridge. Most amenities can be found only in Tagbilaran. Few roads are paved, so allow for extra travel time. International calls can be made from hotels or from the PLDT in Panglao. ( Open daily 7am-10pm.) Jeepneys passing Alona Beach go to Panglao (15min.) but don't go back; return by tricycle (15min.). Dirt bikes are for rent along Alona Beach.

All of the following accommodations are near each other on Alona Beach, except for the Palm Island Beach Resort on Doljo beach. Most lodgings have an attached restaurant, but exploring waterfront eateries is a tasty option. Prices rise during the high season. No shoes are allowed upstairs at Peter's House , which has delicious pizza  and exotic rooms in a beautiful three-story nipa house. Down the beach, the Alona Kew White Beach Resort 0 has private beach facilities and cottages within a well-tended garden.. Cottages with fan and with A/C.) The cheapest option on the beach is the centrally located Alonavllle Beach Resort .

For the best diving, head to Balicasag Island, southwest of Doljo Point. Black For­est is an excellent site for drift-diving, where black coral can be found. Pamalican Island is known as the "nesting place of manta rays," and Doljo Beach, on the other side of Panglao, has rich coral walls. Dive shops along Alona Beach go to every hot spot and offer the entire range of PADI courses. ( open-water courses; advanced open-water) Friendly Genesis Divers, owned by Peter's House, is a notch above the rest.