We’ve visited Bohol numerous times before—with different partners, when LP and BG haven’t crossed paths yet; as a couple, when our paths finally did cross; and now as a family, with Kid A in tow. Each visit was definitely different. This time, we both decided to stay at Panglao’s Alona Beach—a first for us both—to see what this so-called Boracay-esque area of the island has to offer.

KID A AND BG ENJOYING BEST WESTERN PANGLAO’S POOL

After spending four days in the sleepy town of Anda, we thought of staying another five days in Bohol before going back home to Manila. Since we’ve previously toured the province’s tourist spots, we thought of doing nothing but frolic on the beach, eat out, and enjoy our hotel. Well, maybe check out the Chocolate Hills and see the tarsiers too, for Kid A’s sake. But what we really wanted was a staycation by the beach. And our staycation place of choice, Panglao’s Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort.

I recently contributed another Insider’s Guide article for Inflight Traveller issue 30, this time for a Bohol listicle, Top 10 Things To Do in Bohol. Again, I can’t seem to get a hold of a physical copy, so I guess a PDF will do. Inflight Traveller is the official inflight magazine for AirSWIFT Airlines Philippines, so if ever you get the chance to fly via AirSWIFT, grab me a copy, please?

Here’s my article in its original form:

Wisps of sunshine escaped and filtered through the heavy morning clouds of Panglao Island in Bohol. It was our last day in the province and the morning found us at one of the topmost floor of Bellevue Resort—on a verandah with a circular Jacuzzi, looking out into the calm waters of the Bohol Sea.

Going through the floor to ceiling glass door, a soft queen-sized bed sits on a wood-laden floor surrounded by luxurious furnishings. A carved wooden ceiling fan lazily swings overhead, complimenting the room’s air-conditioning.

It was a tropical haven, a haven we stayed in for the night. Well, almost.

Some claim that the best place to take a sunset-kissed portrait in Panglao Island is at Amorita Resort’s open-aired Saffron Restaurant. Sitting right beside an infinity pool and facing the western side of the Bohol Sea, the tables at the restaurant glow in saffron colors as the sun sets, hence the name of the place.

Unfortunately, it was already way past twilight when we arrived at Amorita Resort. The group has been exploring Anda, one of the easternmost towns of Bohol, and there was nothing left of the famed western glow as we filed through and took our seats at the celebrated five-star resort’s restaurant.

►CHECK OUT: QUINALE BEACH ANDA | LAMANOC ISLAND

Bohol’s first is now Bohol’s newest, so goes Bohol Beach Club’s catchy new line. The resort, which claims to be the first of its kind in the province since its inception in 1984, has recently undergone an eight-month long renovation and has now reopened to the beach-going public.

We were lucky enough to be one of the first few guests to see what Bohol Beach Club has to offer after its almost a year of hiatus. Coming from the adrenaline-pumping activities of the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP), we were looking forward to finally bedding comfortably for the night.