Resort Review: Staycation at the Panglao Grande Resort in Panglao, Bohol

Looking for a place to stay in Panglao, Bohol in the Philippines? Here is our Panglao Grande Resort review!

Our daughter’s birthday was a great way to introduce her to traveling. It was also the perfect opportunity to make a tradition of traveling together during her birthday.

When choosing our destination, we wanted a little bit closer to home as we were traveling for the first time as a family with no companions with us. As first time parents, it was a bit overwhelming as we did not want to stress our daughter at all.

We had friends who brought their children on trips and some got sick while on the road or after the trip. This was something that I personally wanted to avoid.

We experienced our baby getting admitted at the hospital when we went home during the holidays. And it wasn’t an experience I wanted to have again.

So, we set our sights to Bohol. The island is just two (2) hours away from Cebu and it’s by far one of the most convenient places we could visit with our little toddler.

As it turned out, we got to take my brother-in-law with us during this trip as he was visiting for the weekend. Good thing as he was pretty helpful and easy to be around as he loves the beach as much as we do.

Planning the trip was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I’ve read countless of travel blogs on bringing kids along.

One thing that really hit me home is that when traveling with kids, itineraries should be as simple as possible.

Slow travel is a must to avoid kids from getting stressed out especially when you have a lot of plans for that day.

Hence, we’ve decided to take it slow and just stay at a resort and enjoy the beach and each other’s company.

Initially we planned on staying at Momo Beach in Panglao, Bohol. A friend who was running a travel agency recommended Bolod Beach to us. And because it looked far more convenient and I trusted his judgment, we chose Bolod Beach.

This area in Panglao, Bohol is a favorite among locals and tourists wanting a more relaxed ambiance than those in Alona Beach. Personally, I found the shoreline longer and the beach more inviting.

Booking a Room at Panglao Grande Resort

Booking a room at Panglao Grande Resort is easy and can be done even at home. You can always find the best deals by booking at hotel booking sites. We found super-saving room rates here for some of our travel.

Ours was through a travel agency who booked everything for us. There was a bit of confusion though as the initial resort given to us was different. We were not booked at Panglao Grande, rather on another resort much smaller than the former.

Despite the drawback, I was glad they did that because Panglao Grande was way much better with its spacious beach garden and beach front.

We returned to Panglao Grande Resort a few months later and booked a room through one of my trusted hotel booking site. The process was not hassle at all.

Plus, the resort staff was very patient and answered all my queries before the trip. We were with my entire family this time and I didn’t want any inconvenience.

How to Get To Panglao Grande Resort

I previously mentioned that I wanted convenience as much as possible. That’s why we’ve decided to book transportation to and from the resort to the port in Tagbilaran beforehand.

Incidentally, we hired the same travel agency to arrange the land transportation for us. Everything went pretty smoothly upon our arrival.

The chauffeur was already there when we docked at the Tagbilaran Port with our names on a cardboard box.

We agreed for 1 PM pick up on our way back to Cebu two (2) days later and they were also on-time. We even asked to pass thru some fruit stand (on our way to the resort) and to a drive thru to pick up some lunch and the driver was very accommodating.

If you’d rather commute, you can always hire a tricycle to take you there.

Please take note that there have been some dispute with the land near the resort and access from it is prohibited. We were asked to enter through the Dumaluan Public Beach where we paid an entrance fee of 25 Php per person.

Latest update: The first entry to the resort (Dumaluan Beach Resort) was covered by Panglao Grande Resort. We did not pay anything.

But for other activities like doing the Bohol Country Tour, you will have to pay the entrance fee yourself and won’t be covered by the resort anymore.

Good thing that the resort sent some personnel to meet us at the entrance. They helped us carry most of stuff and gave us umbrellas to shield from the mid-day sun.

If you’re self-driving, here’s a map to help you navigate:

Checking In

We arrived at around 11AM and was early for the check in time which is 2 PM. The room assigned to us was still occupied. We were given the option to have another room so that we can leave our things and settle in.

After inspection of the second room, we opted to settle in as we wanted to relax as soon as possible. There was a slight problem with the room booked for us, however.

Our preferred room was supposed to be the ones facing the beach. However, slight miscommunications happened and we were booked into a Deluxe Room.

It was beside the swimming pool and was located at the back. The room was pretty small than anticipated but it was clean and equipped with basic amenities.

We requested a transfer but there was no available rooms.

Good thing that our friend who was running the agency sorted things out and we were transferred to another room the following day.

Room and Rates at Panglao Grande Resort

Room at the Panglao Grande Resort is very affordable. You may check out available rooms here for the rates.

We never got the chance to take photos of our first room but we did got a few shots of our room fronting the beach.

The room we had was pretty basic and was spacious enough for the four (4) of us including my daughter. She’s at the stage now where she enjoys walking around and picking things up.

There were 2 beds: a single and a queen bed, all of which were pretty comfortable enough.

The flat screened TV was attached to the wall and there was a refrigerator to store the fruits, chips and snacks that we previously bought prior to arriving at the resort.

The room is also fully air-conditioned. There was also a vanity table and another extra table and chairs inside for placement of things.

The hot and cold shower was also functional and the bathroom was spacious enough.

We had a small porch outside, complete with a chair to enjoy the night air. On the side is a clothes line for hanging of wet clothes after swimming at the pool or at the beach.

Amenities at the Resort

I loved the location of Panglao Grande Resort. It was located on a more secluded area of Bolod Beach.

If you wanted some fun activities and lots of people, you can easily head over to the Dumaluan Beach Resort. It’s just a few minutes away and the walk is pleasant enough.

I also loved the spacious area up front. They had several string hammocks in between the trees around the property. Movable beach/ lounge chairs were also available in the area.

We moved some near the shore and it was so relaxing. Indeed the perfect set-up to just be lazy and soak in some beach sun.

They have large cottages available too for groups on the side so it was not intrusive of the view.

Panglao Grande Resort also had a small pool near the reception area. Our first room was near here and my brother-in-law was able to enjoy a few laps on our first day.

The resort’s restaurant is located just beside the Reception Area and had open walls. You can enjoy a sunny breakfast here (they serve plated breakfast and was already included with our room fee).

I was a bit disappointed on the opening hours as they had limited time, however. For example, they close at 1PM so if you don’t eat on time or would rather have some late lunch, then you can look for other options elsewhere.

Food prices (not only at the Panglao Grande Resort) were more expensive than what we were used to, but I think the portions are generous enough especially for a group.

We had our lunch at another resort on our second day. It was my daughter’s birthday so we wanted some birthday cake for her. Unfortunately the resort had none, thus the need to look for other options.

We were able to find some at the Dumaluan Beach Resort Restaurant where we ordered some delicious viand and rice.

Check Out

Checking out was a breeze and the Receptionist was very helpful and ensured that our driver was waiting for us by the time we were ready to leave.

Please take note that you will need to pay the 25 Php entrance fee when you pass through Dumaluan Beach Resort.

Panglao Grande Resort Review: Over-all Verdict

Aside from the room mix-up, I’d say we were contented with our stay and would love to go back.

It’s truly the perfect place for a relaxing ‘staycation’ with family and friends.

Though the food prices were a bit expensive, the servings were generous and the rooms we booked were pretty much affordable too.

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