Alona Beach is one of the most beautiful white-sand stretches on Panglao Island, Bohol. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it offers a perfect setting for sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, beachside restaurants, and beachside bars. The region is also famous for lively nightlife and access to other marine adventures. Alona Beach is said to have been named after Alona Alegre, not only because of her beauty and charm but also because she was reportedly the first person to wear a swimsuit on the beach during a movie shoot in the 1970s. This bold fashion statement at the time left a memorable impression on the locals, who eventually started calling the beach “Alona” in her honor.
Beachfront and Coastal Features
There are various places to stay in Alona Beach that range from the high-class beach resorts to the simple and cozy hotels to some budget-friendly options for visitors with budget constraints.
Accommodations
To reach Kalanggaman Island in Leyte, you must first book a flight to Tacloban City, which is the nearest major city with an airport. Then from Tacloban, ride a van or bus to Palompon, Leyte, about 3-4 hours away. Then when you arrive in Palompon, you’ll head straight to the Palompon Eco-Tourism Office for registration and payment of the necessary fees for visiting Kalanggaman Island. From there, you can hire a boat for the 45-minute to 1-hour ride to the island. It’s advisable to arrange boat trips in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Luxury Resorts
Ideal for the discerning traveler, luxury resorts provide top-notch facilities and amenities for an exceptional experience.
Mid-Range Hotels and Resorts
Mid-range options balance comfort and affordability, thus ideal for families or couples.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
For backpackers and budget travelers, guesthouses, inns, and hostels. These offer basic amenities, clean rooms, and friendly service, usually within walking distance of Alona Beach.
Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels cater to travelers who want a unique and personalized experience. Examples include smaller resorts with stylish designs and tranquil settings, offering a cozy yet charming stay.
Nightlife and Social Scene
After sunset, Alona Beach turns into a vibrant spot where people go out dancing and enjoying nightlife with plenty of energy. Along its beach are many bars and restaurants offering live music and karaoke performances and even more entertainment. It offers guests a cocktail to chill by the sunset or enjoy dancing and chatting at the beach bars. No matter if you want to have a quiet evening or turn the night out wild and crazy, the place definitely has it all for one amazing night out.
Best Time to Visit
Alona Beach is one of the in-demand places year-round, but its dry season with lots of sunny days takes place during the period between December to May. High season during the period between January and April entails a larger crowd and the high cost. Visitors preferring quieter scenes and do not like crowded crowds have better opportunities to find decent accommodations with more acceptable prices for shoulder months such as November and May, while pleasant weather dominates with less crowded crowds.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Alona Beach is actually Panglao International Airport situated on Panglao Island. The airport is serviced by the best airlines which include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. From there, one can easily come to Alona Beach taking a tricycle or a taxi ride for about 20-30 minutes from the airport. The access of the airport to Alona Beach has made traveling by air more accessible to anyone who wants to visit the beach.
