Travel. Philippines. Beach

Panglao Island, Bohol

For sun-worshipers and beach lovers

Punch Drunk Cola
World Traveler’s Blog

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South Palms Resort, Panglao. Photo credit: the author. Taken using an iPhone.

When you ask about famous beaches in the Philippines, people would often say Boracay and Palawan. They both have magnificent spots that attract travelers across the world.

Boracay is a small island, south of Manila. It was dubbed one of the world’s top destinations for relaxation, and among the top for tranquility and nightlife. It is also known to be a party island. Boracay’s popular beach is called White Beach, a long dreamy strip stretch of white, fine sand, and a deep blue sea.

Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. It is a region with lots of smaller islands. While there are a lot of beaches, most of them are lined with limestone cliffs but it boasts secluded beaches and is absolutely beautiful in their solitude. Palawan is also less crowded where you can spend some time alone in serenity.

When I lived in California, going home to the Philippines means making sure we take 3–4 days off from all the festivities and reunions in Manila and taking a short plane ride to Boracay or Palawan for some sun and sand. It’s always the highlight of our trip, aside from seeing family and old friends of course.

Three years ago, I was invited to attend a destination wedding and a chance to see one of the beaches in Bohol. I have never been to Bohol, and have not seen my friend, the groom in years so it was a wedding I could not miss. I took a vacation leave from work, and thankfully my work is something I can do remotely for a few weeks, packed my bags and flew to Manila.

Bohol is an island province in the Philippines. It is the 10th largest island in the country. Bohol is a popular tourist destination for its Chocolate Hills, the 8th wonder of the world. The Philippines’s 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“The Chocolate Hills form a rolling terrain of haycock-shaped hills — mounds of a generally conical and almost symmetrical shape. Estimated to be from 1,268 to about 1,776 individual mounds, these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually made of grass-covered limestone."

“During the dry season, the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown. This transforms the area into seemingly endless rows of Hershey’s “chocolate kisses”. The branded confection is the inspiration behind the name, Chocolate Hills.” (WIKIPEDIA)

Photo by Zed Benson on Unsplash

The wedding took place in South Palms Resort located in Panglao Island of Bohol. As soon as we entered the resort, we were greeted with palm trees, against a white sand beach that overlooks a never-ending sea of blue. It was breathtaking!

South Palms Resort Panglao is a tropical paradise. It features a traditional Filipino design with a mix of modern. The entire staff was friendly and attentive, and their food was good. I was even able to book a massage in their spa.

South Palms Resort, Panglao. Photo credit: the author. Taken using an iPhone.

White sand beach, palm trees, pristine swimming pool and ocean waters, good food, and great service. It was definitely a memorable vacation… and I am thankful for the wedding invite! If it weren't for the wedding of my friend, I wouldn't have been able to visit Panglao. Oh and their wedding is not to be outshined — it was perfect!

I just started an Instagram page. Please follow me here. Thank you! :)

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Punch Drunk Cola
World Traveler’s Blog

A Xennial who takes too long making her coffee, turns her laundry pink and can never fold fitted sheets.