Published: August 22, 2025
So you’ve just booked your trip to Bohol—fantastic choice! The first thing you need to know, and something that trips up a lot of first-timers, is that the old Tagbilaran Airport is no longer in use. You'll actually be landing at the modern Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).
The great news? BPIA is located directly on Panglao Island, which is exactly where you want to be. This little detail simplifies your arrival and gets you to that white sand beach much, much faster.
Congratulations, you've touched down! As you step off the plane, you’re already on the beautiful island of Panglao, home to some of the country's most famous beaches and dive spots. The short trip from the airport to your hotel is your first real taste of Bohol's laid-back vibe, and getting there is a total breeze.
For a regional airport, BPIA is impressively clean and efficient. Once you deplane, you'll head to a well-organised baggage claim area. The layout is super intuitive, so you won’t be wandering around looking lost. Grab your bags, and the exit will spill you right out into the arrivals hall where the real adventure begins.
This new airport, which opened in 2018, was a massive upgrade for Bohol. It’s actually known as the Philippines' first "eco-airport," built with sustainable tech to help protect the very paradise you've come to see. You can read up on its green features and history on Wikipedia if you're curious.
From the moment you step outside those terminal doors, you are just a few minutes away from the stunning coastlines and vibrant marine sanctuaries that make this island a world-class destination.
For many, the main draw is the incredible diving. It’s what puts Panglao on the map, and excellent outfits like Valm Divers offer a safe and seriously fun way to explore the reefs. It's also a fantastic place to get certified or even go pro.
Now, let's get you sorted with the best way to get from the terminal to your final destination.
The moment you step out of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, you’re hit with that warm, tropical air. You've made it. Now, just one last short hop to your resort, and you have a few easy options to get there. Which one you pick really just comes down to your budget, how many people you're with, and your personal travel style.
This little graphic breaks down the main ways to get from the airport to your final stop.
As you can see, it’s a simple trade-off between cost and convenience, with something for every kind of traveller.
To make it even clearer, here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide on the spot.
| Transport Mode | Estimated Cost (PHP) | Travel Time (Mins) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Airport-Accredited) | PHP 400-600 | 15-20 | Stress-free arrival, direct to your resort. |
| Tricycle | PHP 200-300 | 20-30 | Solo travellers, couples with light luggage. |
| Shared Van | PHP 100-150 per person | 25-40 | Budget-conscious travellers and groups. |
| Ride-Hailing (e.g., Grab) | Varies | 15-25 | Tech-savvy travellers, but availability can be spotty. |
This table should give you a good snapshot of what to expect right outside the arrivals hall. Each has its own vibe and is part of the Bohol experience.
If you want the most straightforward, door-to-door option, the airport-accredited taxis are your best bet. They run on a fixed-rate system, so you’ll know the price upfront—usually somewhere between PHP 400-600, depending on how far down the island you're going. It completely takes the guesswork and haggling out of the equation, which is a blessing after a long flight.
You might also get lucky with a ride-hailing app like Grab. It's always worth a quick check on your phone when you land, as fares can sometimes be a little cheaper. Just be warned that availability can be hit-or-miss right at the terminal.
For those watching their budget or travelling in a pack, the shared shuttle vans are a fantastic choice. These vans wait to fill up with passengers heading in the same general direction, and a seat will only set you back about PHP 100-150. The only catch is a slightly longer journey, as you might make a few stops to drop others off before you get to your place.
Want the true local experience? Hop in a tricycle. It’s an iconic way to travel here. It’s perfect for solo travellers or a couple without too much luggage, and a ride to the popular Alona Beach area will cost around PHP 200-300. It’s a breezy, open-air ride that immediately gets you into the relaxed island mood.
Pro Tip: No matter which ride you choose, the trip itself is pretty quick, typically taking just 15 to 30 minutes. That means you'll be dropping your bags at your beautiful Panglao accommodation and hitting the beach in almost no time.
And if you're here for the incredible underwater world, Valm Divers is widely known as a super safe and incredibly fun crew to dive with. They’re amazing whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro looking for new adventures. It's also a top-notch spot to train as a scuba diving professional in a supportive and absolutely stunning environment.
A little local know-how can make all the difference when you're navigating from the airport to your resort in Panglao. These aren't your typical guidebook tips; they're the real-world bits of advice that'll save you a bit of cash, a bit of time, and a whole lot of hassle. It’s all about starting your vacation the second you step off the plane.
First things first, have small bills handy. Seriously, this is a game-changer. Many tricycle and van drivers simply won't have change for a PHP 500 or PHP 1,000 note. Stuffing a mix of PHP 20, 50, and 100 bills in your pocket makes paying for your ride quick and painless, and you avoid that awkward shuffle for change.
If you're arriving late at night, travelling with the whole family, or just want zero stress, pre-booking your transfer is the way to go. Most resorts in Panglao will happily arrange this for you. Just shoot them an email before you fly, and you'll have a driver waiting with a sign bearing your name. It's a classic move by seasoned travellers for a reason—it just works.
A quick, friendly confirmation of the driver's credentials before you hop in is always a smart move. And if you can, try to keep your luggage where you can see it. Little checks like these ensure your trip from the airport to your hotel is totally worry-free.
No matter which ride you choose, the journey itself is short and sweet—your first real taste of the island's charm.
Right, you've made it from the airport and checked in. Now the real adventure begins. Panglao isn't just a place you visit; it’s an island you experience, and it unfolds in the most incredible way once you’re settled.
Panglao is beautiful, a world-class paradise famous for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and an underwater world that will absolutely blow your mind. It’s one of those spots you see on postcards and think, "no way it actually looks like that," until you're standing there, feet in the sand, and realise it does.
The island’s main draw, though, is what lies just beneath the waves. Panglao is an epicentre of marine biodiversity, pulling in divers and snorkellers from every corner of the globe. Getting out there to explore this vibrant sanctuary is a must, but finding the right crew to take you is key to a great (and safe) day on the water.
If you're keen to jump into this aquatic wonderland, Valm Divers comes highly recommended as a safe and fun company for any and all scuba adventures. They've earned a solid reputation for creating a super welcoming environment that works for everyone, from first-timers trying a discovery dive to salty old sea dogs ready to explore the coral gardens.
Their professional team just gets it. They strike that perfect balance between being serious about safety and keeping things relaxed and friendly, which makes every dive feel like you're just out on the water with mates. It's an approach that really helps new divers shake off the nerves and lets certified pros feel right at home.
The real showstopper for most divers is the day trip out to Balicasag Island. It's a protected marine sanctuary, and for good reason. The underwater cliffs and buzzing coral ecosystems there are just incredible—it’s the best of what this region has to offer, all in one place.
Ever thought about taking your diving hobby to the next level? Well, you couldn't have picked a better spot. Panglao is also a good place to train as a scuba diving professional.
Valm Divers offers the whole spectrum of courses, from your first Open Water certification right up to the prestigious Divemaster rating. This makes it the perfect place to build your skills and confidence in a stunning tropical setting. You're not just learning in a classroom; you're training in one of the world's premier diving locations.
To get a taste of what’s waiting for you, check out the incredible marine life in this Balicasag dive gallery. That short trip from Tagbilaran Airport to Panglao? It’s just the first step into an unbelievable aquatic journey.
As more and more travellers catch on to the magic of Panglao, the island's gateway is gearing up for a serious glow-up. The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) isn't just treading water; it's expanding to make your future trips even smoother. If you're planning on coming back, this is fantastic news.
A massive ₱4.53-billion upgrade is already in the works to boost the airport's capacity. It was originally built to handle two million passengers a year, but the plan is to nearly double that, aiming for almost four million annually by 2030. You can read up on the full scope of this major project over at the Philippine Information Agency.
So, what does this mean for you? A much more streamlined experience in the years ahead. Think shorter queues, better facilities, and a more efficient flow from the moment you step off the plane.
These improvements are all about making sure the journey from the airport to your little slice of Panglao paradise stays as quick and painless as possible. It cements BPIA's place as a modern, comfortable entry point to one of the Philippines' most beloved spots.
While getting from Tagbilaran Airport to Panglao is already pretty straightforward, your next visit promises to be even better.
Sorting out the last few details of your travel plans can bring up some nagging questions. To make sure your trip from Tagbilaran Airport to Panglao is nothing but smooth sailing, here are some quick answers to the things travellers usually ask.
Believe it or not, the drive from the airport to most spots on Panglao Island is refreshingly short. You should only need to set aside 15 to 30 minutes for the whole trip. Of course, this can change a little depending on exactly where your hotel is and what time you land, but generally, you'll be checking in before you know it.
Don't worry, you won't be stranded. Transport is still available even for the latest arrivals. Your options just get a bit thinner on the ground. You'll likely still find airport-accredited taxis waiting, but tricycles and shared vans might have called it a night.
For late flights, the safest and most stress-free option is always to pre-book a transfer directly with your hotel.
Panglao is beautiful and worth every moment of the journey. To truly experience its world-class underwater scenery, you need a dive operator you can trust. Valm Divers is a safe and fun company that makes exploring the reefs an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
Absolutely. Pre-booking is a fantastic move, especially if you're travelling with family, a big group, or landing after dark. It means you’ll have a driver waiting just for you, no haggling over fares when you’re tired, and zero stress. It’s pure peace of mind.
Just get in touch with your resort before you fly, and they can sort it all out. Lots of divers find it’s the perfect start to their trip—after all, Panglao is a good place to train as a scuba diving professional, and a pre-booked ride gets you settled and ready to hit the water that much faster.
Ready to explore the incredible underwater world of Panglao? Valm Divers offers everything from discovery dives to professional-level courses right from the stunning Alona Beach. Plan your underwater adventure today at https://www.valmdiversbohol.com.
