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Panglao Island Nature Resort, Bohol, Philippines. Photo by pinay06.

Top 10 Remarkable facts about Panglao Island

Panglao Island is located in the north of the Bohol Sea and has an area of about 91.12 square kilometers. The name Panglao means sadness or low spirit.

It is comprised of two municipalities; Panglao and Dauis which are located within the Bohol province.

The terrain of the island ranges from plain, and hilly to mountainous. It’s majorly made of Maribojoc limestone. The limestone composition is the youngest unit of limestone located in the western area of Bohol.

The beautiful island is considered a wonderland for its beauty and the mass attraction of tourists both locally and internationally.

It is very accessible for its mass natural beauty which includes the countless springs, rivers, caves, falls, and the Chocolate Hills. 

Below are the ten remarkable facts about Panglao Island

1. The Island Lies in a Region with High Biodiversity

A live starfish. Photo by yeowatzup.

The area is so rich in biodiversity in that it contains a variety of species both the flora and fauna. The region contains about 250 new crustacean species and new species of mollusks are also located around the island.

The discovery of the new species led to the establishment of the Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project for the protection of the species.The project team realized that Panglao hosts more marine biodiversity than Japan and the Mediterranean Sea.

However, the escalating human activities are causing tremendous negative effects on the environment though it is not easily visible.

2. It was Named Panglao After Mapanglao

The name Panglao means sadness or low spirits according to the Filipino. It is however beautiful and spectacular.

In regards to history, Panglao was the destination of the Spaniards. They experienced unfavorable conditions in Cebu after they arrived in 1803.

They found that the region was so lonesome and named it Panglao which means a lonesome area.

Since it is the oldest town in Bohol its stands out as one of the tourist favorites.

3. It is Famous for Sporting and Leisure Activities

Children playing basketball on Panglao island. Photo by Magalhães.

The magnificent island hosts many sporting and leisure activities for tourists. They majorly include diving, swimming sun basking, and snorkeling.

Sun basking also provides a lot of enjoyment, especially for families. Since the sites are very beautiful, they provide the best locations to take photos.

4. The Inhabitants of Panglao are very Industrious

Despite the whole area of Panglao being stony and sandy, the residents can come up with little farms to grow various fruits. They are also able to raise chickens and sell them to the surrounding town.

The beautiful restaurants and businesses are also a source of income for the residents which brings prosperity to the land.

The water body in the area is a good source of fresh fish and sea shells supplied in town.

The white sandy beaches are ever flooded with both the locals and foreigners who play a role in the development of the area.

5. Panglao Watchtower was the Tallest Building During the Spanish Colonial Period

Panglao watchtower. Photo by Jsinglador.

Bohol is well known for the preservation of its history and culture which include the city buildings and the ancient watchtower. The tower was constructed with five stories containing a pitched roof cover.

It was one of the tallest buildings during the era of Spanish colonial period which was part of the military defense. It also survived many wars during the American-Philippines war.

It is located near the San Agustin Â鶹APPh Church and has been declared National Cultural Treasure

6. Majority of the Residents Are Roman Catholics

The major denomination in the region is the Roman Catholic with other sects including the protestant church and Baptists.

Most of the inhabitants are religious and proactive in church activities due to the influence of the Spanish.

The Panglao Catholic Church still celebrates the feast of Saint Augustine who was their patron saint.

7. The Previously Sleepy Island is Currently Charming

The island was particularly very lonesome in 1803 when it obtained its name Panglao which means sadness.

Currently, the island shines on its welcoming masses from different parts of the world. It is so charming that some of the visitors stay in the area for good.

The government also continues to invest in the preservation of its natural beauty and reducing any negative harm that might harm it.

8. Panglao Island is Presently the Tourist Hub in Bohol

Bohol Province South Palms Resort Panglao. Photo Courtesy of Judgefloro.

The island is comprised of beautiful white sand on various beaches which are so captivating and charming for the tourist.

The construction of the new international airport will also open better opportunities for more foreign tourists.

The rich biodiversity creates natural beauty in the area which attracts masses of tourists.

The different beaches provide distinct flavors and accommodations which range from high to low prices.

9. The Water Body is Receiving Pollution from Human Activities

According to the analysis carried out in the area, human-induced contaminants have been identified in the groundwater. The pollution results from the artificial application of disinfectant, leakage of the septic tank, and intrusion of salt water.

The saltwater intrusion is a result of the over-extraction of groundwater to meet the ever-increasing demand.

The community around is however not knowledgeable about the impacts of such activities in the area which can lead to the death of aquatic organisms.

10. Panglao International Airport is Key to the Island Development

Aerial view of Panglao Island International Airport. Photo courtesy of Department of Transportation.

The development of the airport has led to more influx of tourists on the island as a result of improved means of transport. The airport is capable of accommodating not only local and regional tourists but also international tourists.

The airport has also led the government to improve the facilities of the area including the roads, sewage systems, and power development.

Panglao Island is a charming place to visit with its rich biodiversity. The eye-catching island provides a good site to relax for the holiday with the family members for its leisure.

It also has good means of transportation which is quick access to the area. It also hosts some of the ancient buildings in the area that have a very rich history.