By Nathan Allen

As for my room, it was just my style. I’m a huge fan of mid-century furniture, and I love how well Amorita made it work with a native twist.

Check Amorita Rates HERE.

The space planning is excellent. It’s essentially one giant room, but the layout makes it feel like a complete, well-sectioned unit. For a property to really win me over, my bed must be extremely difficult to get out of in the morning. Amorita scores in this department; the beds are heavenly.

A Personalized Touch

The staff at Amorita never miss an opportunity to greet you with a warm smile. They do a fantastic job catering to your needs, and you shouldn’t be surprised to find friendly notes and sweets left in your room when you return from lunch or dinner each day.

One of my favorite things about my room was the cozy “reading nook”. I love the way the sunlight lit up the green leaves of the tree outside the window….and how the light filters through the blinds in the morning.

I did not get to experience a massage at the spa, but I did take a look around, and it definitely looks like an option worth exploring. The atmosphere is super comfortable and relaxing.

I also enjoyed the little details, like returning to find my towels folded into a dog or an elephant…and using the creative “bamboo speaker” for my iphone. Nicely done!

One of my pet peeves is hotels that provide a safety deposit box that is almost large enough to fit a standard-sized laptop. A laptop-in-tow is quite common these days, and of course it is also one of the most valuable items a hotel guest has with them. So, properties should always keep this in mind, right?

Well, thankfully Amorita thinks like I do:) Laptop-sized, and they even went one step further…they put a little light in there so I won’t forget anything. Bravo!

Anyhow, let’s move on to the outside of the property…in front of the infinity pool, you can enjoy dinner or drinks with a spectacular sunset! I enjoyed this view each and every day I was there.

Lush Landscapes

Strolling around the property provides plenty of opportunities to connect with mother nature. The landscaping utilizes so much green space – not only does it help cool the area, but it also is quite pleasing to the eye. You’ll find tropical plants, flowers, and butterflies just about everywhere you look.

Amorita’s location is quite nice, because you can enjoy all the action on Alona Beach if you’re in the mood, but easily get back to your tranquil hideaway afterward.

*One thing I should mention was the spotty wifi in my room. You know what they say, though, it’s good to unplug when you’re on vacation! Haha. Don’t worry, it works in the restaurant area:)

I didn’t experience much the restaurant had to offer, but I can say that the breakfast buffet was the best I had anywhere on my Bohol travels! Special mention goes out to their Lugaw (loo-gow), which is a Filipino rice porridge. Congee, basically.

Things To Do

I believe the resort offers dolphin watching and island hopping tours to Pamilacan and Balicasag Islands…but you can also go snorkeling right at the bottom of the stairs going down to the beach!

Overall, I would not hesitate to return to this fantastic property, and I thank them for the opportunity to share my experience with all of you.

To me, Bohol is simply unforgettable – and in large part, I have Amorita to thank for that!

Check Amorita Resort rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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By Nathan Allen

I didn’t request it, but the staff even cleaned my room twice in one day! Each time, they left personalized notes and small treats. The restaurant staff showed the same level of dedication and professionalism. Special touches like this do not go unnoticed.

Plus, just take a look at that beachfront! Another award for best beach of any of my hotel stays.

The resort feels quite different that others I’ve visited in the Philippines. It’s situated on a wide open property covered with bermuda grass and perfectly-spaced coconut trees. I kind of felt like I was Magnum P.I. in Hawaii ( I used to watch the show as a kid:) 

I loved the giant, super-comfy hammocks and swings you can relax in (You can see me in one further down the page). 

Everything You Need – All In One Place

Bohol Beach Club is located on Panglao Island, but a few kms away from the hustle and bustle of Alona Beach. However, I felt there really is enough to offer here on the property…unlike some other places I’ve stayed, I never got anxious to explore outside of the resort.

It’s perfect for people with kids, but also large enough to provide space for the people who don’t always appreciate them. Haha.

If you make the effort to wake up for sunrise, you will not be disappointed! It’s directly in front of the beach, and it was one of the best I’ve ever seen.

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

Diving With Bohol Beach Club

This was truly a memorable experience…if you want to learn, I recommend doing a Discovery Dive with Edgar, the local dive master. He does a great job explaining everything and helping you to feel comfortable. You will practice in the safety of the swimming pool before graduating to the beautiful, blue sea out front.

On my way to dive near Pamilacan Island, we spotted dolphins…and I don’t mean just a few. There must have been hundreds out there! It’s no wonder the dolphin watching tour is so popular. Unfortunately, like an idiot, I forgot to use my zoom lens to capture some nice photos.

There are also snorkeling / diving trips to Balicasag Island, which is known for incredible corals and sea turtle sightings.

Pictures From the Restaurant & Property – Bohol Beach Club Review

If you visit the Philippines, you have to try a mango shake! The country is famous for its mangoes. In general, I’d say the food at Bohol Beach Club was a solid 8.5/10. Pizza was pretty good, but the burger and calamares were excellent!

Philippine Cultural Performance

This was another highlight of my stay, and certainly something that sets Bohol Beach Club apart from other properties. Growing up, whenever somebody would go on vacation in Hawaii, they would bring home photos and videos of the native Luau (dinner and dance presentation).

As I’ve explored the Philippines, I’ve found that there is so much wonderful native culture and heritage as well, but it receives very little attention. Therefor, it was refreshing to see these dancers wowing the audience with their gracious smiles and traditional attire. The Filipinos in the audience seemed to be beaming with pride, and that made me smile.

I commend Bohol Beach Club for putting this together!

Overall, this was probably the best proper vacation I’ve ever had. If I were to nitpick, my only complaint would be too much pressure coming from the shower in my room. Haha, usually people complain about not enough pressure:) The bottom line is, no, Bohol Beach Club did not disappoint.

Allan, the General Manager, is truly a class act. I watched him personally check on his guests each and every day. He was a very attentive and accommodating host, but without being intrusive in the slightest. The mark of a true professional!

I’m thankful for the opportunity to share this experience with my readers. I was impressed, but you don’t have to take my word for it, read the reviews for yourself:)

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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Related Blogs: Meet Bohol, the Philippines’ Sun-Kissed Island Paradise

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By Nathan Allen

Yes, from the outside, the building itself is a bit sparse. It has a simple, plain white exterior with no accenting. That’s because Momo leaves nature to provide the accenting! The vibrant green plants and coconut trees on the property beautifully compliment the blue hues from the pool, sky, and the sea…which is literally just a few steps away. 

Momo Beach House is a few kilometers away from the busy tourist-mecca of Alona Beach. Just getting there feels like an adventure, because the last stretch is a dirt road leading to a jungle beach! I love it. Here, you’ll find a quaint, charming refuge from the cookie-cutter hotels that pepper much of Panglao Island.

My Momo Beach House Review – It’s All in the Details

The artistic and “beachy” touches around the property were much appreciated – like this creative solution for sandy toes!  Yes, Momo has a lot of character. It is at once bright, cheery, and yet somehow….rustic. To me, right down to the music, everything about the ambience was just right. Known as an “eco-chic boutique hotel“, you’ll notice their environmentally-friendly soaps and shampoos in the bathroom. Nice!

They were also very kind to create a hand-drawn welcome sign for me before I arrived. I thought it might be something they do for invited guests only, but the next day I realized that everybody gets the same treatment. That is a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and special.

A peak inside the rooms reveals a bold splash of design and color. The space feels light and airy, but not in a whimsical way. It’s tasteful, without being kitchy or cheesy (in my opinion, anyway).

Check Momo Beach House rates.

Initially, the beach itself may not wow you. It’s not the most perfect white sand, nor is it the ultimate beach for swimming. However, it still has something that Alona Beach mostly lost decades ago – local flavor. If you take a short walk down the beach, you can ease into the real Philippines here; local children play in the sun while their fathers return with fresh-caught dinner from the sea.

As you can see below, I did swim, and tried my hand at snorkeling as well. I must say – I was pleasantly surprised! You need to bring your own gear (for now), and I recommend wearing a life jacket, because the good stuff is 2 or 3 meters deep. Some of the best snorkeling can be found along the reef wall near the concrete pier on the left side of the beach. That pier is also a great spot to watch the sunset, by the way.

Note: Sunblock can kill coral reefs, so please try to wear a reef-friendly variety!

The Tastiest Restaurant Menu Options in all of Bohol

I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s just my opinion! I got my first taste immediately on arrival, with my refreshing and delicious pandan juice “welcome drink”. I thought that the restaurant at Momo had more solid dishes than anywhere else on the island. The lightly-crisped chicken and vegetables were delicious, as were the marlin, salad, and breakfast sausage in the morning.  Speaking of which, I’m very particular about coffee, and apparently, they are as well.

Oh! I almost forgot. The beer was really, really cold. That is soooo important. Nobody wants warm beer on their vacation, right?

Put Quite Simply, Momo Feels Like Home

Yes, that is the best way to describe it. Well, I wish I had a home like this! Momo is relaxed and unpretentious, yet very “clean and crisp”, as I saw it described somewhere. That really is a great way to put it!

Is it the fanciest resort in Bohol? No. Does it have the most stunning views? Maybe not…but it is lush and beautiful. Momo has heart and soul; I love the feeling that being there gave me, and I want more of it. That is not easy to capture, and I tip my hat to Momo for pulling it off.

I stayed with some amazing properties in Bohol, but this is the one I consider home. I would come back in a heartbeat, and I would like to thank the very generous and accommodating staff for hosting me. I’m so pleased to be able to share this wonderful experience with you! Tha’s it for this review, see you soon!

Check Momo Beach House rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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By Nathan Allen

Yes, there are powdery white-sand beaches, but there are also opportunities for dolphin watching, incredible diving, caving, and countryside tours. 

Located in the heart of the Philippines, Bohol is accessible via a direct flight to Tagbilaran from Manila, the country’s capital.  

Pronounced boh-Hole (emphasis on the big H), the island was the site of the very first international peace treaty between the local datu (king), and the Spanish conquistadors.

Boholano people are known to be very warm and friendly, and as you can see, the island they call home is nothing short of spectacular.

Sunrise at Bohol Beach Club, Panglao Island.

Panglao island is where most of the hotels and restaurants are located….it’s about 30 minutes from the airport by taxi or “tricycle” (local transportation). It is connected to the mainland of Bohol by a bridge. FYI: If you’re staying in a resort, they will often provide a shuttle to pick you up. 

Alona Beach

A very popular tourist destination on Panglao island. Here you can find island hopping and dolphin watching tours. While not as crowded as Boracay (its cousin to the west), Panglao can definitely get crowded during the Filipino summer months of March to May…and also during Holy Week each year.

Snorkeling near Momo Beach House, I came across these incredible corals!

Please note: Wearing sunblock with the chemical “oxybenzone” or “Benzophenone-3” kills these beautiful  coral reefs!

Countryside Tour by Motorbike

Of course, there will be countless touts on the beach that will arrange guided tours for a fee, but I always love the adventure of renting my own bike and exploring at my own pace.

If you are backpacking on a budget, consider staying at Hope Homes. a few kilometers from Alona Beach. It is one the cheapest places I found – and it comes with a free motorbike! They are not terribly friendly, but I suppose you get what you pay for. Don’t worry, if a luxury resort is what you’re after, keep reading…it’s coming!

Renting tips: Make sure you have a drivers license, and always wear a helmet. It’s a good idea to inspect your bike and go over any previous damage with the owner (take photos even), so you can prove that you weren’t the one who damaged it. I’ve never had a problem with dishonest renters so far, though.

Once I made it through the mild traffic of Tagbilaran City, my first stop was Alburquerque Church. There are many beautiful and historic churches in Bohol, so if that interests you, I recommend searching for some local blogs on the subject. They are very helpful.

Loboc River

Next, I ventured north to the tranquil Loboc River. Here, you can take cruise in a floating restaurant, but I just went straight to Nipa Hut Village (pictured below), where I had a cottage waiting for me. I loved this place. It’s nothing too fancy…just a quiet, rustic property along the river. It was just what I was looking for.

Chocolate Hills

The next morning, I woke up and continued to the Chocolate Hills, pictured above. These grass-covered limestone mounds turn brown during the dry summer months, hence the “chocolate” appearance. Quite unique! I recommend going on a sunny day if at all possible. 

Tarsier Sanctuary

On the way back to Panglao, I stopped at the fascinating Tarsier Sanctuary. This species can only be found in the Philippines, and has the largest eye-to-body ratio of any mammal. They can also turn their heads a full 180 degrees, which is just as creepy as it is awesome!

Panglao Hotels

Newly opened BE Hotel in Panglao.

Bohol Beach Club

Staying here was so epic! I haven’t been to Hawaii, but I imagine it’s a bit like this….

I love the open feel of the place, and all the coconut trees. Plus, this is hands down the best beach I saw anywhere in Panglao. However, the most memorable part of Bohol Beach Club wasthe service. I am a full-time traveler, and I pay a lot of attention to this stuff.

In the Philippines, I try to help properties raise the bar, so that tourism in the country will become more globally competitive. That way, along with the economy, local communities should also begin to benefit. Well, Bohol Beach Club is already doing a fantastic job. The property is well maintained, food was quite good, and for me, most importantly, the bedding was heavenly. Haha.

I have to admit, the other reason I loved this place so much was because of the dolphin watching tour and diving trips I signed up for. Check out Pamalican and Balicasag Islands! Ask for kuya Edgar as your divemaster – he was such a great guy. My full post can be found here.

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

Momo Beach House

Tucked away on the other side of Panglao, Momo Beach House seems to be in a league of its own. It has an elegant, rustic charm – unlike any hotel I’ve ever experienced. “Beach-y” really is the best way to describe it…and it is indeed “homey” as well.

Momo is not the nicest beach I’ve ever walked along, but again…it’s charming. It reminds me of the local communities along the beach in Corong Corong, El Nido…and I think it’s a great location for sunrise photos.

If you’re adventurous enough (and have your own gear), snorkel out directly in front of the property and turn left when you’re about 4 meters deep. Then snorkel toward the stone structure sticking out into the water. Along the reef wall there, I saw some of the most colorful and fish and corals I’ve seen anywhere! Not many people know about it:)

The service at Momo Beach house is also great, and in general, the food in the restaurant was the best I had anywhere in Bohol. My compliments to the chef! The lightly-fried chicken and veggies, pictured above, was scrumptious. Momo is the kind of place I could see myself staying a longggg time. Haha. Highly, highly recommended.

Check Momo Beach House rates

Amorita Resort – Alona Beach

If you’re looking for a sleek, luxurious island getaway, Amorita is the place for you. Many resorts in the Philippines are owned by foreigners, but I’m happy to say that Amorita is Filipino owned.

One of the great things is that you will enjoy your peace and quiet, but can easily walk down the stairs to soak up some of the action on busy Alona Beach below.

The property is quite large, and the architecture and landscaping is truly beautiful. There are sweeping views of the beach and sea from up here, and the infinity pool (pictured further below) is the perfect place to experience them.

I found that my room was so sleek and comfortable that it was hard to leave! However, Amorita’s breakfast buffet was just what I needed to get me on my feet. You’ll have an incredible sunset view near the infinite pool, so keep in mind that is an ideal place to enjoy dinner or drinks.

Everywhere you go, the staff will greet you warmly. Next time I’d like to try a massage at the spa! It looked inviting. My full post can be found here.

Check Amorita Resort rates.

Agoda is my first choice for hotel deals…

Bluewater Resort

Bluewater is a sprawling property with a few impressive swimming pools, a well manicured garden, and bright and cheery rooms…that somehow still feel sophisticated. Along with the wonderful service (high-end hotels in Bohol seem to have cornered this market!), the highlight for me was definitely the design of the room.

The bright red accents and native inspired designs are surprisingly classy, and the skylight over the bathtub is an elegant and dramatic touch. Add to that the “floating” cantilever beds, and you’ll see why I loved my room so much! Very well done.

I’m not sure Bluewater is particularly known for their food, but I did try Halang Halang, which I heard was a local Boholano specialty. It a spicy blend of chicken, coconut milk, hot pepper, and lemongrass. So delicious! I highly recommend it.

Another unexpected find was the marine sanctuary directly in front of the resort beach. I spent an  hour or two snorkeling in the water there, it’s pretty nice! One last thing to note: Bluewater is great for those with kids. They will have a blast here.

Check Bluewater Resort rates.

Anda Beach

If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can ride or bus 4 hours from Panglao to Anda Beach, It’s just as nice as Alona, but without the crowds. If you need, you can stay at Richem Pension Hauz (in Valencia) on the way. They offer quality fan and aircon rooms at very affordable prices. +63 926 864 4008 . Once at Anda Beach, check out Anda Lodge for similar pricing…it’s across from the public market.

Tip 1: The cheap carinderia (eatery) next to the market is among the very best I experienced anywhere in the country!

Tip 2: For a unique dining experience, check out Coco Loco restaurant nearby…you can try a veggie hamburger with a patty made from coconut! It’s pretty good, too. Wash it down with a Filipino craft beer…it’s amazing that you can find a place like this all the way out here!

Tip 3: Stop at Blue Star Dive Resort on the way to Anda Beach (it’s about 5kms away), and consider diving or snorkeling there. “Paradise Gardens” is considered one of the best snorkeling sites in Bohol, and you can swim out to it directly from the resort beach!

Check out a live map of the cheapest flights all around you right now…pretty cool! – NathanReturn One wayFrom:To:Departure:Return:1 passengersSearch

Budget Restaurant & Lodging Tips

There is a new native-style place called Alona Hammocks where backpackers can sleep in a provided hammock…it even includes a simple breakfast, and all for 200 pesos ($5USD). Near Amorita Resort Entrance.

Isis Bungalows and Thai Restaurant – At the other end of Alona Beach, they have a very friendly staff, affordable and delicious Thai food + BBQ, inexpensive mid-range lodging, and a rather unfortunate name. They’re not super budget rooms, but still a great value.

Other Alona restaurants to try: Sunset Grill – Mexican Food, owned by a Mexican-American (it’s legit), Giuseppe Pizzeria (pizza is also legit), and Lola Spanish Restaurant (!!). Chefs come from all over the world and get stuck on Panglao Island…lucky us:)

Thanks for the memories, Bohol.

Now you can see why I can’t get this island off my mind…it’s the kind of adventure that sticks with you for a lifetime! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Many thanks to Melo Villareal for the help putting my trip together!

– Nathan Allen

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share the island love!

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

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