Panglao Island
Panglao is a Philippine island in the southwest of the province of Bohol. It is connected by two bridges with the city of Tagbilaran. The island has an area of 99.25 km ² and 62,000 inhabitants ( 2007). It is divided into the communities Dauis (northeast) and Panglao (southwest).
Panglao is a popular tourist island has many hotels and beaches. Alona Beach is the most famous beach of the island, but also Danao Beach, Dumaluan Beach and other beaches are growing in popularity. In the tourism industry Panglao is partly offered as an alternative to the much more famous Boracay. The beaches of Panglao also be used as start point for boat tours, about to Virgin Iceland, and are very popular with divers.
As tourism in Bohol, Panglao and in particular, in recent years increased steadily, began in May 2008 with the preparations for the construction of the Panglao Bohol International Airport ( PBIA ). According to the original planning of this new international airport is expected to become operational in April 2010, and make the island more accessible for tourists. However, difficulties with financing led to delays and the start of construction for the 2.5 km long airstrip was repeatedly delayed. Finally, the completion of the runway to the terminal building was targeted to December 2010, six months later. Since, however, have now almost doubled the total cost for the construction of the airport since the beginning of the planning phase, the exempted government funds are already depleted with construction of the runway. Completion of the project will be delayed therefore expected to continue. Now there are considerations to finance the construction of the terminal by private investors. Currently, most tourists come via domestic flights over the national airport in Tagbilaran Bohol, or by fast ferry from Cebu. In addition to the pulses for the tourism, the leaders hope the new international transport links and an economic boost for the entire region Bohol.
On the north coast Panglaos one finds the cave Hinagdanan with its underground lake. In the grotto countless bats live. She received from the Cebuano for Hagdan = printed your name. The name means " man descends on a ladder ," which commemorates the discovery.