The journey started at Tagbilaran Port, stepping off the passenger craft from Cebu with that mix of sea air and anticipation. The first thing that greeted me was the big sign: “Behold Bohol.” It felt like a welcome and a promise.

Alona Beach at night had its own charm—rows of lights from seaside restaurants, a casual buzz from tourists and locals alike. My phone didn’t quite capture it in crisp detail, but the glow and movement live clearly in memory.

We finally reached The Bellevue Resort, and the mood shifted. A touch of luxury against Panglao’s laid-back setting. Standing by the resort’s signage, I couldn’t help but smile—it was one of those “yes, I’m really here” moments.

The pool shimmered at night, lights reflecting in streaks across the water. My Lenovo camera fought the glare, but the moment was too good not to capture. The room itself fronted the pool, spacious and quiet—the kind of place where time slows down.

The next day’s Panglao loop took me underground into the island’s famous Hinagdanan Cave. A sharp contrast to the open beaches—still, dark, and mysterious.

We wandered deeper and snapped photos along the staircase. Later, when the flash lit up the stone, something strange appeared: a snake-like figure etched on the wall. At first, we weren’t sure if it was real or just a trick of the light. With no one else inside the cave, our nerves got the better of us—we bolted out, half-laughing, half-scared.

Only after some Googling did we breathe easier. Turns out, other visitors had captured the same image—it wasn’t a live snake at all but a drawing, carved or sketched by someone in the past. Still, in that moment, with silence pressing in and shadows all around, it felt almost enchanted.

Looking back, Panglao was a perfect balance: the comfort of a luxury resort, the charm of Alona’s night scene, and a touch of hidden wonder in its cave. A short escape, but one that lingers.