The Wander Nest: Relaxing Countryside Villa & Cabanas in Panglao, Bohol

*The Wander Nest is a private hideaway in the countryside of Panglao, Bohol.*

With its combination of amazing landscapes, white-sand beaches, unique wildlife and heritage landmarks, Bohol remains a top destination for tourists to the Philippines. Travelers gravitate to Panglao Island, off the southwest coast, which is connected by two causeways to the provincial capital of Tagbilaran City and the Bohol mainland. Since 2018, the island has also become the gateway to the province by air with the opening of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Most travelers stay in and around Alona Beach, which has become more and more built up and crowded over the years. So if you’re looking for some peace and quiet after the touring the province all day, I highly recommend staying at The Wander Nest, a new accommodation located in the lush countryside of Barangay Libaong, Panglao. Despite their secluded location, this brand-new stay conveniently offers free airport service and free shuttle service to nearby white-sand beaches. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary bonfire to warm up chilly nights outdoors.

The Wander Nest is 4.2 km away from the airport, and 5.4 km away from Alona Beach. The most practical way to get farther around is to rent a scooter or car, which can be arranged for you by the resort staff. Among the interesting attractions you can visit on a drive around Panglao Island are the Spanish-era church, watchtower and old church ruins of Panglao Town, Nova Shell Museum, Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis Church, and Bohol Bee Farm.

*The jacuzzi and swimming pool ranging from 2-5 ft deep.*

Amenities

The Wander Nest consists of a main house with three villa-style accommodations and three poolside cabanas right next to a swimming pool. I stayed at one of the three poolside cabanas which was compact with a floor area of 25 sqm but had an excellent layout and stylish interior with rustic touches of rattan and wooden fixtures.

Accessed by a digital key card door lock, the poolside cabana was furnished with a comfy double bed, 50″ 4K Samsung LED TV with wifi connection for Netflix and YouTube, and Marshall Kilburn 2 bluetooth speakers. The room also had its own kitchenette with stove, microwave oven, refrigerator and utensils, as well as a toilet and rainshower with hot and cold water.

The main house has three two-bedroom suites that can accommodate four to six persons. The largest suite, the Main Villa, has a large living room, kitchen, and loft with game and lounge areas. All accommodations come with complimentary breakfast, complimentary airport pickup and drop-off, and complimentary shuttle services to nearby white-sand beaches like Libaong Beach, Dumaluan Beach, South Palms Resort, and Bohol Beach Club.

*The one-room poolside cabana has a kitchenette and hot/cold shower.*

*All rooms come with complimentary Filipino or Continental breakfast.*

Dining Options

Room accommodations are inclusive of complimentary plated Continental or Filipino breakfast, which can be served at your accommodation or as a floating breakfast on transparent acrylic tray for those Instagrammable shots! Unfortunately, the accommodation doesn’t serve lunch or dinner, but offers a list of restaurant recommendations and food delivery options at the front desk. Of course, there’s the option of cooking your own meals as the rooms and villa are equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes.

Room Rates

Accommodation at The Wander Nest starts at ₱5,900 for a Poolside Cabana for two persons, inclusive of plated breakfast. Larger groups can opt for the roomier two-bedroom suits in the main house: the Sunset View Suite (₱8.900, good for four persons), Garden View Suite (₱15,900, good for six persons) and the Main Villa with a game-room loft (₱19,900, good for six persons). All rooms are air-conditioned.

How to Get There

The Wander Nest offers free pick-up and drop-off at Bohol-Panglao International Airport. For those arriving by sea at the city, the villa is a 13 km drive (roughly 30 minutes) away from the Tagbilaran City Sea Port, where fast crafts and ro-ro ferries arrive. A tricycle from the seaport to Panglao costs ₱300 to 400, depending on your negotiation skills.

Since I arrived by fast craft from Cebu City, I opted to rent a Honda scooter from Mario Motor Rental (Tel. +63 9298556357 or +63 9565642269) for ₱350 per day (exclusive of fuel consumption). This scooter rental shop is conveniently located at the sea port area, so one could get your own pair of wheels as soon as you get off the boat in Tagbilaran City.