Where to Buy Pasalubong in Panglao, Bohol
Bohol, one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, is famed for its breathtaking sights, warm hospitality, and fascinating culture. No visit to Bohol is complete without bringing home a pasalubong, a Filipino tradition of gifting souvenirs to family and friends. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to buy pasalubong in Panglao, Bohol, ensuring that you’ll leave with memorable keepsakes and delicious treats from this beautiful island.
Best Places to Shop for Pasalubong in Panglao, Bohol
Bohol Bee Farm
Location: Panglao Island, Bohol
Features: Organic products, farm-to-table restaurant, tours
Highlights: Honey, spreads, teas, soaps
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For a more unique shopping experience, head to Bohol Bee Farm on Panglao Island. This place is a paradise for organic product lovers. They have everything from honey and spreads to teas and handmade soaps. Not only can you shop for your favorite organic products, but you also get to enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at their restaurant. The last time I visited, I took home some freshly made honey and herbal tea, which were a hit with my family.
Alona Beach Shops
Location: Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol
Features: Souvenirs, beachwear, tour bookings
Highlights: Shell necklaces, t-shirts, keychains
Alona Beach is not just a place to relax by the sea, it’s also a fantastic shopping destination. The shops lining this stunning beach offer a variety of souvenirs, beachwear, and tour bookings. Don’t leave without picking up a shell necklace or some quirky keychains as mementos. Alona Beach shops are perfect for tourists looking to take a piece of the island back home.
Island City Mall
Location: Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Features: Wide range of local and international brands, supermarket, food court, cinemas
Highlights: Local delicacies, fashion items, home goods
Island City Mall, located in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs, mixing local and international flavors. It boasts a variety of shops that cater to every pasalubong need, from delicious local delicacies like Peanut Kisses and calamay to beautiful handmade goods. One of my favorite stops is the supermarket, which offers a wide array of Bohol delicacies. I remember picking up some flavorful local snacks to take back home to Manila.
Special Mention: Pasalubong Shops in Tagbilaran
Bohol Quality Mall
Location: Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Features: Local products, food court, entertainment options
Highlights: Woven bags, t-shirts, home decor
Bohol Quality Mall is another shopping haven in Tagbilaran City. This mall is perfect for those looking to snag some woven bags, t-shirts, and unique home decor items. The local market feel combined with the ease of a modern shopping center makes it an excellent spot for buying gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to check out the selection of handmade Boholano products, which make for delightful gifts back home.
Tagbilaran City Market
Location: Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Features: Fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts
Highlights: Baskets, bags, hats, local delicacies
For an authentic local shopping experience, you can’t miss the Tagbilaran City Market. This bustling market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Boholano handicrafts. I once found a beautifully woven basket here, perfect for picnics. The market is an excellent place to sample local delicacies and find unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Bohol’s vibrant culture.
Top Pasalubong Items from Bohol
Bohol Delicacies
- Calamay
Calamay is a sweet treat made from coconut milk, brown sugar, and glutinous rice is a favorite among locals and visitors. It’s usually packaged in small coconut shells, making it both an edible and decorative gift. If this hits you right, you’re in trouble. You’re going to eat a lot of this until you get enough.
- Peanut Kisses
These delicious snacks are Bohol’s version of Hershey Kisses, made from peanuts and egg whites. They’re a fantastic treat to share with friends and family. I buy this more for the novelty, it’s a really great gift for friends. Give them this and they’re sure to ask where you’ve been. Click here for more information.
- Broas (Lady Fingers)
Soft cookies originating from Baclayon, they have a delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect with coffee or tea. This was one of my favorite comfort food when I was a kid. Just because it’s so soft and sweet. The toasty flavor really hits the spot too.
- Bibingka
A traditional Filipino rice cake made with rice flour, sugar, butter, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves for an authentic flavor. There are many versions of this rice cake. This one I mentioned here is the one traditionally sold during Christmas season in the Philippines. The other one is sticky rice topped with some kind of sweets.
Handicrafts
Weaved Baskets
Hailing from Antequera, known as the Basket Capital of Bohol, these baskets are both sturdy and beautiful, perfect for home decor or as a practical gift.
Raffia Products
Made from local buri fibers, Bohol’s raffia products include bags, clothing, and accessories that are both stylish and eco-friendly.
Shell Crafts
Jewelry and home decor items made from shells, often sourced from Panglao’s Nova Shell Museum. These crafts are not only beautiful but also capture the essence of island life.
Unique Shopping Destinations
Bohol Bee Farm
The Bohol Bee Farm is an essential visit for those interested in organic and sustainable products. Here you can find goodies like honey, spreads, teas, and natural soaps. Additionally, the farm offers tours and a delightful farm-to-table restaurant experience. I once joined a tour, and it was fascinating to see the bees up close and learn about the process of making honey. There’s a reaso why this place is mentioned here 2 times, it’s also a tourist spot in Panglao.
Aproniana Gift Shop
Location: National Highway, Taguihon, Baclayon
Features: Wide range of Bohol-themed souvenirs
Highlights: Stuffed tarsiers, native handicrafts, local delicacies
Aproniana Gift Shop, located on the National Highway in Baclayon, is a one-stop shop for all things Bohol. They offer a broad selection of Bohol-themed souvenirs, including adorable stuffed tarsiers, native handicrafts, and local delicacies like peanut kisses. This is the ultimate spot for finding something unique to take home.
Dao Diamond Shopping Center
Location: Tagbilaran City
Features: Souvenir shop with a range of Bohol-made products
Highlights: Handicrafts, shirts, keychains
Dao Diamond Shopping Center in Tagbilaran City is a treasure trove of Bohol-made products. From beautiful handicrafts to quirky keychains and t-shirts, you’re sure to find that perfect pasalubong here. Plus, the center helps support local artisans and promotes sustainable shopping practices.
Tips for Shopping in Bohol
Best Times to Visit Markets and Malls
It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
How to Haggle and Get the Best Prices
Don’t be shy to haggle! Start low and gradually raise your offer until you and the vendor reach a fair price.
Supporting Local Artisans and Sustainable Shopping Practices
Choose products that support local livelihoods and are made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled items. It’s always fulfilling to know that your purchase makes a positive impact.
Conclusion
Exploring Panglao, Bohol for pasalubong is a delightful experience filled with diverse shopping destinations, unique local products, and the joy of sharing a piece of your travels. Whether you’re after delicious Bohol delicacies, beautiful handicrafts, or organic products, you’ll find plenty of memorable souvenirs to bring back home. So, dive into the vibrant markets, explore the charming shops, and remember, the best pasalubong is one that carries the spirit of the place and the joy of your journey. And if you like this article, don’t forget to visit our Blog page for more Bohol adventures.