We stayed at Henann Tawala Hotel for a week upon arriving in Bohol, and it was a fantastic experience. The hotel is spotlessly clean, living up to its 4-star rating. Upon arrival, the staff were very attentive—our bags were handled, and we were offered breakfast while our early check-in was expedited.
One thing to be aware of is the 3,000 pesos per night damage deposit. If paid by credit card, any charges, such as room service or drinks at the swim-up bar, are deducted from it, with the balance refunded after checkout.
The breakfast area is beautifully presented, with friendly staff who greet you warmly. After giving your room number and surname, you’re escorted to a table. However, we noticed some inconsistency in service—on some days we were offered coffee or tea, while on others we weren’t. There were also times when water wasn’t provided, so we ended up with double servings after fetching it ourselves. Consistency in service would enhance the experience, but the self-service station for coffee, water, and juices was convenient.
Breakfast options were excellent, with plenty of variety to suit all preferences. Everything was well-prepared and delicious. One small issue was being asked to leave a yogurt behind when I tried to take it out of the breakfast area. I understand the rule to prevent excessive takeaway, but I felt a little flexibility could be applied for small items.
The rooms at Henann Tawala are impressive—spacious with great bathrooms and lovely balconies. Among the best we’ve stayed in, they’re comparable to high-end hotels like Radisson Blu in Cebu or Seda Ayala Central Block.
The reception staff were incredibly helpful. They arranged a reasonably priced van for our trip to Tagbilaran, and the driver was punctual, providing a comfortable ride. He even dropped us off at the right spot for catching a van to Anda at the Dao Bus Terminal.
One nice perk of staying here is the short walk to Henann's beachfront property, where you can use the sun loungers shaded by palm trees and enjoy drinks served by the staff. However, you can’t use the pool there, and you need to pick up towels from Henann Tawala before heading to the beach. The beach is beautiful, but there are quite a few hawkers selling tours, which can be a bit of a nuisance. We found better deals on Facebook. The sea is warm, though there’s a fair amount of seaweed. I’d recommend snorkeling to watch your step, as there are starfish and possibly sea urchins. We only swam once. If you buy mangosteen from beach vendors (150-200 pesos), check for ants, as one of our bags was full of them!
Just outside the hotel’s main gates, there’s an ATM and a laundry shop that charges around 400 pesos for 5 kg, returning clothes washed, dried, and folded by 5 pm. It’s much cheaper than the hotel’s laundry service. We also tried the Kajun Restaurant nearby, which offers excellent chicken sandwiches, fries, and milkshakes in an American diner style.
On the beachfront, our favorite restaurant was the Oasis Resort’s upstairs bar and restaurant, which has a cooling breeze and a great view of the beach. Every dish we tried was fantastic, and we highly recommend it.
While our stay at Henann Tawala was wonderful, Panglao itself felt quite touristy. There were many Korean tourists, and a lot of locals trying to sell tours and services, which sometimes felt overwhelming. Prices were higher than we expected, especially for things like tricycles, which cost 150 pesos per person compared to the 12 pesos we paid in the provinces. Restaurant prices were also inflated, and even basic supplies came at a premium.
If you prefer a quieter, more authentic experience, I’d recommend visiting somewhere like Anda. It has a more laid-back, provincial vibe, with friendlier locals and a slower pace of life, making it a peaceful alternative to the busy, touristy atmosphere of Panglao.
