1 / 3

Panglao Watchtower

4.3

·426 reviews·Panglao, Philippines

A 19th-century hexagonal watchtower on Panglao Island, Bohol, offering a glimpse into Spanish colonial history and unique architecture.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer tour groups

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Panglao Watchtower

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer tour groups

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 19th-century hexagonal watchtower on Panglao Island, Bohol, offering a glimpse into Spanish colonial history and unique architecture.

4.3

(426 reviews)

"Its unique hexagonal design is a notable feature of Spanish-era architecture in the Philippines."

TIP

Combine with Church Visit

Easily visit the St. Augustine Church right next door for a double dose of history! ⛪

Appreciate from Outside

Entry is not allowed, so enjoy its unique structure and historical presence from the exterior. :camerawithflash:

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 452 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Address

HPHV+5W4, Dauis - Panglao Rd, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hexagonal Architecture

Panglao Island, Bohol

Admire the unique 5-storey hexagonal design, reputedly the tallest of its kind in the Philippines.

Historical Significance

Adjacent to St. Augustine Church

Step back in time at this Spanish colonial-era watchtower, a testament to Bohol's rich history.

Overlooking Views

Panglao Island

Imagine its past role as a lookout, commanding views over the town and sea.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Panglao Watchtower

The Panglao Watchtower is often visited as part of a broader Bohol tour. To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning before tour groups arrive. Check local event schedules to avoid potential closures or significant crowds during festivals.

Understanding the Panglao Watchtower Experience

The Panglao Watchtower is a historical monument, best appreciated from the outside. While you can't enter, its unique hexagonal design and historical significance are captivating. It's often visited alongside the nearby St. Augustine Church, making it a convenient stop on a heritage tour.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer tour groups

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour light

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#PanglaoChurch #PanglaoWatchTower #ShellMuseum #DauisChurch #HinagdananCave #BoholBeeFarm #Panglao #Bohol 🤍

ricadetiquez

0 likes • 6.9K views

Combine with Church Visit

Easily visit the St. Augustine Church right next door for a double dose of history! ⛪

Appreciate from Outside

Entry is not allowed, so enjoy its unique structure and historical presence from the exterior. :camerawithflash:

missing the slow days in bohol #boholphilippines #panglaowatchtower #travelgram

kimbot_13

51 likes • 556 views

Day 1 📍Panglao Church 📍Panglao WatchTower 📍Moadto Strip 📍Bohol Bee Farm 📍Sikatuna Illusions House/Station 📍Sikatuna Mirror of the World Disclaimer: No copyright intended. I do not own the music. #bptsph #WelcomeToBohol #tours #TravelGoals #wfh

prutaells21

2 likes • 99 views

Part of a Bohol Tour

Often included in island tours, making it a convenient stop with other attractions. 🚌

Historical Context

Built in 1851, it served as a lookout during the Spanish colonial period. 📜

##bohol #panglaowatchtower #dauischurch #baclayonchurch #philippines #iphonephotography

jmarlon24

14 likes • 124 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Church Visit

Easily visit the St. Augustine Church right next door for a double dose of history! ⛪

Appreciate from Outside

Entry is not allowed, so enjoy its unique structure and historical presence from the exterior. :camerawithflash:

Part of a Bohol Tour

Often included in island tours, making it a convenient stop with other attractions. 🚌

Historical Context

Built in 1851, it served as a lookout during the Spanish colonial period. 📜

What Travellers Say

4.3

(426 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Panglao Watchtower for its unique hexagonal architecture and historical significance as a Spanish colonial-era lookout. It's often praised as a convenient and interesting stop, especially when combined with the adjacent St. Augustine Church. Some reviewers note that entry is not permitted and mention the presence of individuals asking for money.

"This was one of the stops in our BOHOL tour the Panglao Watchtower.

Just imagine how long the Spanish influenced us almost over 300 years.

You can really see the history in BOHOL.

You can also see the cracks caused by the strong earthquake that once hit the area.

I hope this place will be preserved for the next generations."

Anjhel Zyra

"4 stars as its a monument you see it enjoy its history from outside not allowed to enter. You can pass by when you visit St Aug church which is next to it."

Bill Machhour

"Incredible beauty and a must see for those devote to catholicism. Be aware that some of the unfortunate, seemingly homeless people here may unrelentant when asking for money."

Todd Gould

What People Like

Unique hexagonal design

Historical significance

Convenient tour stop

What People Dislike

Cannot enter tower

Solicitors present

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Panglao Watchtower is located on Panglao Island, Bohol. It's often included in organized Bohol island tours, which typically use vans or buses. If you're traveling independently, you can hire a tricycle or a taxi from Tagbilaran City or other parts of Panglao. Some visitors have mentioned taking a cab from McDonald's in Panglao, with fares around 300 PHP for a round trip, including waiting time.

While direct public buses might not stop right at the watchtower, you can take a tricycle or a local jeepney towards Panglao town and then arrange for a tricycle to take you to the watchtower. It's often more convenient to include it as part of a pre-booked tour or hire a private vehicle for the day.

Many travelers opt for organized Bohol tours that cover multiple sites like the Panglao Watchtower, Hinagdanan Cave, and Bohol Bee Farm. For independent exploration, tricycles are common for shorter distances, while habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) can be used for longer trips. Renting a scooter is also an option for more flexibility. +1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need a ticket to visit the Panglao Watchtower. It is a historical monument that can be viewed from the outside. There is no admission fee for viewing the exterior.

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to enter the Panglao Watchtower. It is preserved as a historical structure, and access inside is restricted. You can admire its unique architecture and historical presence from the outside.

As the watchtower is an outdoor monument, it is accessible at any time. However, for the best experience and to avoid potential issues with local vendors or security, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.

📸 📸 Photography & History

The Panglao Watchtower was built in 1851 during the Spanish colonial period. It served as a lookout point to monitor the sea and protect the island from pirates. Its unique hexagonal design is a notable feature of Spanish-era architecture in the Philippines. +1

Its most striking feature is its 5-storey hexagonal shape, which is reputedly the tallest of its kind in the Philippines. This distinctive design sets it apart from other historical structures in the region.

Yes, the watchtower's unique architecture makes for great photos, especially with the blue sky or during the golden hour. It's also often photographed alongside the adjacent St. Augustine Church, offering a blend of historical and religious landmarks. +1

Some reviews mention visible cracks caused by a past earthquake. While not a primary attraction, these details add to the historical narrative of the structure and its resilience.