Bohol is just a 2-hour ferry ride away from Cebu. Believe it or not, I lived in Cebu for 3 years, but only visited Bohol once, just for a weekend. Yes, we did visit the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, but it barely scratched the surface of what Bohol truly offers. Years later, at Panglao International Airport, I looked for a tuktuk to Abraham Bohol for my Panglao Island stay.
Abraham is a new brand in the Philippine travel industry, originating from Israel. It started by offering backpacker hostels for travelers but has since expanded its services to include tours and a variety of other tourism-related offerings to accommodate travelers of all types, whether solo, in groups, or with families. As of this writing, Abraham runs two properties in the Philippines: Abraham Manila on Makati Avenue, and Abraham Bohol. The brand also offers its own tour services, catering to backpackers and other travelers eager to explore their destinations conveniently.
ABRAHAM BOHOL
Abraham Bohol is a mere 10-to-15-minute ride from Panglao International Airport. Although not within Alona Beach (just a 3-minute ride away), it strategically situates itself near key restaurants. With ongoing developments, I expect the resort will eventually be centrally located amidst future activity in the area. Guests can catch habal-habal riders to Alona for PHP25 or tuk-tuk rides for PHP100. The resort’s advantage lies in its serene distance from Panglao’s bustling crowds.
Arrival
After a sunset arrival and a few landing protocols, I reached the hostel around 7 in the evening. Since there are two late afternoon flights, one can expect the check-in counter to be somewhat crowded. Despite this, the staff efficiently manage arriving guests, offering complimentary juice and coffee while you wait. The check-in process is swift, especially if you have already completed the pre-arrival online check-in process sent via email. They will simply confirm your identity and verify the identification you uploaded on the online form.
Front officers are eager to share the amenities available at the resort and can also provide tips for exploring the island and the province in general. If you have any questions regarding tours booked through their tour agency, Abraham Tours, this is also a good time to inquire. Currently, there are many improvements and renovations underway at the resort, and they are upfront about apologizing and providing disclaimers for any construction that might affect your stay, ensuring minimal disruption.
ABRAHAM BOHOL: Room Types
The resort has two wings: the private rooms and the shared rooms, each with its own swimming pool. Shared rooms can accommodate up to 10 persons, but there are dedicated rooms for female-only travelers. The more budget-friendly options feature common outside toilet and bath facilities, while the slightly pricier alternative, costing an additional dollar, offers an en-suite toilet and shower.
Meanwhile, in the private rooms wing, the resort offers the Deluxe King Room and the Family Room. The key distinction lies in the bed configuration, with the Family Room featuring two queen beds. Both room types provide access to the pool and are located on the ground floor of the building. Additionally, on the second floor, you’ll find the Family Balcony Rooms, which boasts similar in-room amenities as the Family Room, albeit without pool access.
Common Lounge
The expansive lounge at the resort serves as your one-stop shop. Here, you’ll find a pool table where you can enjoy games with other in-house guests for free. Adjacent to it is a merchant section, akin to the setup at Abraham Manila. The lounge is furnished with several tables and chairs, ideal for mingling with fellow travelers from around the globe. It also functions as the resort’s front desk, with the tour desk situated alongside, providing assistance with tours and logistics around Bohol.
you have your own lounge area by the pool!
Furthermore, the lounge doubles as the resort’s restaurant and bar, offering quick meals and drinks. Complimentary breakfast is included with all bookings and is served at the common lounge from 7 AM to 10 AM. The breakfast spread is simple yet satisfying, featuring items such as breads and spreads, breakfast staples like rice, eggs, and sausages or ham, classic cheese and salads, fruits, and brewed coffee.
Abraham Bohol Tours
As I’ve mentioned several times already, another convenience of staying at Abraham Bohol is the accessibility of tours through their tour agency. Sometimes, traveling solo can present challenges, especially when attractions are spread out and you lack access to transportation, such as renting a bike. Moreover, island hopping alone can strain your budget, as boat rentals are expensive.
Fortunately, to uphold their brand ethos of supporting budget travelers in exploring destinations, all Abraham Tours are shared. However, this doesn’t mean that enjoyment and experience are compromised. The tours offer top-notch service, from greatly curated activities to knowledgeable guides and comfortable transfers.
During my stay at the resort, I opted for two tours: the Virgin Island Sunset Tour, which was incredibly enjoyable as we soaked in the island vibe with fellow tour mates while waiting for sunset; and the Bohol Countryside Tour, which offered a glimpse into the Boholano culture with its array of attractions and activities. Highlight of the tour was the stand-up paddle boarding experience on the Loboc River, away from the typical river cruise aboard a floating restaurant.
With a variety of other tours available, I can assure you that they are equally worth it and fun, based on my personal experiences with the two I selected. The resort has a tour calendar so you can easily check the schedules of the tours you’re interested in joining.
Abraham Bohol: Overall Review
My stay at Abraham Bohol proved to be an unforgettable experience into the heart of Panglao Island. From the moment of arrival, the resort exuded warmth and efficiency, ensuring a seamless check-in experience despite the bustling atmosphere. The diverse array of accommodation options catered to every traveler’s needs, whether seeking budget-friendly shared rooms or luxurious private retreats. The common lounge emerged as a vibrant hub of activity, offering not only a place to relax but also a central point for dining, entertainment, and tour arrangements.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that there were ongoing construction projects within the resort. Although the management took proactive measures to minimize disruptions, the promise of future enhancements piqued my curiosity. I anticipate revisiting Abraham Bohol after the developments, excited to experience its renewed charm and amenities.
The resort’s dedication to top-notch service extended to its tour agency, ensuring memorable excursions to explore Bohol’s beauty and culture. With its strategic location, comfortable amenities, and dedication to enhancing the travel experience, Abraham Bohol truly stands as a gateway to an exceptional Bohol adventure. So why wait? Book your stay at Abraham Bohol today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Philippines! Get an additional 5% off when you book through their official site using my code EXPLORER5.
