(click image for a larger view)
I have never been to Boracay (yeah, I'm the only one who hasn't gone there yet :p) so for me, the sands at Alona beach are the finest white sands I have ever set my foot unto. Few seaweeds line the shore but the seawater is not as clear as I have expected. Several resort hotels and pension houses are situated near the beach area. Rates depend on the location (those near the beach have higher rates), amenities (others have a pool, massage services, etc.) and overall ambiance of each establishment. If you ask me, the beach setup is just like what you would expect out of any commercial beachfront. Vendors are scattered and busy selling shell souvenirs, pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings. A henna tattoo artist welcomes guests to his little tattoo stand and offers to place several unique tattoo designs on each excited customer. A firedancer eagerly performs in front of the guests while an assistant goes around to collect donations for the free show. Vendors of food stands in front of the establishments offer several delicacies - most of which are grilled seafood, pork and chicken. We opted to buy food from the cafeterias which are situated far from the beachfront and we were able to avail cheaper grilled food (with almost the same taste and quality, i guess?). 
grilled chicken at P60 each
ALONA BEACHAddress:Panglao Island, Bohol
How to get there (from Tagbilaran airport):
a. for the flush travelerIf you have enough dough to spend, why not ride a metered taxi and worry about nothing else? :)b. for the adventure seekerRide a habal-habal (local term for a motor bike) and pay about P250-400 depending on your haggling skills.c. for the budget-conscious backpackerRide a tricycle to Tawala waiting area + take a jeep to Panglao. Take note that jeeps pass by the Tawala waiting area only every hour. This means you have to wait for the next jeep if the first one that passes by is already full. If you are not in the mood to wait, this is not a good option at all.[email protected]
How to get there (from Bohol Bee Farm):a. for the flush travelerIf you have enough dough to spend, why not ride a metered taxi and worry about nothing else? :)b. for the adventure seekerRide a habal-habal (local term for a motor bike) and pay about P150-250 depending on your haggling skills.c. for the budget-conscious backpackerHire a habal-habal from Bohol Bee Farm to the PUV waiting area (P20-P50) + take a jeep to Panglao (P15). Take note that jeeps pass by the PUV waiting waiting area only every hour. This means you have to wait for the next jeep if the first one that passes by is already full. If you are not in the mood to wait, this is not a good option at all.
