Need a budget-friendly beachfront escape in Bohol? Discover Marilou Resort (formerly Dumaluan Beach Resort) on Panglao Island.
By our second-to-last day in Bohol, we had been so caught up handling land property matters that we barely had time to relax. Since Bohol is famous for its white sand in the Philippines, we decided it was time to take a break and ground ourselves by the ocean!
Here is everything you need to know before you book an overnight stay or plan a quick day tour.
Marilou Resort Day Tour & Entrance Fees
If you just want to swim and relax for the day, Marilou Resort offers incredible value:
- Beach Entrance Fee: You pay only ₱50 per person for full-day beach access.
- Cottages: You can use the beachfront cottages for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Corkage Fee: The resort charges ₱500 if you bring your own food and drinks for a beach picnic
Marilou Resort Room Rates & Accommodation
Marilou Resort accommodates everyone from solo travelers to large families. Overnight rates start at ₱2,000 for standard rooms and reach ₱7,500+ for beachfront suites.
- Standard & Deluxe Rooms (₱2,000 – ₱3,500): Book these cozy, air-conditioned rooms if you want essential amenities like a private bath, mini-fridge, and TV. They serve as perfect bases for budget-conscious travelers.
- Executive & Family Rooms (₱4,500 – ₱5,400): Fit 4 to 5 guests comfortably in these spacious layouts featuring two double or queen beds.
- Presidential & Dumaluan Suites (₱7,500 – ₱8,500): Secure premium beachfront or pool-view suites featuring separate seating areas for maximum comfort.
Note: The resort adjusts room rates based on the season, and you can include breakfast depending on your booking tier.
How to Get to Marilou Resort in Panglao
You can reach the resort easily from any entry point in Bohol:
- From Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG): Drive just 10 to 15 minutes (4.3 km). You can grab a tricycle, hail a local taxi, or request an airport transfer directly through the resort.
- From Tagbilaran Fastcraft Seaport: Hire a taxi, private van, or tricycle for a 30 to 40-minute scenic drive from the Cebu ferry drop-off.
- Via Public Transport: Ride a local commuter jeepney or tricycle from the Tagbilaran City center. Tell the driver to drop you off at the main Dumaluan Beach access road in Barangay Bolod.
Marilou Resort Facilities & Activities
The resort packs plenty of amenities into its relaxed, budget-friendly setup:
Direct Beachfront Access
Step straight onto Dumaluan Beach’s wide, shallow shoreline.
Outdoor Swimming Pools
Swim in the main pool or let the kids enjoy the dedicated children’s section.
Doctor Fish Spa
Experience Garra rufa fish gently nibbling away your dead skin cells for ₱150 per 30 minutes. It tickles at first, but my mom and auntie loved it! Since we were the only customers, the attendant generously let them extend their exfoliation session.
Water Sports Center
Rent jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks, or book island-hopping tours right on the beach.
On-Site Store
Buy emergency beach essentials like life vests, inflatables (salbabida), garments, and Bohol souvenir as a pasalubong.
Padre Pio Chapel
Visit the on-site chapel dedicated to St. Padre Pio to pray or reflect during your stay.
Dining at the Marilou Resort Restaurant
The in-house beachfront restaurant serves Filipino comfort food, fresh seafood, and international dishes.
- Dining Setup: Eat indoors or enjoy an alfresco meal inside open-air beach huts directly overlooking the water.
- Breakfast Buffet (₱350 – ₱450 per person): Start your day between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM with standard Filipino staples (eggs, rice, longganisa, tocino) and continental choices (breads, fresh fruit, coffee)
- A la Carte Menu (₱250 – ₱450 per dish): Order local seafood and comfort food mains throughout the afternoon and evening
If you crave nightlife or specialty restaurants, drive just 10 minutes down the road to explore the bustling Alona Beach dining strip.
Why You Should Visit Marilou Resort
- Prime Beach Location: Enjoy Dumaluan Beach’s fine sand and wider shores, which draw far fewer crowds than Alona Beach
- Great Value for Groups: Save money with budget-friendly entrance fees and dedicated family suites, keeping your group together without booking multiple expensive rooms
- Kid & Senior Friendly: Navigate the shoreline easily thanks to soft sand, shallow waters, and calm waves.
Final Verdict
Choose Marilou Resort if you prioritize direct access to a gorgeous beach over premium luxury. While the accommodation and dining offer a simple and functional experience, the unbeatable beachfront location and highly accessible pricing make it an excellent base for day trips and family getaways in Bohol.
