Budget Resorts in Panglao Island, near Bohol, Philippines

Personalized service is Natura Vista's secret weapon: the proprietors go out of their way to help guests have the best time possible at their establishment. The Lungays (a husband-and-wife team) have been known to fetch their guests from the airport themselves, and help the guests with their tour arrangements too. (For more on getting around the island, read our article on Getting Around Bohol.)

The rustic- style accommodations speak more of comfort than luxury: the 16 rooms on the property come with air conditioning and bathroom en suite. The garden area comes with a dipping pool and hammocks where you can just chill out and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Natura Vista.

The resort is a considerable distance from Panglao's better beaches, though - the nearby San Pedro beach is a public beach that isn't exactly conducive to sunbathing or swimming.

• Star rating: ★★☆☆☆

The Coco Grove's quiet location at Circulado Street affords visitors with a measure of privacy that can hardly be found in many beachfront properties on Panglao. The rooms all come with cable TV, bathrooms en suite with hot and cold running water; the largest "family" rooms can accommodate larger groups of guests.

The resort offers concierge services for guests who need help with their transport bookings, or who want to tour Bohol. International calls services, housekeeping and laundry services are also available upon request. WiFi is available at the lobby area.

• Star rating: ★★☆☆☆

The Ladaga Inn is a large budget hotel with 43 rooms with double and twin options; kids 12 years old and below can stay for free. Room amenities include free internet, cable TV and bathroom en suite with hot and cold running water. (The resort provide laptops free of charge for guests who need them.) Non-smoking rooms available upon request.

The restaurant on the higher floors offers Western and local food with great views of Tagbilaran Bay; guests can shoot pool at the hotel's table, or if they need to sing to unwind, they can check out the karaoke bar and its extensive menu of mixed drinks. To sweeten the deal, the Ladaga offers free airport transfers upon request. (For more on air and sea travel to Bohol, read this article: Transportation To Bohol, Philippines.)

• Star rating: ★★☆☆☆

Hope Homes makes a big deal out of their low, low prices - it's advertised right out front - and the 13 bedrooms onsite do offer really good value for backpackers. All rooms are done up with local materials - bamboo and thatch. The six Deluxe rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator, cable TV and hot shower, with free use of the resort's motorbike!

Other resort amenities include swimming pool, a bar with a pool table, free WiFi, use of the in-house computer, tour services, and airport pickup upon request. The main downside to Hope Homes is its mile-long distance from the beach.

• Star rating: ★☆☆☆☆