Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
🏁 PANGLAO KARTWAYS REVIEW: FAST KARTING, SMILES & ADVENTURE IN BOHOL 🇵🇭
PANGLAO KARTWAYS REVIEW: Let’s be real. You arrive in Panglao Island thinking you’re here for beaches, sunshine and possibly a coconut (aka Buko), with a tiny umbrella in it. But what if I told you there’s another thing that’ll make your palms sweat harder than running from a charging carabao? Enter Panglao Kartways—a place where helmets are worn with pride, F1 jokes are mandatory, and post race memories chatter echoes louder than engine revs.
Panglao Kartways Review: Contents
🏎️ FIRST IMPRESSIONS: OH LOOK, KARTS!
Located near to the rather beautiful Dumaluan Beach (just a quick tricycle from Alona Beach), Panglao Kartways is Bohol’s go-kart circuit that’s become a must-try for thrill-seekers and anyone who’s ever blagged and bragged, “I’m the fastest here! for sure” then three laps later, totally regretted it.
This place isn’t some tiny “spin in circles” track you half notice between ice-cream stands. It’s a hefty 980-metre course with twists and turns that make even seasoned drivers go “oh… this is really happening”. It is a huge track with substantial elevation and a superd downhill home straight. If you’ve ever dreamed of channeling your inner Lewis Hamilton or that guy who’s ridden bumper cars who thinks he’s an invincible driver, this is your playground.
Why it matters for your trip
- Easy access from major beach areas like Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach.
- Non-stop action until early evening.
- Good for groups, couples, families… even that annoying friend or family member (Strawb immediately says: “That’s you Dad…”) who always says they are faster than you-Yep. That one. They’ll get smoked here. End of story.
⚙️ WHAT YOU’RE REALLY HERE FOR: KARTS, LAUGHS & HIGH-SPEED HUMAN MOMENTS
The track at Panglao Kartways delivers seriously fast karts, really friendly staff, and moments that make you say a double YES to the helmet with extra chin straps-or in my case, extra chins…. You’ve also many options short of buying your own kart fleet:
- Single Karts – Perfect for solo/advanced racers.
- Double Karts – Ideal for couples, nervous drivers or for Dad’s with Sons who’s feet can’t reach the pedals yet – you know who you are…
- Archery range – When you want to feel like an a Hunger Games movie star afterwards.
The staff here are surprisingly calm, even when an adult who claims to know racing inside and out slides head-first into a barrier on lap one – no, that was not me. They’re like “Yes ma’am, tremendous effort” – just so calm and collected. Word on the street fro mother reviews? Some visitors felt the karts were fast yet manageable and the track was broad enough to have actual fun without colliding immediately. Others got slightly more action than they bargained for. Review fans are passionate either way—so, that’s entertainment guaranteed right there.
😂 MEMORIES NOW LOADING — EXPECT LAUGHTER (AND MAYBE BRUISES)
Let’s talk the Panglao Kartways experience:
You show up.
- You pay.
- You sign a waiver – no matter what age.
- You put on that helmet that makes you look like you might actually know what you’re doing.
- Then you try not to over-steer, under-brake, or embrace the barrier like an old friend-whilst in parallel makling yourself look like a right t!t in front of the rather large audience.
This isn’t like Mario Kart where you can throw banana peels at friends. Here, the only projectiles are your shrieks of joy and mild panic (I am referring to my passenger Jude Jude here…). Everyone’s cheering, laughing, holding phones to Instagram or TikTok record that very questionable corner you just took – where I actually thought I was Nigel Mansel.
Because of the open layout and length of the track varieties, even beginners find something to enjoy—kids squeal, teens try to race like pros, and adults revert to 8-year-old levels of competitiveness that probably should’ve stayed buried and not exposed to their kids and/or the audience – you know who you are. Hold on, is this a self-reflection…?
One very honest review even said the experience had them “on the edge of their seat” and they’d happily recommend the place to other families. I find the ‘on the edge of their seat’ anaology very hard to believe, personally, as I could only just fit in the bloody seat, let alone sit on the edge of it… See our TikTok.
🧒 FAMILY FRIENDLY? YES. MEMORIES MADE? DOUBLE YES.
Here’s where Panglao Kartways really earns its stripes: it’s family-friendly racing fun that doesn’t make anyone sit in the corner feeling left out with no chance to YouTube or Instagram.
Seeing a kid zoom past their parents in a kart is honestly one of the top parenting moments you’ll witness in your life. Plus, you can pair a morning at the beach (hello Dumaluan Beach!) with an afternoon of semi-professional karting and also pop down the road to Graham ATV Panglao to get your off-road fix.. Your son, daughter and Wifey who “doesn’t do fast” will all walk away with a story that gets retold at every family meal henceforth-my lot sure did.
🥇 REALITY CHECK: DOES EVERYTHING GO SMOOTHLY?
In travel writing (that’s what I’m doing with this blog, right?), it would be irresponsible to pretend everyone walks away like Lewis Hamilton. Some guests have had less than perfect moments—we witnessed a group of young girls follow us who were clearly 1st-timers, going at like 1kmh, but still managing to hit every single barrier on the way round. At least they were consistent.
But hey… let’s balance that with the fact other visitors said the track was “very big and extremely fun” and that it was “well worth the cost”. Cheers to objectivity.
🍹 SO YOU’RE DONE RACING… NOW WHAT?
Lucky you—Panglao has more to keep your post-adrenaline self entertained:
Near Panglao Kartways:
- Graham ATV Rental Panglao – Yo’ve ridden ‘on-road’, now get your ‘off-road’ fix – plus ruts and mud, so much mud. What a giggle.
- Dumaluan Beach – Perfect to cool off after a race – it is literally a walk down the hill from Panglao Kartways – and is a lovely public beach with rentable huts.
- Beachfront cafés & restaurants – Where iced drinks and ice-cream await. You can also visit the resorts nearby – no pool access, but you can use the sea and beach as long as you’re drinking and eating: South Palms Resort, and Oceanica Resort – are neighbours that are crackers.
- Pop up the road to South Farms for some fishing (they’ll cook what you catch), ride on horses and carabao, and play with bunnies, guinea pigs and budgies – uber-cool for the family.
- Mini golf, paddle courts, beach rentals – For the actual chilling after all that racing chilling.
You’re close enough to Alona Beach that you can transition from karting to comfy seaside lounging before dinner-try Henann Resort and Beach Bar – must-try Beggar’s Sisig Purses. And honestly? Nothing beats cooling your engines with a cold drink while you shout “I totally didn’t finish second” at whoever beat you by a millisecond – so you say…
Panglao Kartways Review: 🏁 Final Thoughts
Whilst you’re in Bohol Paradise and want an experience that has actual motion, laughs, cheers and some “oops that was a bit sideways” moments, then yes, Panglao Kartways is a high-energy stop worth adding to your Panglao list.
It’s excellent for families and groups of friends, great for anyone who’d rather do something active and spontaneous between beach visits, and a superb choice if you want more Instagrams than just sand and sun. We had a blast, although with that wonderful thing called hindsight, I think we should have added at least another three laps to our adventure – it was all over rather quickly – wow, I sound like my Wifey now…
Is it perfect? No.
Is it fun? Oh yes.
Will you take home a grin on your face and maybe a mildly competitive attitude towards your kids? 1000%. 🚦
If your Panglao plans currently read like a sun-lounger timetable—beach, drink, beach, cocktail, repeat—then Panglao Kartways is the plot twist your holiday needed. It brings speed, noise, laughter and a little friendly rivalry into a destination that already knows how to have a good time. One minute you’re arguing about who gets the shady spot on the sand, the next you’re gripping a steering wheel like your pride depends on it. And let’s be honest… sometimes it absolutely does.
What Panglao Kartways gets right is the balance between proper fun and relaxed island vibes. You don’t need racing experience, fancy gear, or a competitive backstory involving childhood trauma and go-kart trophies. You just show up, strap in, listen to the briefing, and try not to scream louder than the engine. Families laugh together, friends talk big and then get humbled on the bends, and kids leave convinced they’re ready for Formula 1 try-outs. Even spectators get entertainment value—because watching someone misjudge a corner is always comedy gold.
So should Panglao Kartways be on your Bohol list? If you enjoy doing things that make you laugh, shout, and temporarily forget where you parked your scooter or left your tricycle driver—absolutely. It’s not about perfection or lap records; it’s about memories, banter, and that post-race glow where everyone suddenly agrees we were ALL “definitely faster on the last lap.” Add between your beach sessions, it brings your sense of humour, and prepares you to leave with a grin that lasts longer than your sunburn – ENJOY!!!
Panglao Kartways Opening Hours
- Every day of the week: 9 AM – 6 PM
What's the address of Panglao Kartways?
Panglao Kartways Contact Details
- Telephone: +63 995 885 8169
- eMail:kartways.sports@gmail.com
People also asked about Panglao Kartways
- What’s the best time to go go-karting in Panglao?
Late afternoon, after the tropical sun takes a nap. - Are kids allowed on the track?
Yes! Kids can ride in double karts with an adult. - Is there archery too?
Yep. After karts, you can try archery Panglao style. - How long does a session last?
Typically under an hour for most bookings. - Is it expensive?
Panglao Kartways offers different rates for various karts, with around ₱480-₱580 for 3 laps for standard/pro karts, and about ₱350 for kids’ karts, with extra laps costing around ₱100 each, but it’s best to contact them directly for the most current prices and any changes, as these details can vary.
Top Tips for Panglao Kartways
- Plan your slot in the afternoon, when the sun’s less “volcano on your head” – it gets hot in that helmet, believe me.
- Bring sunscreen—you’ll regret it otherwise.
- Wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind telling to “go easy on the sweat”.
- Charge your phone–because YouTube needs proof of your bravery.
- Bring small bills for paying extra laps or snacks.
- Wear grippy shoes: It’s not mandatory (I wore flip flops), but it is easier driving in covered toe shoes for sure.
Remember: go-karting Bohol style is casual, fun, friendly and perfect for that Instagram Story where you try to look like a pro.
Is Bohol worth visiting?
Is Bohol worth visiting? Blimey, if Chocolate Hills don’t sell you, nothing will—those 1,200-odd lumps of limestone popping from paddies like nature’s own funfair, turning green post-monsoon or chocolate-brown in dry spells, begging for ATV roars or viewpoint gawps that mock any Singapore skylines. Fresh from Graham’s mud-splattered trek, I’ll cal out that Bohol’s not a one-trick carabao: tarsier sanctuaries house tiny gremlins with eyes bigger than Wifey in a Coach store, Loboc River cruises float you past karinderya singers, and Panglao’s beaches (Dumaluan’s powdery hush, Alona’s booze buzz) sling sunsets sharper than a sinigang.
Add ziplines screaming over forests, bee farms dripping honey like fiesta gold, and Baclayon Church’s stone walls whispering 400-year-old Spanish memories—it’s a riot of rice terraces, falls like Can-Umantad (cliff jumps for bravehearts), and freediving reefs where turtles photobomb your bubbles.
Truth be told, Bohol punches tourist traps into touch with countryside combos that cram hills, tarsiers, blood compact shrines, and man-made forests into one van whirl (₱2k-3k/person, proper steal), leaving evenings for South Palms feasts or Alona bars where San Migs flow freer than jeepney fumes. Families chase fireflies and cold springs, divers hit Balicasag’s corals (turtles galore), solos ATV solo or island-hop Virgin’s sands.
Compared to Cebu crowds, Bohol breathes easier: less concrete, more carabao lows, prices kinder. Verdict: drag your crew, throttle hills, float rivers—Bohol’s worth every peso splatter. Proper island idyll, zero FOMO.