Connie comes from Tagbilaran so I have been to Alona many times. There is a wide choice of accomodation there and unless you are going at a particularly busy time I would recommend just arriving and doing a small tour to select something you like. What is "best" for someone else is not always right for you. One firm recommendation though is Oops Bar for a few drinks or a meal. It's always fun in there with banter at the bar. We often stay at the Lost Horizon and are greeted as old friends there by their staff. Their bar can also be a fun place to hang out. The "standard" sightseeing trip is very easy to arrange, you will receive offers of help the moment you arrive. Do eat on the floating restaurants, its worth it. Another worthwhile day out is to leave early to see the Dolphins then get the boat to take you over to Balicasig(spelling?) island for some snorkling over the inshore reef which is a protected area. The reef is very shallow and safe for poor swimmers and the fish plentiful and very beautiful. Then lunch on the island before back to Alona. The boats will cost around 2000 pesos and can take maybe 6 people and you will receive many offers as soon as you stroll along the sand. I also recommend snorkling on the house reef at Alona which is only about 100 metres offshore and you can walk halfway at low tide. The diving there is also very good and it's easy, and fairly cheap to learn if you are a newcomer. If though your reason for being there is just romance your lady might not appreciate it as it takes 3 days, not all day but a good piece of it!
