Tourists flock to Virgin Island as Bohol’s famous sandbar reopens

CLEAR SHORES Visitors return to Puntod Island, widely known as Virgin Island, in Panglao, Bohol, on Tuesday, marking its reopening after more than a yearlong rehabilitation aimed at restoring the site’s natural beauty. —LEO UDTOHAN

PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL—Foreign tourists visited Puntod Island, popularly known as Virgin Island, as it officially reopened to the public on Tuesday, following more than a year of environmental rehabilitation.

Among the visitors was Rui, who asked to be identified only by his first name, who toured the sandbar with his family for the first time.

“[I’m] so lucky today. This place is fantastic,” Rui said while exploring the island, which is about a 15-minute motorbanca ride from mainland Panglao.

Another visitor, 34-year-old Erin Choi, said Virgin Island appeared more beautiful compared to her visit in 2021.

She shared that while snorkeling, she encountered numerous turtles and fish—an indication of improving coral reef health.

Officials noted that most visitors during the reopening were Korean nationals, one of Bohol’s key foreign tourism markets after China.

Time limit

Under the new regulations, tourists are allowed to stay on the island for a maximum of two hours per visit.

The reopening comes with reinforced environmental safeguards, regulated visitor flow, and stronger interagency coordination to ensure safety, order, and sustainability.

Virgin Island forms part of the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) and is managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Protected Area Management Board, in coordination with the provincial government led by Gov Erico Aristotle Aumentado

The DENR temporarily closed the island on Sept. 9, 2024, due to severe environmental degradation, including coral vandalism, poor waste management, and damage caused by boat anchors. The reopening followed the adoption of the PIPS Marine Tourism Guidelines.

Following a ceremonial program, officials led the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the island. They also removed a tarpaulin installed in 2024, with Aumentado, DENR Central Visayas Director Laudemir Salac, and Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay jointly taking part—symbolizing a fresh chapter in Virgin Island’s management anchored on responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

Salac said the island’s reopening is governed by clear terms and conditions, including a new management system, defined visitor guidelines, and strengthened environmental protection measures.