With its relatively untouched nature, lush marine life, and white sand beaches, Pamilacan Island is surely the next hidden gem to add to your must-visit tropical stops while in Bohol.
The quaint island, located in the Bohol Sea, sits between Bohol and Mindanao. Tourists can get there by riding a bangka or pump boat. Pamilacan is around 12.5 km and about one hour away by boat from the city of Baclayon.
What to Do
Like the island’s name, which is speculated to relate to the manta rays, the main attractions for visitors involve plenty of marine life-watching. Pamilacan is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin and whale watching. Depending on the weather and sea condition, sight seekers are recommended to watch the dolphins at dawn when they are most visible.
Photo: Dan | Flickr
During the day, visitors can explore the powdery white beaches and mingle with the locals. One of the most compelling landmarks on the island is the two-centuries-old Spanish fort. According to the locals, this landmark served as a watchtower or lookout post for Moro pirates and other enemies of the Spanish colony. The fort is situated on the northeast side of the island.
Marine Life
Pamilacan Island is also part of the Bohol Marine Triangle (BMT), spanning over 112,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems brimming with biodiversity. The BMT provides support and economic opportunities to the coastal communities.
According to the municipality of Baclayon, Bohol is home to at least 13 species of cetaceans or aquatic mammals, like whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Photo: Expedia
Commonly sighted dolphins on the island of Pamilacan include Risso’s dolphin, playful spinner dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, and Fraser’s dolphin. The southern coast of Pamilacan Island is where the current is the strongest and is usually where small and large groups of dolphins jump out of the water to do their somersaults.
Braver tourists will also love the more enormous whales like Bryde’s and sperm whales, frequently spotted near the island. Bryde’s whales grow up to 15 meters and eat comparatively smaller prey like plankton and tiny crustaceans. Sperm whales, known for their rounded foreheads, reach up to 18 meters and are more active predators. These whales prefer giant squids, bony fishes, and even other sharks.
Smaller whales are also found near Pamilacan, like the short-finned pilot whale, the melon-headed whale, and the pygmy killer whale.
Photo: Municipality of Baclayon
The island has plenty of relatively untouched coral gardens, home to many colorful fishes, tunicates, anemones, and other unique marine life.
Experienced and trained guides are highly recommended to maintain proper procedures in visiting and watching these animals. These aquatic mammals inhabit these waters, and the locals are there to ensure they are not unnecessarily disturbed or stressed.
Places to Stay
Depending on the tourist’s preferences, accommodations to consider when visiting the island include Pueblo de Pamilacan Island Resort, Pamilacan Island Paradise Hotel, and Liwayway sa Bohol – Pamilacan Bed & Breakfast.
Photo: Bohol Guide
Cottages and simple beach huts are available around the island. Most of them are made from locally-sourced materials like bamboo and nipa. Typically, rooms would have bamboo beds, mosquito nets, a small fan, a bathroom, and a small balcony.
Local families prepare the food for guests using fresh ingredients from the local market.
Most of the resorts and hotels offer dolphin and whale watching tours, guided tours around the island, and tours of nearby sites within the Bohol province.
Moreover, several local and family-owned businesses around the island can help travelers with their tours, including boat rental and snorkeling.
Nearby Attractions
Travelers of Baclayon can also visit Panglao, another one of the three municipalities that make up the BMT. Beaches in Panglao have stunning clear blue waters and white sands. Island hopping is also among the exciting activities to do in this area with so many prominent islands nearby such as the Balicasag Island and Virgin Island.
Photo: Go Around Philippines
Dakit-Dakit in Mactan is also a great diving spot to see a wide array of marine life like fire corals and flamingo tongue snails.
Cervera Shoal or Snake Island is also a famous diving site where visitors can see about 18 meters deep sunken plateau. Recommended for more experienced divers due to its powerful current, the Snake Island is the habitat of colorful marine creatures, including bucket sponges, sea turtles, moral eels, nudibranchs, and black-white banded sea snakes.
—
Featured Image: Linh Léah | Pinterest
Comments
About the Author
