Virgin Island: A Taste of Tropical Paradise
I was going through the photos we took on our last trip to the Philippines and came across this photo of an uninhabited island between Panglao and Balicasag islands in Bohol. That’s me on the photo, marveling at the spectacular wonder of nature spread out before me.
The island itself is tiny, probably not more than a few hundred square meters and is locally referred to as Virgin Island, presumably because it is uninhabited (to date, at least). What took my breath away was the almost one kilometer-long sandbar that stretched away from the island itself. Our motorized banca docked and deposited us on this sandbar and we had to walk the rest of the way to get to the island. Walking on sand, in the middle of the sea, with water lapping around our ankles. Makes you feel like you’re walking on water!
Boasting of more than 7000 islands, I wonder how many such dreamy islands still remain in the Philippines. How many are being snapped up by local and foreign investors, turning such paradise islands into tourist havens. How much would such an island fetch in the real estate market?!?
Tags: Asia, asia diving, asia-holidays, asia-hotels, asia-travel, balicasag, bohol, island resorts, islands, Philippines, tropical islands, tropicsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Beaches in Asia, Philippines
3 opinions for Virgin Island: A Taste of Tropical Paradise
Celine
Apr 1, 2008 at 11:52 am
Hi! I’m a b5media blogger over at the Business Channel. I’m going to Bohol later in the year, and I’m glad I found this post. How did you get to this island? Did you hire a boat? I’d like to hear more about your experiences in Bohol so that I’d know what to expect.
Ruth
Apr 2, 2008 at 3:17 am
Hi Celine! From Manila, we took a domestic flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol via CebuPacific Airlines. From there, we had a van bring us to Panglao island; it was arranged through Bohol Beach Club, where we were billeted during our stay. From the resort, this island is about a half-hour ride on a banca we booked privately (although beach hopping tours may also be booked through the hotel).
Have you decided where to stay? I highly recommend BBC.Here are some photos I took: http://www.letsvisitasia.com/2008/02/12/panglao-island-bohol-in-photos/
Clark
Apr 6, 2008 at 5:27 am
It’s nice to dream of having your own private island somewhere, especially during those times you are stuck in a cubicle somewhere. I enjoy your writing on the Philippines, a place I haven’t had the privilege to visit yet.
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