Virgin Island

A long white sandbar off Panglao Island that appears with the tide. With shallow, clear water, it's ideal for photos and wading.

Virgin Island is not a true island but a slender white sandbar in the sea off Panglao Island. At low tide, the sandbar emerges over several hundred metres, flanked by shallow water so clear you can see the bottom. Standing in the middle, it feels like walking in the middle of the ocean, making it the most popular photo stop on island-hopping tours. At high tide, the sandbar shrinks or is fully submerged, so plan your visit around the tides. Locals sell freshly opened sea urchins, shellfish and coconuts on the sandbar, so ask about prices beforehand. There is no shade, so use plenty of sunscreen. It is usually the last stop on an island-hopping tour, with about an hour spent here on the way back from Balicasag Island. Note that sea urchins live in the shallows, so wear water shoes. Do not pick up starfish or lift them out of the water for photos.

Opening hours

Depends on sailing schedule

Sandbar · Island hopping · Photo spots

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby

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