Want to visit Pandanon island? 6 things you need to know!
Pandanon island is a tiny island which sits between Bohol and Cebu although it is technically part of the province of Bohol. The island is small but offers pristine crystal clear waters backed up by a wide white sand beach which come together to create a peaceful scenery. There is a small community that live on one part of the island but apart from that, the island still remains relatively untouched.
Aside from the picturesque beach, there is also a white house and some ruins which stick out to help create an alluring scene in the background.
Keep in mind that upon arrival you will need to pay a small entrance fee of PHP 150 per person however if you are coming as part of a packaged tour, that fee may already be included in the final price.
If you are considering a vacation in Pandanon Island then here are 6 things you will need to know:
1- Relax
Unlike other bigger islands in the Philippines such as Boracay, Pandanon Island is for general beach bumming. Work on your tan, go for a swim and feel the soft white sand beneath your feet as you lay out and forget the world on this tropical paradise. There are also facilities for a beach volleyball matchup as well as playing football. The beach offers very basic amenities such as cottages, a cooking area and a changing area.
2- Getting There
To get to Pandanon Island, you will need to catch a boat from either Mactan island or Cebu. Prices will vary depending on season, boat size and time of the day. The best time to get a good deal is to go early in the morning when there are less customers and more boats which means more choices for you to negotiate a good rate. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from P2400 to P 5000. Also, keep in mind that there are other islands in the area you can visit if you want to make the most of your boat driver.
3- Bring a Camera
Pandanon Island is one of the most scenic islands in the Cebu region and the last thing you want to do is forget to document it. Seeing as there is not much activity on the island, you will have plenty of time to chill out and walk around the beach to take stunning photographs.
4- Bring your own food
If you are visiting Pandanon Island then chances are you will run into local fishermen who can sell you fish by the weight and depending on the day you can even get squid, crab, lobster and sea urchin. Pandanon Island has cooking facilities which makes it the perfect place for a beach picnic but you will need to be prepared. A good idea is to bring your own rice, water and snacks such as fruit.
5- Bring your own entertainment
As mentioned above, this is an island for pure relaxation and how you want to spend your day enjoying the island will depend on you. Many people bring music gadgets such as iPods and speakers to listen to music while they are soaking in the sun. Other people bring their own volleyball or soccer ball as the beach is wide and flat which makes it perfect for playing beach sports with your friends or family.
6- Check out the Sandbar and Chapel
While the main beach is the highlight, if you happen to be there during low tide you will be able to walk along a small sandbar which takes you into the waters. There is also a gorgeous chapel worth checking out for a photoop.
Have you been to Pandanon Island before? We’d love to hear about your experience below!
