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Pamilacan Island

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Bohol is a province that has become known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking natural attractions, and diverse marine life. One of the most sought-after destinations in Bohol is Pamilacan Island, a small island located off the coast of Baclayon town. Pamilacan Island offers a unique experience for travelers, from whale and dolphin watching to swimming with sea turtles. Here is a comprehensive travel guide to Pamilacan Island.

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Pamilacan Island is a small island which is part of the municipality of Baclayon. It is between the deep sea of Bohol and Mindanao. It is only a 1-hour pump or outrigger boat ride from the town of Baclayon. It has three sitios, one at the southern coast, one situated inland and the other facing the town of Baclayon.

Home to more or less 200 families, this fishing community is closely knit. Their main livelihood is fishing, and in the past has gone after whales, manta rays and dolphins. Their houses are often decorated with large whale jaws and bones and these ‘relics’ adds to the interesting facet of the island.

In the local dialect, Pamilacan means “resting place of the mantas” though some local folks say that the name of the island was derived from the word “pamilac” or harpoon, a common fishing implement used to capture whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins.

The island lies at the heart of the Bohol Sea. It is made of coral and fossilized seashells that one sees on the island’s rocky hill. It is surrounded by a “fringing reef” and some marine species are starfish, seagrasses, crinoids, crown of thorns and cleaner wrasses. The prized Gloria Maris seashells abound in its surrounding waters.

Blessed with white sand beaches, the island is also a tourist destination because of magnificent dive sites nearby which gives the diver a breathtaking view of giant gorgonians, tunicates, sponges, anemones as well as other unique marine life. A very small coral island called “Dakit-Dakit” can also be visited.

Bohol Marine Triangle

The island is part of the Bohol Marine Triangle (BMT) with a marine sanctuary on the northwest side. It is home to at least 13 species of cetaceans. The large whales most often spotted are the Bryde’s whales and the sperm whales. Bryde’s whales are massive yet plankton eaters that can grow up to 15 meters. The sperm whales, the largest predator, reach up to 18 meters. The later is the prime target of whalers the world over.

Sometimes seen alone, these large whales are oftentimes observed to travel in groups of 20 or more. Because of their large size and reputation for fighting back, they are not hunted much locally. They are the most commonly sighted large whales in the Philippines.

Smaller whales found near Pamilacan are the short-finned pilot whale, the melon-headed whale, and the pygmy killer whale. Dolphins commonly sighted are the Risso’s dolphin, the playful spinner dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the spotted dolphin and the Fraser’s dolphin.

The dolphin’s play area is the part where the current is the strongest, at the southern coast of Pamilacan Island. They are playful mammals and are very social, often jumping out of the water in threes or more and doing somersaults. They travel in small and large groups, most often following the wake of passing boats.

Spanish Fort

Aside from the beautiful white sand beaches, magnificent dive sites, dolphin and whale watching, and bountiful marine life, the island also boast of a 200-year-old Spanish fort. The fort is situated at the northeast side of the island. In the past, it served as a watch station for intruders such as pirates and other enemies of the Spanish colony.

The fort is triangular in shape, made of rubble. Cut coral blocks line its portal and windows. Round buttresses support the three corners of the structure, and embedded trusses and a triangular pillar in the center indicate that the fort may have a second floor, probably made of wood.

No specific date has been established on the fort’s construction yet there are indications that it was constructed during the 19th century for a large wooden cross with an 1800’s date carved on it stood near the fort. The cross is now housed under a modern chapel nearby. The fort is said to form a network with the towers or forts in the towns of Loay, Baclayon, Panglao, and the city of Tagbilaran.

To cater to tourists, locals and foreigners alike, a resort has recently been developed in the island – the Pueblo de Pamilacan Island Resort. Cottages and a souvenir shop are available and the resort offers guided tours around the island, dolphin and whale watching expeditions, and tours of other beautiful sites of the Bohol province.

For dolphin and whale watching expeditions, be sure to contact experienced Pamilacan fishermen as guides. They have the uncanny abilities of homing in on these great creatures which baffles even scientists. With them, all expeditions are rewarded with 100% sightings.

Experienced and trained guides are a must so that proper procedures are followed to avoid unnecessary stress on the mammals. These mammals will continue to inhabit the waters if they are not much disturbed.

Though whales and many of the dolphins are most active at night and during early morning, the best time to watch them is at dawn when you can clearly see them and appreciate their antics. Trips usually begin in March until the onset of the rainy season in June or July though tours depend much on weather and sea conditions. One can see though resident dolphins and whales the whole year round.

Getting There

The only way to reach Pamilacan Island is by boat. You can take a pump boat from the Baclayon Pier or the nearby town of Panglao. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the weather conditions. You can also hire a private boat or join a group tour that includes a visit to the island.

Things to do

  1. Whale and Dolphin Watching

    2. Pamilacan Island is known for its abundant marine life, particularly its resident dolphins and whales. Visitors can go on a dolphin and whale watching tour to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The best time to go whale and dolphin watching is from March to June, but sightings are possible all year round.

  2. Snorkeling and Diving
    The waters surrounding Pamilacan Island are teeming with marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. You can rent snorkeling gear from the local boat operators and explore the underwater world of the island. For those who want to go deeper, there are several dive shops in nearby Panglao that offer diving tours to Pamilacan Island.
  3. Island Hopping
    Aside from Pamilacan Island, there are other nearby islands that are worth visiting. Island hopping tours are available that take visitors to nearby islands such as Balicasag and Virgin Island. These tours typically include snorkeling stops and beach visits.
  4. Swimming with Sea Turtles
    One of the unique experiences that visitors can have on Pamilacan Island is swimming with sea turtles. The island is home to a turtle sanctuary where you can see sea turtles up close and even swim with them. The sanctuary is managed by the local community, and a small fee is required to enter.
  5. Relaxing on the Beach
    Pamilacan Island has a beautiful white sand beach where visitors can relax and soak up the sun. The beach is relatively quiet and secluded, making it an ideal spot for those who want to unwind and escape the crowds.

Where to Stay

There are no hotels on Pamilacan Island, but there are several homestays and guest

As mentioned earlier, there are no hotels on Pamilacan Island, but there are several homestays and guesthouses available. These accommodations are run by the local community and offer a unique and authentic experience. Here are some of the popular homestays on the island:

  1. Pamilacan Island Homestay - This homestay is located on the beachfront and offers basic accommodations with shared bathrooms. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hosts are friendly and accommodating. They also offer island tours and activities for guests.
  2. Pamilacan Island Tourist Inn - This inn is located in the heart of the island and offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The rooms are spacious and clean, and there's a common area where guests can relax and socialize. The inn also offers island tours and activities for guests.
  3. Pamilacan Island Paradise - This homestay is located on a hill overlooking the ocean and offers stunning views of the island. The rooms are spacious and clean, and there's a common area where guests can relax and socialize. The hosts are friendly and accommodating, and they also offer island tours and activities for guests.
  4. Pamilacan Island Transient House - This homestay is located in the center of the island and offers basic accommodations with shared bathrooms. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hosts are friendly and accommodating. They also offer island tours and activities for guests.

All of these homestays offer a unique and authentic experience, and they're a great way to get to know the local community and culture of Pamilacan Island. It's recommended to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.

Aside from seafood, there are also other local dishes that visitors can try on the island. One of the must-try dishes is the "kinilaw," a type of Filipino ceviche made with fresh fish, vinegar, onions, ginger, and chili. Another popular dish is "adobong saang," which is a type of sea snail cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.

For those who want to try something different, there are also several restaurants on nearby Panglao Island that offer a wide range of cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Korean.

Top of Pamilacan Island

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Tips for Visiting Pamilacan Island

  1. Plan your trip in advance.
    Since Pamilacan Island is a small and secluded destination, it's important to plan your trip in advance. Make sure to book your accommodations and boat tours ahead of time to avoid any last-minute hassles.
  2. Bring cash.
    There are no ATMs or banks on Pamilacan Island, so make sure to bring enough cash for your expenses.
  3. Respect the local community.
    Pamilacan Island is home to a small community of fishermen who rely on the sea for their livelihood. Make sure to respect their culture and way of life, and avoid doing anything that could harm the environment.
  4. Follow responsible tourism practices.
    As with any destination, it's important to follow responsible tourism practices when visiting Pamilacan Island. Make sure to dispose of your trash properly, avoid touching or disturbing the marine life, and respect the natural environment.

In conclusion, Pamilacan Island is a hidden gem in Bohol that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. From whale and dolphin watching to swimming with sea turtles, there's something for everyone on this beautiful island. So if you're looking for a secluded and peaceful getaway, Pamilacan Island should definitely be on your travel bucket list.