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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Virgin Island in Bohol reopens on Feb. 2

Virgin Island in Bohol reopens on Feb. 2

Published Jan 31, 2026 07:19 pm
VIRGIN Island in Panglao, Bohol will be reopened to the public on Feb. 2. (Amazing Bohol Facebook)
VIRGIN Island in Panglao, Bohol will be reopened to the public on Feb. 2. (Amazing Bohol Facebook)
CEBU CITY – More than a year after it was closed for rehabilitation, Virgin Island, known for its iconic white sandbar and crystal-clear, shallow waters in Panglao, Bohol, is set to reopen.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado announced that the popular tourist destination will be reopened to the public on Feb. 2.
Aumentado said the reopening of Virgin Island, also known as Puntod Island, marked a major step in reviving sustainable tourism while reinforcing environmental protection in the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS).
The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the PIPS, in coordination with the provincial government of Bohol and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Visayas (DENR-7), has granted clearance for the lifting of the temporary closure following the adoption of the PIPS Marine Tourism Guidelines and the completion of key protection enforcement and capacity-building interventions.
Aumentado ordered the closure of the island in September 2024 for rehabilitation.
Vandalism of corals, poor waste management, and complaints of exorbitant prices of foods and drinks being sold by vendors were among the reasons cited for the closure.
DENR-7 Regional Director Laudemir Salac emphasized that the reopening is strictly contingent upon adherence to the Marine Tourism Guidelines.
Salac said the guidelines provide a science-based framework for managing marine tourism activities, protecting coral reefs and marine wildlife, and ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism within the protected area.
As one of Bohol’s most iconic island destinations, Virgin Island is expected to generate renewed economic opportunities for boat operators, tour guides, and nearby communities.
Once it reopens, vendor stalls will no longer be permitted on the sandbar. The policy also enforces a single designated entry and exit point to the island, along with strict controls on boat operations and visitor capacity to minimize environmental impact and prevent overcrowding.
Island operations will run daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Virgin Island Panglao Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado
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