PANDANON ISLAND, BOHOL: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS



2019 • 02 • 20

Pandanon Island, although officially part of Bohol, is one of the popular Cebu day trip package destinations because of its close proximity to the Queen City of the South. Situated in the northern part of Bohol, in the municipality of Getafe, this island is known for its sandbars and a long stretch of white-sand beaches.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Mactan Cebu International Airport (Cebu); Tagbilaran Airport (Bohol)

By Air

Coming from Manila, this is the most convenient and fastest way to go to Cebu or Bohol. It will take you one to one and a half hours to get to Mactan Cebu International Airport or Tagbilaran Airport. Check your preferred airline company for the flight schedule and airfare.

VIA CEBU

  1. When you finally get to Mactan, Cebu, take a cab to Hilton Port (P150-200) in Lapu-Lapu.
  2. From Hilton Port, you have to rent a boat going to Pandanon Island. Boat rates will depend on the capacity size. Rates range from P1800 to P3500. Bigger boats have the usual capacity of 30-35 persons. The travel duration is around one and a half hours.

VIA BOHOL

  1. Once in Tagbilaran, Bohol, take a bus (P90; 4 hours travel time) or an aircon van (P120; 2 hours travel time) to Jetafe Port.
  2. From Jetafe Port, charter a boat going to Pandanon. Boat rental fee depends on the size of the boat, but it’s much cheaper than the boat rental in Mactan. Travel duration is approximately 30 minutes.

By Sea

VIA CEBU

  1. It will take you around 20 to 34 hours from Manila to Cebu. Check ferry schedules of Manila North Harbor.
  2. When you finally arrive in Mactan, Cebu, take a cab to Hilton Port (P150-200) in Lapu-Lapu.
  3. From Hilton Port, you have to rent a boat going to Pandanon Island. Boat rates will depend on the capacity size. Rates range from P1800 to P3500. Bigger boats have the usual capacity of 30-35 persons. The travel duration is around one and a half hours.

VIA BOHOL

  1. Two major shipping companies offer Manila to Bohol (and vice versa) route several times a week: WG&A Super Ferry and Sulpicio Lines. WG&A sea fare ranges from P2000 to P8000. Sulpicio Lines has a much cheaper fare, ranging from P1800 to P3500. Check the ferry schedules of your preferred company. Travel duration is around 30 hours.
  2. Once in Tagbilaran, Bohol, take a bus (P90; 4 hours travel time) or an aircon van (P120; 2 hours travel time) to Jetafe Port.
  3. From Jetafe Port, charter a boat going to Pandanon. Boat rental fee depends on the size of the boat, but it’s much cheaper than the boat rental in Mactan. Travel duration is approximately 30 minutes.

 


Entrance Fee and Other Charges

  • Entrance Fee: P150 per person
  • Camping Fee: Some areas are free, some have minimal fee of around P100 (exclusive of tent).
  • Cottage Rental Fee: Rates vary depending on size/capacity. Starts at P250.

Don’t Miss

  • Pandanon Island is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and chilling out.
  • You can also play volleyball or ultimate Frisbee with friends or family.
  • The simple white chapel and the unfinished Roman columns make for great background for your “selfies”, “groufies”, and “OOTDs”.

Don’t Forget

  • It’s recommended to bring your own food or, if you want, you can also do the cooking, since there are designated places for that. If you are planning to cook your food, bring your own supply of charcoal.
  • Bring your own camping gear and equipment.
  • Washing up will not be a problem as there are bathroom facilities on the island.
  • Keep the place clean. Practice proper garbage disposal.

If You Have More Time and Budget

  • The shallow waters of Pandanon might not be ideal for snorkeling or diving, but you can ask your boatmen to bring you to other nearby islands where you can enjoy these activities.
  • You can either explore the rest of Bohol mainland or Cebu mainland.

Where to Stay

People usually go to Pandanon Island for a day tour only or as part of their island hopping package and then head back to Cebu or Bohol for their overnight stay. Here are some of the recommended resorts that you can find in Bohol according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

Photo was provided by the resort via Agoda.

For more options, search here: Bohol Hotels


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