Virgin Island, locally known as Pungtud Island, is an uninhabited coral sandbar island situated approximately 7 kilometers west of Alona Beach in the Bohol Sea. It is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Bohol — a gleaming crescent of powder-white sand surrounded by a luminous turquoise lagoon so shallow that adults can wade knee-deep for hundreds of meters from shore.
Unlike the more adrenaline-focused dive sites of Balicasag Island, Virgin Island offers a quintessential tropical paradise experience: wade in crystal-clear warm water, recline on bleached-white sand under coconut palms, and feast on fresh grilled seafood and chilled coconut juice prepared by local vendors directly on the beach.
Virgin Island (Pungtud) Quick Reference
- Local Name: Pungtud Island / Virgin Island.
- Coordinates: 9.5614° N, 123.7278° E (7 km west of Alona Beach).
- Environmental Fee: ₱100 per person (collected at landing).
- Boat Charter from Alona Beach: ₱1,500–₱2,500 per boat (6–8 persons).
- Travel Time: 20–30 minutes by motorized outrigger bangka from Alona Beach Pier.
- Best Combined With: Balicasag Island snorkeling + dolphin watching.
What to Expect on Virgin Island
Upon landing your outrigger bangka on the blindingly white sandbar, a small community of local fishermen-vendors set up tables and grilling stations directly on the sand. The seafood selection is unmatched for freshness — purchased from the morning's catch and grilled on coconut husk charcoal to order:
- Grilled Whole Lapu-Lapu (Grouper): ₱400–₱600 per whole fish, serves 2–3 persons.
- Fresh Blue Swimming Crab: ₱300–₱450 per kilo, steamed with ginger and lemongrass.
- Grilled Squid (Pusit): ₱200–₱350 per platter.
- Buko (Fresh Young Coconut): ₱50–₱70 per coconut, served chilled.
- Sea Urchin (Tuyom) Roe: ₱50–₱80 per unit, prized by seafood connoisseurs.
Island Hopping Combination: Virgin Island + Balicasag
The most popular island hopping circuit departing from Alona Beach combines Virgin Island and Balicasag Island into a single full-day charter. The typical schedule is:
- 06:00 AM: Depart Alona Beach Pier for dolphin watching (2–3 km offshore).
- 07:30 AM: Arrive at Balicasag Island — snorkel at the Black Forest coral wall and swim with giant green sea turtles.
- 10:30 AM: Depart Balicasag for Virgin Island (25 minutes).
- 11:00 AM – 01:30 PM: Virgin Island beach time: wading, snorkeling, fresh seafood lunch.
- 02:00 PM: Return journey to Alona Beach (~30 minutes).
Snorkeling at Virgin Island
The seagrass beds and fringing reef around Virgin Island host sea turtles, sea horses, pufferfish, and colorful reef fish. The water is exceptionally clear, with visibility often exceeding 15 meters. Snorkeling gear can be rented from bangka operators for ₱100–₱150 per set. Unlike Balicasag, the reef is very shallow and ideal for beginner snorkelers and children.
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Where to Stay Near Virgin Island
The closest base for island hopping to Virgin Island is Alona Beach on Panglao Island. Accommodation ranges from budget dive guesthouses (₱800–₱1,500/night) to mid-range beachfront resorts (₱2,500–₱5,000/night) and luxury boutique properties (₱8,000–₱20,000/night). See our full Alona Beach Resort Guide for detailed recommendations.