Derived from the word “Pilak”, which is a large hooked implement made and used by the islanders to capture manta rays, whale sharks and bryde’s whale, Pamilacan Island is one of the islands of Bohol usually included in an Island Hopping Tour Package. The island is situated in the Bohol Sea, about 25 kilometers east of Balicasag Island.
Pamilacan Island
The Bohol Sea is located in the southern part of the islands of Bohol and Panglao. Said to be one of best dive sites in the country, visitors can see a wide array of marine creatures including colorful fishes, dolphins and whales near Pamilacan Island.
Pamilacan Island is 4 to 5 times as large as Balicasag. It has a white-sand beach on the Eastern and Southern side and over 200 families currently live in the island. People used to hunt manta rays, dolphins, sharks and whales but because Philippine law now protects it, they decided to stop and instead offer a sightseeing activity of these wonderful creatures to the tourists of Bohol and Panglao.
The island of Pamilacan served as a watch station against Moro intrusion. Evident until this day is the 200-year-old Spanish fort on the Northeast side.
The attractions in Pamilacan Island includes the Santa Cruz at the chapel’s altar, the white sand beach, the centuries old Spanish fort, the fossilized seashells, and the marine creatures on the shore.
Today, the visitors of Pamilacan Island can see bones and jaws of marine life including whale sharks in a number of homes in the village. They are used as decorations and cast away the bad spirits. Today the townsfolk are now vigilant in protecting the marine life because tourism is one of their main sources of income.
If you want to enjoy island hopping in Pamilacan Island, you can avail a cheap tour package in Bohol and include it in your itinerary.