DENR reopens Virgin Island, imposes visitor limits and no-vendor policy

By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 02:33 PM January 30, 2026

TAGBILARAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has announced the official reopening of the popular Virgin Island, also known as Puntod Island, to tourists on February 2, under tighter environmental regulations aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystem.

The DENR stressed that all vendors and commercial selling activities are now strictly prohibited on the island to prevent the return of past issues, including pollution and overpricing.

As part of strengthened waste management and pollution control measures, the dumping of garbage into the sea is strictly banned. Boat operators are now required to provide onboard waste bins and ensure the proper disposal of collected trash upon reaching the shore.

Tourists are also encouraged to use only reef-safe and mineral-based sunscreens, such as Magwai and Human Nature, to protect coral reefs. Products containing harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are prohibited due to their damaging effects on marine life.

Boat operators will be held accountable for any waste brought by their passengers and are advised to use natural cleaning agents, such as vinegar or lemon juice, for cleaning equipment instead of chemical-based products.

Authorities also warned that the burning of garbage and seaweeds is strictly forbidden, and proper waste disposal must be observed at all times to safeguard the island’s ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the DENR will implement a “One-Entry, One-Exit System” to better regulate tourist movement, manage waste, and minimize environmental impact.

Under the new system, all tourist boats must dock at Puntod Island’s designated entry and exit point, where visitors are required to register, pay entrance fees, and attend a mandatory environmental briefing before engaging in activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO-PIPS) also announced limits on the number of visitors allowed on the island to prevent overcrowding. A maximum of 250 visitors will be permitted on the sandbar every two hours, while snorkeling and diving activities will be limited to a two-hour interaction period.

A “three-minute rule” per group will be enforced for photo-taking to give other visitors a fair opportunity, and any commercial photography will require prior arrangement.

Island operations will run daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.