By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 10:08 AM January 30, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Virgin Island, also known as Puntod Island, in Panglao, Bohol will officially reopen to the public on Monday, February 2, following more than a year of rehabilitation.
Authorities expect a renewed influx of tourists to the popular sandbar destination after its prolonged closure, which was implemented to allow the recovery of its marine environment and to address longstanding management issues.
The provincial government of Bohol, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), announced that the reopening will be accompanied by stricter guidelines for both boat operators and visitors. These measures aim to prevent the recurrence of problems that previously led to the island’s closure and to ensure stronger environmental protection.
Virgin Island was temporarily closed on September 9, 2024, after severe damage was reported in the Estaca snorkeling site, including vandalism of corals.
Photos showing corals marked and defaced with tourists’ names went viral on social media, with reports alleging that some dive guides were involved in the acts.
Aside from coral vandalism, authorities also cited reports of illegal collection of fees from tourists and the absence of a proper boat anchoring system, which resulted in boats stepping on and damaging corals and other marine resources.
The more than one-year closure served as a recovery and rehabilitation period for the area, under the supervision of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
Officials said the new regulations are intended to promote responsible tourism while safeguarding Virgin Island’s fragile marine ecosystem.
