Want to feel the ocean breeze on a sandbar in Bohol? You’ve come to the right place!
Bohol, a picturesque region in the Philippines, is home to stunning sandbars. What is a sandbar? A sandbar is a ridge of sand or silt that is either buried or partially exposed and generated by the action of waves or currents in bodies of water such as seas, rivers, or lakes. They can be found along shorelines or further offshore, and are frequently long and thin. They are doodles of white sand that appear during low tide, providing travelers with a picturesque and often lonely beach experience.
North Sandbar (Bongan Sandbar, Talibon)
This sandbar is nominally part of Bohol, however it is always accessible from Mactan. A long, narrow length of pristine white sand bordered by blue sea is ideal for wading, sunbathing, and flying drones. Bongan Sandbar is less touristy and provides a peaceful getaway into Bohol’s wilder seascape.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
- From Tagbilaran: Ride a bus or van to Talibon. Then head to the municipal port where local boatmen offer trips to the sandbar. Then you can charter a boat to North Sandbar, where it takes 20-30 minutes and rates vary.
- From Cebu: From Mactan Island you can join a tour or charter a boat. Some Cebu based tours include North Sandbars as part of a 3 island itinerary. And the trip takes about 1.5-2 hours by boat.
Virgin Island (Pungtud Island)
Pungtud Island is recognized as Bohol’s “virgin island.” Where it displays lovely clean seas and a well-known attractive c-shaped sandbar that appears during low tide. Visitors have described it as a comma, twisted spoon, and on occasion, a tadpole as it curls into the water. The island is located along the coast of Panglao, Bohol.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Panglao, Bohol Philippines
- By Car: If you’re in Tagbilaran City, you have to drive to Panglao Island via the Borja Bridge or New Panglao-Tagbilaran Bridge which takes around 30 minutes to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Because Pungtud Island is a sandbar you cannot reach it by land. Then once there, head to departure points between: Alona beach – Popular for Island-hopping tours, Momo beach – a quieter alternative, or Doljo beach – offers private boat rentals. Then you have the option between renting a boat or by joining an island-hopping tour. Travel time from Panglao to Pungtud Island is around 15-20 minutes
- By Commute: You can take a jeepney or tricycle from Tagbilaran City to Panglao which takes around 30-40 minutes. The fare is around ₱50-₱100, depending on the mode of transportation. Because Pungtud Island is a sandbar you cannot reach it by land. Then once there, head to departure points between: Alona beach – Popular for Island-hopping tours, Momo beach – a quieter alternative, or Doljo beach – offers private boat rentals. Travel time from Panglao to Pungtud Island is around 15-20 minutes.
Pandao Sandbar
A sandbar rises at low tide off the shore of Barangay Pandao in Buenavista, Bohol. Known for its beautiful powdery sand, shallow blue seas, and serene ambiance, it is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and drone photography. Pandao remains raw and uncrowded, making it a popular destination for locals and off-the-beaten-path adventurers.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Pandao, Buenavista, Bohol
- By Commute: From Tagbilaran, ride a bus or van bound for Buenavista from Tagbilaran Integrated Bus Terminal. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to reach Buenavista. Once in Buenavista, you can ask locals or your driver for directions to the Getafe port for a common jump-off while locals also use smaller barangay ports in Buenavista. Or you can ask for directions to Barangay Pandao or coordinate with local boatmen. Boat rides can usually take up to 15-30 minutes, depending on the tide and departure point.
Pandanon Island Sandbar
The island sandbar is known for its long, white sandbar that extends to the sea. Floating in the Camotes Sea between Bohol and Mactan, Pandanon is often visited via island hopping tours from both provinces. Famous for the powdery white sandbar, crystal clear waters, and laid back vibe, perfect for swimming, chilling, and snapping IG worthy pictures. But because Pandanon Island is one of the farther destinations, tour agencies sometimes omit this island in some island hopping itineraries, making it less popular than the others. If you want to have a secluded place, a more serene, quieter getaway, Pandanon Island can be the safe haven.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Pandanon, Getafe, Bohol
- By Boat Via Bohol: From Tagbilaran City, take a van or bus to Getafe Port. It takes about 2-4 hours. At Getafe, charter a boat to Pandanon Island, The ride takes about 30 minutes.
- By Boat via Cebu: From Mactan-Cebu international Airport, take a taxi to Hilton Port. Rent a boat to Pandanon Island. It takes about 1.5 hours.
Mundong Sandbar (Tubigon)
Mundong sandbar, is also known as Tubigon South Sanbar, one of Bohol’s best kept secrets. This elusive sandbar is a beauty born of timing where it only appears at low tide that offers a fleeting, silent sanctuary for those who make the trip. There are no shops, no huts, or crowds, just sun bleached sand and rippling shallows. Best visited during low tide.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Mundong Sandbar, Tubigon, Bohol
- By Boat: Since the island is in between Cebu and Bohol, you can hire a boat service from either province.
- From Cebu: You can hire a bigger boat by booking or from Cordova Port in Lapu-Lapu. The trip from Cebu takes 1 to 1.5 hours one way, and the whole boat can cost around Php 11,500, good for 20 people. Prices will vary with your haggling.
From Bohol: From Tubigon, you can hire a bangka to take you to Mundong sandbar for Php 1,800. The price may vary from boat to boat, so test your haggling skills!
