Balicasag Island, Bohol

The Balicasag Island is about 30-45 minutes away from the municipality of Panglao. This is where we spent our 3rd day in Bohol.

Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary

After we have patiently waited for the dolphins to show on an early morning (about 5:30 – 7:00 am), our motor boat immediately proceeded to this island for our much-awaited sea tour.

Honestly, at first glance, I was not really fascinated when I first saw the island. The beach was just o-k. I can’t really tell you it’s beautiful because the sand is not really fine, and there are lots of big, rough rocks all over the shore. This island has a village, a lighthouse, a school, and a chapel.

We did not join our friends in snorkeling, although, I thought that we really missed something out there. My friends came back with so much excitement and awe after witnessing the marine sanctuary of the island. According to them it was really mesmerizing!

We had our lunch in one of the many available cottages there. Don’t worry about the food as there were lots of local vendors selling fresh seafood and offering cooking services as well. Just ask them what kind of cooking you want and they will do it for you. I still remember how I love the way they cook adobong pusit – really delicious. And yeah, they also sell rice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

After eating, we had a chat with one of the local divers there, Michael. And we discovered one thing from him – that this island has actually a private resort. This is a more developed location as compared to the place where our boat brought us. Michael told us that we could still access the resort even if we’re not in-house guests.

Balicasag Island Dive Resort

Here’s a resort in Balicasag Island that is very ideal for nature lovers, especially scuba-divers. This place is really beautiful – fine white sand beach, stunning views, very nice facilities, also perfect place for an adventurous vacation. It has a restaurant, a dive shop, and recreational amenities.

The Balicasag Island Dive Resort is a government owned special interest resort. In this resort complex, the Philippine Tourism Authority, together with the Philippine Navy, promotes under-water sports and protects a marine life sanctuary showcasing a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation, and tourism at the same time.

Balicasag Island Dive Resort

So Michael told us to have our snacks in this resort. With that, we can already waive ourselves from the entrance fee of P100/person. If you want to use their infinity pool, you also need to pay P200/adult or P150/kid. These fees however were already free to in-house guests. I have checked some packages from the resort’s front desk and here are their current rates:

3D2N Package - includes a Bohol Island tour, 1 night stay at Bohol Plaza or Metro Center Hotel and another overnight stay at Balicasag Dive Resort:

Twin sharing – P8,000 /pax
Quadruple sharing – P6,200/pax
Extra pax – 4,700

If you only prefer a Balicasag Dive Resort accommodation only, here’s the current tariff (effective April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2009) Inclusive of Breakfast:

Duplex Cottage (Single/twin) P2,500 Net
Extra bed – P500 Net

Balicasag Island Dive Resort Cottages

Balicasag Island has some of the world’s best dive spots: Cathedral, Royal Garden, Black Forest, Diver’s Haven, Turtle Point, and of course the Marine Sanctuary.

For reservations, here is their contact information:

Manila Office:
Rm 520, 5/F, DOT Bldg., T.M. Kalaw Avenue cor Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Tel. Nos (63 2) 524-2513 / 524-22495 / 524-8977 / 524-7141 loc 413

Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol Tel/Fax (63 38) 502-6001

Bohol Office:
Rm # 4 G/F Lugod Bldg., 159-1 CPG North Avenue, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Tel. No (63 38) 411-2192