Marjorie Gorospe
PAMILACAN ISLAND, BOHOL — Dolphin and whale watching have provided a means of living for locals in this small island nestled in the Bohol Sea.
Pamilacan Island derived its name from pilak, a large hooked implement used before by local fishermen to capture whale sharks and manta rays.
Dolphin watching gave way to the Pamilacan Island Boat Operators and Spotters Association, whose members are mostly fishermen who have organized themselves as guides.
You need to leave no later than 5:30 a.m. to enjoy the sunrise and catch dolphins because they usually come out and frolic in the surface at this time of day, according to the blog Manila Traveler. Those who are lucky enough get to see schools of “flippers” and whale sharks while less fortunate souls get to spot one or two of these creatures.
Pamilacan served as a watch station for the Spaniards against pirates and enemy ships, which explains the two centuries-old Spanish fort in the northeast side of the island.
In the Baclayon Blog, Jerry Sisican says the western tip of Pamilacan is the more popular side of the island. The beach is somewhat underdeveloped and there are no restaurants, but for 200 pesos per person, locals can cook a full meal which you can eat along the shore.
There are also stores that display bones of dolphins and sharks, a reminder that islanders once catch these creatures. But today, the law prohibits the capture of whale sharks and dolphins.
Writing for Lakbai.com, Stacey says she “was able to see the beauty of gentle shore breaks, clear blue waters, soft cream colored sand and white painted fishing boats” upon docking in Pamilacan.
She narrates her encounter with locals, most of them living in slum areas in Metro Manila before moving back to the island to live a simple yet better life. Watch this video she took of different scenes showing the way of life in the island.
Eulo Veloroso also shares a video of his dolphin watching experience. Or read about Raffy Saldana’s account of his snorkeling and diving experience in Pamilacan.
Bohol has become a top tourist destination because of its many attractions like the Chocolate Hills, the beaches of Panglao Island and more recently, eco-adventure in Danao. For those who want to see another side of this province, Pamilacan Island is worth the visit.
Photos courtesy of travelogphilippines.com
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Thank you for your post and comments. It was a wonderful trip to Pamilacan Island.