cebu living

One of islands usually recommended by boat operators and locals for tour destinations, Pangan-an in Lapu-Lapu City boasts of white sand and clean and clear seas.

Water around the island is shallow so big boats like yachts can only anchor a few meters away from the shore, but snorkeling is possible at this deeper part since this is where fishes congregate.

Small outrigger boats can dock at certain areas of the island, for those who wish to explore it or sunbathe at its white sand beach.

View from Pangan-an Island in Lapu-Lapu City. The island is three nautical miles from the main island of Mactan.

You can also dive to a depth of 50 members at the eastern part of Pangan-an. KI Marine Sports Center offers diving services in the area.

Pangan-an is three nautical miles from Mactan island and is south of the smaller island of Olango. It is an hour and 30 minutes from Barangay Maribago in Mactan. Locals say that when it is low tide, a sand bar connecting Pangan-an to Olango appears and it becomes possible to walk between the islands.

Pangan-an’s shallows stretch 1-2 kilometers from its shores. Big boats like yachts can only stop at the deeper part but smaller outrigger boats can dock at the island.

Pangan-an island has a household population of 302 as of the 2000 census. Most of the people living on the island are fishermen.

The island has electricity courtesy of the Pangan-an Island Solar Electrification Project. Its photovoltaic mini-grid system gets electricity from around 500 solar panels that trap light energy and turn it into 90 kilowatts of power available daily.

Electricity in Pangan-an island is provided by around 500 solar panels connected to a mini-grid system.

How to get there

Those who wish to go island hopping may rent outrigger boats at a wharf beside the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, Barangay Marigondon beach, Karancho beach resort in Maribago, or through Islands Banca Cruises.