Information
Landmark: Snake Island (Vigan Island)City: El Nido
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia
Snake Island (Vigan Island), El Nido, Philippines, Asia
Snake Island, officially known as Vigan Island, is a unique natural attraction in El Nido, Palawan. It is a signature stop on the standard "Tour B" island-hopping itinerary.
Visual Characteristics
The island is defined by a natural, S-shaped sandbar that connects Vigan Island to the mainland of Palawan during low tide. The sandbar consists of fine, white-to-cream-colored sand surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters. When the tide is low, the sandbar is fully exposed, creating a winding path in the sea. The island itself features a small hill with a viewing deck.
Location & Access Logistics
Address: Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.
Access: Reachable only by boat from El Nido town or Corong Corong Beach.
Transport:
Boat: Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) anchor along the shallow edges of the sandbar.
Travel Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes from El Nido town.
Entry: Access is included in Tour B; a valid Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) permit is mandatory.
Historical & Cultural Origin
The name "Snake Island" is derived purely from the serpentine shape of its sandbar and does not refer to a population of snakes. Historically, it has served as a landmark for local fisherfolk navigating the Bacuit Bay. It is part of the protected El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area.
Key Highlights & Activities
Walking the Sandbar: Visitors can walk the entire length of the sandbar in shallow water.
Viewing Deck Hike: A short, 5-to-10-minute trek up a wooden staircase leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the S-shape of the sandbar and the surrounding islands.
Swimming: The shallow, calm waters on both sides of the sandbar are ideal for wading and swimming.
Wildlife: Mangroves and small reef fish are visible in the surrounding shallows.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The island has minimal development. There is a small wooden shack at the base of the hill and a maintained trail to the viewpoint. Most tour operators serve lunch on the boat or at makeshift tables on the beach area. 4G/5G cellular coverage is generally weak or non-existent.
Best Time to Visit
Low Tide: This is the most critical factor; the sandbar is submerged during high tide. Tour operators typically time their arrival to coincide with the receding tide.
Dry Season (December to May): Provides the best visibility and calmest sea conditions for the crossing.
Rules
No Single-Use Plastics: Strictly enforced.
Waste Management: All trash must be returned to the tour boat.
Safety: Wear sun protection, as the sandbar is completely exposed with no shade.
Nearby Landmarks
Cudugnon Cave: 1.5 km South.
Cathedral Cave: 2.0 km South.
Pinagbuyutan Island: 4.0 km East.
