Isola di Francesco
Isola di Francesco
4
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4.0
28 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Vic Mayor
Baguio, Philippines1,734 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Near Virgin Island is Isola di Francesco. Clean Clear Waters and Clean Surroundings makes this Island deserve the name Virgin Island more (but they say this was named Virgin Island before). Loved our time here compared to Virgin Island.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdmd16
Quezon City, Philippines157 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
The Virgin Island is now called Isola di Francesco. There's no entrance fee at this place, but you cannot bring any food, or drinks in this area. There's a snack bar where you just need to donate something for the island.
It's nice what they did here. There's doves around. There's a chapel were you cannot enter if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. They have a sarong to lend you to cover yourself. They have mass every 23rd of the month at 10am here.
We walked in the sandbar. There are plenty of starfish, big ones too in the beach. But no fish. There's seaweeds too, plenty of it.
So relaxing here.
What I don't like here is where some people scare the doves away to get a beautiful picture of it with them, even when there's a sign to not scare them. Also, when people are noisy.
It's nice what they did here. There's doves around. There's a chapel were you cannot enter if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. They have a sarong to lend you to cover yourself. They have mass every 23rd of the month at 10am here.
We walked in the sandbar. There are plenty of starfish, big ones too in the beach. But no fish. There's seaweeds too, plenty of it.
So relaxing here.
What I don't like here is where some people scare the doves away to get a beautiful picture of it with them, even when there's a sign to not scare them. Also, when people are noisy.
Written 16 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marlin s
Silver Spring, MD9 contributions
Jan 2019
Very peaceful. Please come and visit, but visit with respect. It is a religious island so please cover up when visiting. No fees just your own donations are welcomed.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristo R
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Family
There is no longer a public transport to this island. The port in Panglao is filled with vendors offering private boat for 1500 pesos.
Written 10 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danteb8
quezon city7 contributions
Dec 2018
Last Christmas, we went to this island dedicated for Padre Pio. The boat ride going to the island is free, you just have to donate any amount. I was surprised that they have a sort of a donation store, where you can have bottled water, soft drinks for a donation (any amount will do). The island is serene, perfect for meditation and silent prayers can be offered in a chapel built on the island. Lots of doves too inhabited this island, you can feed the doves by donating any amount in the store for a plastic of bird feeds.Will surely visit again this island when in Panglao and pray to Padre Pio.
Written 31 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff N
Portland, OR7 contributions
June 2018 • Family
Beautiful little island where you can feed pigeons and get a snack. Maintained by the faithful as religious shrine.
Used to be called Virgin Island and still is by many tour operators.
Used to be called Virgin Island and still is by many tour operators.
Written 27 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markplim25
Makati, Philippines52 contributions
July 2017
Our boat guide took as here. He called it the VIRGIN ISLAND. Its a small island with a catholic church being operated by the FRANCISCAN ORDER, I think (not really sure about this point). It is free. No entrance fees. They do accept donations. We were there last July 27, 2017. Upon reaching the island, you can see a strange sight. From afar, what looks like a curious looking boat with people on it (not your usual native/local boat) looking at a Jesus statue. Only when you get closer that you realized that you are looking at a re-enactment of a bible scene about Jesus and the disciple in the water around Galilee I think. The people on the boat are actually statues. You go around the island you can see a souvenier shop selling religious christian/catholic articles but they are not pushy or aggressive about this. The best part of this island is the amazing sand bars around it which is quite long. The waters around the sandbar is pristine, clean with white sand. Very good for swimming. You go there for the swim on the sandbar. Other than that, there is not much to do.
Written 30 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niklas
Helsingborg, Sweden163 contributions
Nov 2019
Out boat captain explained that the island "Isola di Fransesco" used to be named "Virgin island" but the current owner changed name to "Isola di Fransesco". The new "Virgin island" is now located a short distance from "Isola di Fransesco". Complicated? I guess so...
Anyhow, it's a peaceful and beautiful place with a lot of religious (catholic) statues och also a lot of rules what it's not accepted. I did enjoy walking here, taking pictures and just relax.
Anyhow, it's a peaceful and beautiful place with a lot of religious (catholic) statues och also a lot of rules what it's not accepted. I did enjoy walking here, taking pictures and just relax.
Written 17 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy J
Liloan, Philippines82 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
This island is available on an island hopping tour. It is a religious shrine in the middle of the ocean. Don't forget to feed the pigeons.
Written 1 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anngie a
Dumaguete City, Philippines139 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
What is formerly known as the Virgin Island with it's seedy reputation is now converted into a Holy Shrine. An exact opposite of the much crowded and touristy beaches of Panglao. Most of the cost to develop this place was donated so anyone can visit the place for free and enjoy it's facilities like the kayak and the boat shuttle. They even have a canteen where you can take a snack and drink for free also. You just need to give some donation. As little as 5 peso would do but more is much appreciated. The Shrine is planted with life size statues of Jesus and Saints and angels. Most come to pray, relax and meditate. Believers come to offer prayers for healing. Non believers are welcome too and enjoy the kayak or take a dip at the waters. Upon entrance, you will be met by a life size statue of the miraculous Padre Pio. As this is a Shrine, peace and soft talk is very much appreciated. Public display of affection and ogling is frowned upon here.
Written 18 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where do you get the boat for the island (not tour boats)?
Written 12 April 2019
Good morning. I want to know if tomorrow, Tuesday high tide or low tide in the island.
Written 4 November 2018
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