Information about Pulupandan Islet

Pulupandan Islet

Measuring a mere 25 square meters during high tide, the tiny Pulupandan Islet is usually the first stop of the island-hopping tours that explore the wonders of Islas de Gigantes. The islet, which is called Turnina Island by some, is so small you can walk from one end to another in less than ten minutes. The island got its name from the Pulupandan trees that once filled the area.

There is a small gathering of rocks at one end of the islet, and you can stand there to get a better view of the surrounding areas. The sand is usually described as off-white with a slight tint of yellow. The islet has become almost completely barren because of the super typhoon Yolanda. Curiously, there is a single coconut tree still standing in the middle of the island. Before the typhoon, there were three resident coconut trees, which dwindled to one after the storm. It's as if the typhoon spared the tree as an act of mercy and serves as the remaining survivor of the islet. 

Aside from the tree, just a couple of sheds adorn the stretch of land, so wearing sunscreen is a must if you wish to spend some time here. Fishermen use these sheds or huts as a refuge against bad weather. 

Best time to visit

It's recommended to schedule an island-hopping trip that includes Pulupandan Islet during the summer months, which usually start in March and end in the latter weeks of May.