Pulupandan Island

This is a very small island with a big identity problem.  The local name comes from pulo (island in tagalog) and pandan, a local tropical fruit found on the island.  It’s known locally at Pulupandan Island however the name is often shortened to Pandan Island on some maps (such as Google).  If this is not enough, the official name for the island appears to be Ojastras Island (referenced on the map here).  This is the name listed on the somewhat dated official maps from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) of the Philippines.  Depending on what map you come across you may see one or more names referenced.

We had a short very early morning visit in November 2022.  This very small island has just a few huts and trees in the middle.  We were the only visitors during our stay there.  One gets a sense of isolation in this otherwise beautiful and pristine island.