A small, uninhabited sandbar about a kilometre offshore from Agoho, White Island is a crescent of powdery white sand that appears and disappears with the tides. The view back to the mainland — with the cone of Mt Hibok-Hibok rising directly behind the north coast resorts — is one of the most photographed scenes in the Philippines. The contrast between the white coral sand underfoot and the dark volcanic island beyond makes the composition genuinely striking.
Outrigger bancas from Agoho make the crossing in ten minutes; the fee is fixed and modest. There is no shade and no vendors, so bring water, food and sun protection — mid-morning to early afternoon the sandbar is exposed and the sun is intense. The best light for photographs is early morning, when the volcano is clear of cloud and the sea calm. Snorkelling off the sandbar's edges is worthwhile if you bring a mask.