10/07/2025
Badoc Island boasts white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, rugged coral landscapes, and a rich marine ecosystem, making it ideal for eco-luxury resorts, diving sanctuaries, or wellness retreats. The island is around 36.256 hectares. Located off the western coast of Ilocos Norte, around 1โ2 kilometers from the mainland. Its proximity to major tourism sites like Juan Luna Shrine, Paoay Church, and Paoay Sand Dunes, the island can benefit from existing and emerging tourism flows.
Only about 1.5 hours from Laoag International Airport, which is undergoing modernization and privatization, making future access for international tourists much easier. Because itโs undeveloped and relatively untouched, Badoc Island has high appeal for investors aiming to offer exclusive, premium, and sustainable experiences similar to Amanpulo or Banwa Private Island in Palawan.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) is not selling Badoc Island. Instead, they are making it available to private investors under a lease contract, usually long-term (25 to 50 years). The lease structure means ownership remains with the government, but development, operation, and profits under agreed terms will go to the lessee.
This is often part of a PPP approach where the government provides land, and the private sector brings in capital, expertise, and technology. The lease terms would likely include development timelines, preservation responsibilities, revenue sharing, and sustainability clauses. Being an uninhabited and Ecologically Sensitive Area, development will be subject to DENR Regulations, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and LGU Ordinances. The island is zoned for eco-tourism and conservation, not for industrial or exploitative use.
Ilocos Norte is best known for land-based tourism (Pagudpud, Paoay, heritage sites), but island tourism remains underdeveloped. Developing Badoc Island allows the province to compete with island destinations like Boracay, Panglao, or Palawanโon a boutique scale.
Resort development can generate local employment, increase municipal income, and improve transport and utility access. Possible inclusion of water taxis, eco-transport hubs, and artisanal markets on the mainland unlocks economic opportunities. With the right investor, Ilocos Norte can position the island as a model for eco-resorts, renewable energy-powered developments, or marine sanctuaries.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ?
๐ญ. ๐๐ฐ๐ผ-๐๐๐
๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ถ๐พ๐๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐น๐น๐ฎ๐
โข Use eco-friendly architecture and renewable energy systems (solar, wind).
โข Embrace sustainabilityโcoral reef conservation, local sourcing, zero-plastic policy.
โข Offer high-end experiences: sunset dinners, snorkeling, yoga retreats, private beachfront bungalows.
๐ฎ. ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ฐ๐ผ-๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ผ๐
โข Develop Badoc into a marine protected area, attracting eco-tourists and scientists.
โข Create artificial reefs or marine education centers in partnership with marine biologists and academic institutions.
๐ฏ. ๐ช๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ
โข Capitalize on the tranquility of the island to build a holistic wellness retreat (spa, healing, yoga).
โข Cater to niche global markets (mental health retreats, post-pandemic slow tourism).
๐ฐ. ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฐ๐ผ-๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐ถ๐๐ฒ
โข For low-impact development, consider glamping domes, treetop tents, or campgrounds for millennial and Gen Z tourists who crave authentic nature-based experiences.
From construction to hospitality, the development will create jobs for nearby towns like Badoc, Pinili, and Currimao. Lease payments, business taxes, and tourist influx will bring revenue to the LGU and the Provincial Government. This complements inland heritage and adventure tourism with coastal and island tourism, making Ilocos Norte a multi-dimensional destination. Responsible investors will protect and manage the island better than if it remained unregulated and exposed to illegal fishing or degradation.
Leasing Badoc Island isnโt just about building infrastructure, itโs about shaping a sustainable tourism legacy for the province. If done right, Badoc Island can become Ilocos Norteโs crown jewel of sustainable tourism. Offering serenity, cultural depth, and environmental integrity in one location.
ยฉ Emerging Ilocos Norte
