Why is Olango Island always included in a typical island hopping tour?
Because not only is it a beach destination, but it’s also home to various ecotourism activities, not to mention a wildlife sanctuary.
Located five kilometers east of Mactan, its deep, crystal clear waters thrive off biodiversity, with a plethora of flora and fauna scattered around the island.
Under the preservation of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR), it is one of the premier locations for ecotourism in the Philippines.
However, this island hopping stopover might just deserve a longer stay.
There are barely any major infrastructure or development projects, with only a few small-scale stores, restaurants, and modest accommodations nearby.
The lack of commercial activity gives visitors more time for their favorite outdoor activities like swimming, diving, or sightseeing as they take in the peaceful ambiance of the tropical island.
Olango is part of the Olango Island Group, comprising seven different islands – namely Olango, Sulpa, Guilotangan, Nalusuan, Caohagan, Camungi, and Pangan-an, all of which are different destinations worth visiting.
Among them are historic sites that help Cebu continue to become an ecotourism powerhouse. These are not just tourist attractions to experience, but also to preserve over time.
WHERE TO GO ON OLANGO ISLAND
- Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
The Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its bird sanctuary and mangrove forest, is the Philippines’ very first Ramsar Site. This title is bestowed upon a wetland designated as internationally important by the Ramsar Convention.
Spanning 1,028 hectares, it has the largest concentration of migratory birds in the Philippines, with 48 species in total. It is considered one of the most important sites for the Asian dowitcher, one of the world’s rarest waterbirds.
Visitors can feed the birds on the vast sandflat with ankle-high water. To get there, you must grace through a thick man-made mangrove forest.
In 2011, the DENR planted over ten thousand mangroves to ensure the cleanliness of the coasts. Subsequently, this serves as a water break to protect the birds when they’re being fed.
- San Vicente Marine Sanctuary
Aside from being a haven for bird-watchers, Olango Island also has a rich underwater ecosystem as seen from the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary: one of the island’s main spots for diving.
It is notable for its boardwalk spanning the water and another mangrove forest. This leads to the sanctuary where you can go island hopping, overnight camping, or fish feeding.
You can pay an environmental fee and swim in its crystal clear waters, but you can pay extra and go scuba diving with a PADI-accredited instructor.
You can go sightseeing along the boardwalk, which also requires a fee. You are only allowed to spend 40 minutes there.
- Island Eco Tourism Park
The main livelihood on Olango Island is fishing, but this is a rather risky business since it may be difficult to consistently get a good catch. To alleviate this problem, the fisherfolk opened the Island Eco Tourism Park in 2012.
What formerly connected Barangay Sabang to mainland Olango has been converted into a budget-friendly nature park with a Php 20 entrance fee. It’s notable for its floating cottages and the artificial crocodile replicas by the shore.
It’s also more than just a day-use getaway spot. In recent years, it has added “payag” rooms for overnight stays. It has an open space where you can set up a tent for grilling barbecue or hanging out.
One of its most popular activities is biking under the palm trees, which has a relaxing ambiance and picturesque backdrop.
- Casa Blanca by the Sea
While accommodations on Olango Island mostly consist of rest houses, lodges, and bed-and-breakfast establishments, one specific high-end resort provides a more luxurious stay.
Casa Blanca by the Sea is lauded for its European-inspired architectural design and stunning amenities. This includes a massive pool, several gardens, and direct access to the beachfront.
The footbridge by the pool and pergola make it ideal for both beach or garden weddings. Each of the eight rooms available have a balcony where you can enjoy a view of the vast garden.
They offer fun activities like fishing, snorkeling, and horseback riding. They also have a mini golf course. Lastly, the aforementioned Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a 25-minute stroll away.
- Pag Utlan and Taytayan Camp
The Island Eco Tourism Park is a campsite in itself, but there are a few well-known locations dedicated solely to camping. Two of its most popular are in the same neighborhood: Pag Utlan Camp and Taytayan Camp.
Both sites, situated in Barangay San Vicente, have access to the beachfront. You can enjoy various activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling as well.
Pag Utlan is notable for its simplicity, with vast open spaces perfect for roaming around using the site’s bike rentals. There is a Php 10 entrance fee, with a Php 100 payment for overnight camping.
Taytayan, on the other hand, offers an elevated camping experience through special events like concerts and raves. Additionally, they have teepee hut-style rooms for a more luxurious camping experience.
*****
Sometimes, one might prefer a more relaxed approach to an ecotourism site. Whether it’s sightseeing, camping, or any adrenaline-pumping activity, Olango Island perfectly encapsulates each experience as you take in the beauty of its nature reserve.
