One can never truly encapsulate the beauty and diversity of Cebu. Recently hailed as the “Best Island in Asia” by Conde Nast Traveler (CNT), Cebu is an island paradise full of tropical surprises. If you think the media has everything covered, well then, think again. Perhaps you’re missing out on a low key destination called Olango Island.
Olango is not a typical island destination for the “average” tourists. No wonder why it still remains absent from a typical tourist itinerary. It is a unique island that generally attracts the nature-lovers, birdwatchers, snorkelers, ecotourists and the like.
For those who didn’t know, Olango is an important birding site, a marine conservation area and an ecotourism destination located in the eastern portion of Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines.
Map of Olango Island | Source: Google Map
So What Makes Olango Island Special?
Olango is one of the seven best-known flyways in the world for migrating birds. Its main attraction is the 1,030-hectare Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary – a haven for the largest concentration of migratory birds in the Philippines. | Source: olangoislandsanctuary.org
There are 97 species of birds in Olango, 48 of which are migratory species, while the rest are resident birds of the island. In fact, Olango Island is enlisted as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) and was proclaimed as a protected area by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 903 dated May 14, 1992.
Migratory Birds at Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango is considered the most important site in the country for the sightings of Asian Dowitcher. In the 1980s, there were over 10,000 shorebirds that were recorded at one time and the total number using the site can be as many as 50,000. Olango is also notable for the concentrations of the threatened Chinese Egret and Philippine Duck.
Migratory birds at Olango Island | Source: Wikipedia
Olango is without a doubt, one of the most important staging areas for migratory shorebirds in the Philippines. There are also several waterbird species of international significance that are sighted here, including Eurasian Curlew and Far Eastern Curlew. | Source: BirdLife International
The best time to visit is in November, in time for the southward migration of birds during the wintering or breeding season. You can read more about Birdwatching in the Philippines on this blog.
At Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a trail going to the observation deck | Photo by: Love4aya | Shutter stock photo ID: 1683160423
Olango Island Activities
Aside from birdwatching or birding activity, Olango also offers an array of fun activities perfect for all – solo travelers, couples, friends, family. Here is a list of activities you can explore at Olango Island:
Olango Island Hopping
Olango is a group of islands that offer a complete sun lust adventure for excursionists. It is comprised of Olango and 6 other islets namely Gilutongan (locally pronounced as Hilutungan), Nalusuan, Caohagan, Pangan-an, Camungi and Sulpa.
On a day tour, 3 islands (can be the islands of your choice) are packaged for a full-day island hopping adventure. A typical pick-up or drop-off point is at Cordova, a coastal community in Mactan that also recently re-opened its borders for local tourism.
Island hopping including Olango Island
Fresh seafood, Filipino buffet lunch, freshly harvested coconut, friendly locals, colorful marine life, crystal blue water, unlimited swimming, all these and more await you at Olango. Here, going back to the basics, appreciating the simple things in life, being one with nature are the real takeaways.
Olango Island Marine Sanctuary: Snorkeling
There is also a marine sanctuary at Olango Island. You might be surprised to see a whole new underwater world you would have never expected. Have a face-to-face encounter with fishes both big and small, in all colors and forms, swimming freely at the clear waters of Olango.
The marine sanctuary exists to help conserve marine biodiversity, encourage locals as well as the visitors to be protectors of natural resources and be an ecotourism attraction to help provide long-term benefits for the local community.
Snorkeling at Olango with lots of friendly colorful fishes
Bicycle Tour: Go Biking Around the Island
Olango is a nice place for biking and it is actually one of the favorite activities on the island.
There are plenty of bike rentals around the island. Prices vary but it’s typically offered at a low price of 20 pesos per hour only. You may also arrange a bike tour from local tour operators like Bugoy Bikers. They offer a whole day tour inclusive of pick-up and drop-off at the port, lunch and snacks, water, refreshments, entrance fee at the bird sanctuary, snorkeling fee and equipment, local guide, helmet and of course, a bicycle.
Olango Island is a place with a good landscape with ample greenery and minimal cars on the road. If you’re on for a soothing and calming ride, then biking at Olango is a good idea.
Visit the Ecotourism Park
Olango Island Ecotourism Park is located at Sitio Asinan, Barangay Sabang, Olango. It is a beachfront public park that offers basic amenities where you can do swimming, do a paddleboat, view some of their in-house marine animals, picnic, find good spots for picture taking, camp at night or simply enjoy the stillness of the place.
The place is relatively small with a capacity of 50 pax only so make sure to do advance booking. They don’t have private rooms here but they offer tents for rent and a perfect camping site for overnight stays.
Camping at Olango
Complete your nature tour at Olango by having an overnight stay side-by-side with nature.
There are plenty of campgrounds at Olango offering basic camping amenities at a very practical price. Camping sites are available at the Ecotourism Park, at the marine sanctuary, as well as other resorts on the island.
Olango Island Accommodation: Where to Stay in Olango, Philippines
There is a good number of decent and no-frills accommodation at Olango offering comfortable rooms with basic amenities, dining services and a swimming pool on some. At Olango, do not expect 5-star accommodation. Rather, expect a unique stay away from the hustles and bustles, set on locations with a good view of the sea and surrounded by calming nature. Many of these resorts also offer day use of resort amenities for a fee.
Here are some of the recommended resorts and hotels at Olango:
Casa Blanca By The Sea
Pool view at Casa Blanca By The Sea, Olango, Island | Source: Casa Blanca Website
Contact Number: 09959229908
Website: https://orchardviewresorts.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/casablancabythesea
Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort
The Villa Room at Talima, Olango Island | Source: Talima Website
Sagastrand Beach Resort
Outside view at Sagastrand Beach Resort | Source: Sagastrand Website
How to Get to Olango, Cebu, Philippines
Going to Olango is relatively easy, fast and budget-friendly.
The gateway to Olango is Lapu-lapu, Mactan. There are two ports that operate daily boat trips to and from Olango – Hilton Port (beside Movenpick Resort) and Angasil Port (nea Mactan Newtown). Travel time is only 15-20 minutes by motorized boat and fare is Php 30 per head.
Video: Quick Travel Guide to Olango, Cebu
Uploaded Video by Jem Solano
Olango, Cebu: Perfect for Day Tour or Weekend Getaway
If you’re looking for a short island getaway, then a nature trip at Olango might be a perfect option for you. Positioned as an ecotourism destination, Olango Island offers an array of ecological tourism activities that will allow you to reconnect with nature while giving you the much needed relaxation.
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