OLANGO

Olango is an island east of Cebu in central Philippines. Olango island is part of a six-island group east of the main island of Cebu. It is accessible via a motorized boat ride from the city. It's one of the "must-visit" places in Cebu because it is the location of the largest bird sanctuary in the Philipiines.

When I visited the place it was for the specific purpose of observing and taking photos of the birds which are known to have come from as far as northern China and parts of Siberia. At the start of the cold season in the northern hemisphere, the birds start their migration to the warmer climate in the southern hemisphere  such as Australia. The Philippines seem to be a half point in their journey and this is where they seek sanctuary for nourisment and to gain strength which they will need to continue their journey. They take the same route on their way back to return to where they originally started. They come for the 1,030 hectares of mangrove forest, coral reefs, coralline sand flats, and seagrass beds.

I was accompanied by a Cebu-based friend, Cat Herrera, who is also a photo enthusiast. We did a day-trip to the area and was guided by personnel of the local Environment and Natural Resources office, who were the ones in-charged with maintaining the sanctuary. 

To fully enjoy the experience, you may visit the island during the birding season or migration season which peaks in November to February.

Olango Island is a short 15-minute motorized-boat ride from Mactan City in Cebu (at the back of Movenpick Hotel). Upon arrival, one can take a short motorbike ride to the the Bird Sanctuary management office of the loal Department Of Natural Resources office. With a minimal fee, they will provide you with a guide ot the sanctuary.

A guide will bring you to the area where you can conveniently watch the birds. The guide, with the use of his bird-spotting scope will point out the birds to you and provide some information on the kind, origin and some distinguising marks on the birds.

There is a stone-slab walkway to the observation post which is about 300 meters long. This walkway is submerged in water during hightide, i.e. noon time, but will reappear once the tide subsides by late afternoon.

Many of the birds come from the cold areas of China and some came from as far as Siberia. They are on their way to the warmer climes in the southern hemisphere such as Australia and even New Zealand, which by then are experiencing their Summer.

Don't forget your camera (preferably with a zoom lens of 200mm or higher). Also, if you want to stay longer in the area, i.e. to do the bird-watch till late in the afternoon, you may want to bring your own food. Camping may be allowed but only at the area where the office is located. NOTE: The camera I used here is a Sony RX 10m3

If you plan to leave the island by the end of the day, make sure you catch the last trip of the motorised-boat which leaves at about 6PM (or earlier). #chitoirigo