Kim's Quest #1: Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Hello Steemians!

Today, I decided to break my normal posting habit. Normally, my posts are all about steemit and how it made an impact to me. For the first time since I joined steemit, I will be doing a travel blog. It's a different area of expertise for me, so I hope that this will go well.

_{Mangrove Area Leading to the Bird Sanctuary}
I have been living in Cebu for 10 years already and I have been lucky enough to explore some of its hidden gems. With that in mind, this post and the posts to come are dedicated to promote Cebu as world-class tourist destination.

Olango Island

_{Mangrove Area at the Bird Sanctuary. You can enjoy the crystal-clear sea and white sand during high tide at the Bird Sanctuary.}

This time, I will try to share my experience in Olango Island. I have been to the island for 5 times already and if I will have a chance, I will be back for the sixth time. Probably because I'm now captivated by the appeal of the island. Each visit is unique and there's always something new to discover.

_{Taken at Southwest of the Island, Facing Mactan. This is at San Vicente, Going to the Marine Sanctuary.}
Olango Island is just adjacent to Mactan Island, separated by the Hilutungan Channel. It is part of the bigger Olango Island Group consisting of six other islets namely: Camungi, Caohagan, Gilutongan, Nalusuan, Pangan-an, and Sulpa. Together, this group of islands encompasses a land area of 1030 hectares consisting of rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, mudflats, mangrove forests, and grassy inlands. Surrounding Olango Island and its neighboring islets are extensive coral reefs and marine sanctuaries. This area is known for its famous divesites especially to those who seek underwater paradise.

How To Get There

_{At Hilton Port, Beside Movenpick Hotel}
If you're coming from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can ride a jeepney to Marina Mall or Island Central Mall. From Marina Mall, ride a jeepney (Punta Engaño route) to Movenpick Hotel. Beside Movenpick Hotel is Hilton Port; one of the two ports going to Olango Island, the other is Angasil Port which is near Mactan Newtown.

If you're from mainland Cebu, from J Centre Mall terminal, there's a jeep going to Movenpick Hotel. From Hilton Port, there's a public banca going to Santa Rosa Port, Olango Island.

What I'm providing here is the cheap alternative form of transportation. Of course, you can opt to take a taxi or your chosen TNC (Uber or Grab).

Spots to Explore in Olango Island

_{Under the Name Trees Which Looked Like Gingko Trees in Nara Park}
Olango Island is composed of 8 barangays (Baring, Caw-oy, Sabang, Santa Rosa, San Vicente, Talima, Tingo and Tungasan) and each barangay has something to offer. Most of the travel blog sites that featured Olango Island said that there's not much to do in the island. I would have to disagree with that because those 8 barangays have some hidden paradise waiting to be explored. Anyway, here are some notable spots in Olango Island:

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

_{Mandatory Photo Op in Signage at the Entrance}
Otherwise known as the Bird Sanctuary, it is located at the southeast part of the island under Barangay San Vicente. This huge tidal flat is home to different species of crustaceans, mollusks, worms, fishes, and other marine organisms which are part of the diet of migratory birds.

It has been identified that of the 97 species of birds spotted in the area, more than half of them are migratory. The rest are resident birds which chose to stay in the area for shelter and food.

_{Olango Island Bird Sanctuary Observation Deck. A structure strategically built at the center of the expanse of Olango Reef Flat to provide a 360° view during bird watching.}
Here are other photos of the Bird Sanctuary:

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary

_{Boardwalk From the Island to the Marine Sanctuary Outpost}
The Marine Sanctuary is a protected seascape in San Vicente and is a home of many tropical fishes and coral reefs.

Snorkeling, swimming, and observing fishes in their natural habitat is allowed, but fishing is banned in this area. Clown fish, damsel fish, angel fish, starfish, and giant clams can be seen in this expanse.

Tungasan Boardwalk

_{Under the Boardwalk in Barangay Tungasan}
Tungasan Boardwalk is located in Barangay Tungasan, at the central east side of the island. This boardwalk is the same with the one in the Marine Sanctuary which traverses mangrove areas and large tidal flats.

When we visited the area, the boardwalk was closed due to safety concerns. I hope that they will repair it. Since it's low tide, what we did was go under it and have the photoshoot. The color of the concrete pillars and bamboo supports can be a nice background.

Maribagini

_{At the Entrance of Maribagini}

Maribagini is a man-made forest near the Marine Sanctuary. It can be categorized as a park and doing photoshoot here is a must due to the lush foliage. You can even hear birds chirping in the area.

_{Under the Canopy of the Lush Foliage in Maribagini, Inc.}

Activities in Olango Island

To really enjoy and maximize the stay in the island, here are the activities that can be done:

Biking

_{Traversing a Make-shift Bridge on a Bike}

For me, this is the best mode to explore the whole island. This is because there are lots of stops that are postcard perfect. Also, this mode will really immerse you to the life that the island has to offer. Bike rentals are available. One is in Candagsao where you can rent one for Php 15.00 per hour. There's also a new one; the Olango Bike. They're available at Php 10.00 per hour. If you don't know how to bike, tricycle is a transportation mode in the island.

_{Biking Under the Name Trees in San Vicente}

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Fish Feeding

_{Ivan Feeding the Fishes with a Slice Bread}

This can be done in the Marine Sanctuary. You can swim, snorkel, or do fish feeding at a minimal fee. We did fish feeding in my 2nd visit and it was a feast to the eyes. Sadly, we didn't have an underwater camera so we were not able to document it. Simply enjoying the view at outpost is also recommended. It is a place to unwind.

_{We All Belong to the Sea}

Overnight Camping

There's an available camping site at Asinan Ecopark. We did overnight camping in my 4th visit. They have an available tent for rent if you don't have one. The locals are so helpful. They can cook a meal for you and it's up to you how much will you give them.

Bird Watching

_{Telescope Used in Surveying the Area}

This can be done in the Wildlife Sanctuary. Even if you're not a bird enthusiast, you will be amazed by the birds in the area. The best season to do this is in the month of September to November. According to the guides, the best time is 2 hours before high tide and 4 hours after. This will be the time when birds will frolick at the tidal flat to search for food.

_{Birds Resting or In Search for Food}

Eating

Since it is an island, seafood is always present. Spider shells or locally known as saang is a delicacy. All kinds of fresh fishes are also available. There is a must-try carenderia near the church at Santa Rosa which is known for their pork ginaling. You can also bring your own food if you like.

Budget

This suggested budget per person is for day tour only. Overnight stay has a different rate depending on your choice.

1. Php 15.00 - Jeep from J Centre Mall to Movenpick (Hilton Port)
2. Php 15.00 - Boat from Hilton Port to Santa Rosa Port
3. Php 5.00 - Terminal fee at Hilton Port
4. Php 20.00 - Tricycle from Santa Rosa Port to Candagsao (for bike rental)
5. Php 120.00 - 7 Hours bike rent at Php 15.00 per hour (Olango Bike is cheaper at Php 10.00 per hour)
6. Php 20.00 - Excess payment if you choose not return the bike at Candagsao, they will get it at Santa Rosa Port
7. Php 60.00 - Lunch at carenderia near Santa Rosa church
8. Php 75.00 - Entrance fee at San Vicente Marine Sanctuary (if you will go swimming; if not, entrance fee is Php 25.00 only)
9. Php 150.00 - Banca rental fee for fish feeding
10. Php 30.00 - Entrance fee at Wildlife Sanctuary
11. Php 15.00 - Boat (Santa Rosa Port to Hilton Port)
12. Php 1.00 - Terminal fee at Santa Rosa Port
13. Php 15.00 - Hilton Port to J Centre Mall
14. Php 100.00 - Excess for snacks and water

Based on approximate budget, the total expenses is Php 621.00. A budget of Php 700.00 will be enough. Contingency money is up to you.

_{Wildlife Sanctuary at Low Tide Which Looked Like a Salt Flat in Bolivia}

Important Reminders

1. Departure time at J Centre Mall is suggested to be at 6:00 AM. This will prevent from being stuck in traffic and maximize the time of stay on the island.
2. Respect the locals. Greet them along the way. After all, you're just a visitor and it is their home. Don't act like an intruder.
3. When in the Wildlife Sanctuary, avoid making loud noises. This will scare away the birds.
4. Treat the bike as if it is your own. You will pay for any damage you might have caused.
5. Enjoy!

Keep on travelling and steeming!

Best Regards,
@ybanezkim26

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Note: Photos were taken by @legendarryll and used here with permission. Please follow him and watch out for his posts. His visuals were both stunning and thought-provoking.