Categories: CebuDiscover the Philippines

Bird Watching at the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

OLANGO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Photo from: http://www.cebu-bluewaters.com/olango-island-wildlife-sanctuary.html

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary is a major refueling station for approximately 40,000 migratory birds. It is located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The 1,030 hectare of sandflats and mangroves is a haven for the birds that come from Siberia, Northern China and Japan. These birds flock to the island seeking refuge from the winter climate of these countries. Olango Wildlife Sanctuary supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the Philippines. There are 97 species of birds in Olango, 48 of which are migratory species, while the rest are resident birds of the island.

The Philippine Dept of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been tasked to protect and manage the area. A sanctuary office has been established in the area. The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary office also serves as a jump-off point for birdwatching in the reserve. Read More: http://olangowildlifesanctuary.org/

Photo from: http://www.mycebuguide.com/cebu-activities/Sun-Sea-Culture-Remote-Beaches-and-Bird-Sanctuary-Bike-Trip-128.html

If you take a look at a world map, you will quickly realize the Philippines is in a strategic location. It serves as a waypoint, an entry point, an exit point, and a pit stop to the rest of mainland Asia. It is not difficult to understand then why several countries in the past spilled blood to conquer our country. Whoever takes control of the Philippines will have a tactical geographical, military, and economic advantage over others.

That is the humanity’s perspective. Mother Nature, on the other hand, has another use for the Philippines’ strategic location. Being situated squarely near the equator, surrounded by vast seas, and blessed with rich marine resources, the country is a perfect midpoint for migratory birds that seek refuge from the harsh winters in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Most of these birds head to Olango Island at the very center of the Visayas. The island has some of the most extensive mangrove forests in the Cebu province and is endowed with rich coral reefs, expansive coralline sandflats, and huge seagrass beds. In addition, the flat island is sheltered from trade winds and monsoons. Read More: https://adrenalineromance.com/2014/12/14/olango-island-wildlife-sanctuary-a-refuge-for-the-worlds-migratory-birds/

Photo from: http://www.mycebuguide.com/cebu-activities/Sun-Sea-Culture-Remote-Beaches-and-Bird-Sanctuary-Bike-Trip-128.html

Just 20 minutes from Mactan by public bangka, Olango Island is home to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Taking in 1030 hectares of sand flats and mangroves on Olango’s southern shores, the sanctuary supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found in the Philippines – 48 species (including the rare Chinese egret, the Asiatic dowitcher and several species of sandpiper and plover.)

Timing is everything here. The peak months are October to November for the southward East-Asian Australasian migration, and February to March for the northward leg. Be sure to visit at low tide, when the birds take to the sand flats en masse to fill up on worms, snails and small fish. There aren’t many birds here from May to August, the sanctuary remains an austerely beautiful spot and worth a visit. You can also kayak through the mangroves around here with Island Buzz Philippines. Read More: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/olango-island-around/attractions/olango-island-wildlife-sanctuary/a/poi-sig/1191396/1338227