Bird Watching in Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

written on April 14th, 2014 by Jean Del Mar

Mactan Island is known for its beaches, 5-star resorts and fun diving. Most people don’t know that there is another island nearby which serves as a haven for migratory birds, a perfect place for bird watching.

I’m not one to go birding, but when I went, I saw and I experienced something totally mesmerizing!

Approximately four kilometers southeast of Mactan Island is the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary. The island is composed of 920 hectares of mangroves, sea grass and mud flats. Olango is a wetland making it an ideal habitat for water birds, fishes and frogs. This area supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found in the Philippines.

These migratory birds are the center of attraction. Over 40,000 migratory birds from Northern China, Siberia and Japan have visited the island. It was discovered that there are approximately 97 species of birds, 48 of which are migratory. They consider the sanctuary a refuge from the winter climate of their country. Think of it like their refueling station as well as a resting ground. Among these migratory birds are the Chinese egrets, plovers, eastern curlews, black-tailed godwit, sanpipers and red knot.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months of July to November. These are the usual months that birds migrate.

An observatory deck is situated there. You will find a telescope and a book about birds.

Do’s

• Wear comfortable shoes or sandals with straps. The observatory deck can be accessed by a long concrete walk in the middle of the water. It might be slippery.
• Bring extra cash for applicable fees.
• Bring camera.
• Bring an umbrella or wear cap/hat or apply sunscreen. This is an open space. There isn’t much shade to protect you from the heat.

Don’ts

• Don’t wear neon colored clothes. These will scare the birds.
• Don’t make too much noise.
• Don’t litter. Leave nothing but footprints.
• Don’t pick or bring anything home from this protected area.
• Don’t expect to always see a huge flock of birds. They are free to come and go as they please.

 

How to reach Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

Ride a ferry boat from the Punta Engaño Pier or Hilton Pier (near Movenpick Hotel). Look for one going to Sta. Rosa Pier in Olango. From there, take a motorcycle or tricycle going to Brgy. San Vicente. That’s where the sanctuary is located.

Operation is daily starting 9 am to 5 pm

Applicable Fees

Entrance fee                      Local – Php 10                     Foreign – Php 100

Additional Fees

Bird watching including telescope and guide – Php 10 / person

Camping – Php 25 / night

Nature walk or trekking – Php 20 / group

Camera use (point-and-shoot, SLR with lens of focal length less than 200 mm) – Php 10

Photography (for commercial/promotional purposes, any type of lens allowed) – Php500/camera

Use of comfort room     Php 5

*Photos by Lanze Amparado