OLANGO ISLAND

Olango Island in Cebu is a wetland sanctuary for migrating water birds. Wetlands like these are important because the birds use it as a stop-over and wintering grounds. Birding in Olango is like spending the day at a beautiful beach. The water is very clean and teeming with fish and crabs. There are walkways and elevated cement structures for observing the birds. When we were there, one of the staff members was eagerly observing the human visitors that were approaching the observation hut to see if they were bird watchers or just townsfolk who were walking through. He also had a scope, and a guide book. He was very knowledgeable about the birds there.

We have visited Olango twice. The first time we did it as a day trip from Manila. The second time, we stayed overnight in the Visitor Center. It is best to check the tide tables when planning a trip there so that your trip will coincide with the low tide.

Here is a link to an informative article by Nilo Mallari on planning a trip to Olango: http://ebonph.wordpress.com/category/october-2011/