Information about Olango Island

Olango Island in Cebu

Located five kilometers east of Mactan Island, Olango Island and its satellite islets lie between the Cebu Strait to the south and the Camotes Sea to the north. To the east is the Olango Channel, separating it from Bohol, while to the west is Gilutungan Channel, which separates it
from Mactan Island.

Olango Island refers to a group of islands namely: Olango, Sulpa, Guilotongan, Nalusuan, Caohagan, Camungi and Pangan-an. In Olango, there are small stores, barbecue places, and fruit stalls around the area. One of the barangays has a pharmacy and a small hospital.

The Island is quaint and underdeveloped. Without big business establishments and commercial outlets, it appeals to tourists who prefer a more rustic vacation. The island has a rich coastal ecosystem. Tourists can explore its flatlands, offshore coral reefs and its extensive mangroves. Swimming and snorkeling are some of the activities that tourists enjoy, too, not to mention
taking beautiful photos and nature appreciation.

There are three dive sites that scuba divers visit, namely, Mabini Point at the northern tip of the island, Baring on the northwest side, and Santa Rosa near the middle of the west side. Island hopping is another activity that tourists love to do when in Olango Island. There are available boats to rent that can take travelers to these nearby spots. A few modest accommodations are available for tourists who wish to stay a few nights to explore the island.

San Vicente in Olango Island is home to Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found 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.

Ten thousand migratory birds were discovered on the island in 1987. In 1992, then President Corazon Aquino signed a law declaring the island as a protected area. Currently, it is under the management and protection of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

How to get there

The dock beside Movenpick on Mactan island is the best route to travel to Olango. On the hour, a big banca runs from Mactan to Olango. Tickets are just for a minimum fee. It's a lovely voyage to Santa Rosa's harbor, where you'll disembark.

Best time to visit

The best time to go to Olango Island, especially if you're planning to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary, is in November when birds are flying south for the breeding season.