Travel Guide to Olango Island 🇵🇭 Cebu, Philippines

Whenever my friends and I wanted a quick escape from the city. Olango Island is top of our list. It is because it is just a short boat ride from Mactan. I find this island has a quiet charm.

If you want a mix of nature, simple island life, and easy day trips, Olango is worth adding to your Cebu itinerary.

Things to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit:
The dry season (December to May) is the best time to visit Olango Island. For birdwatching at the sanctuary, the peak months are November to February, when migratory birds stop over.

Money:
Bring enough cash before you get to the island. There are very limited ATMs, and most small stores or eateries only accept cash.

Basic phrases & language:
Locals speak Cebuano, but Tagalog and English are widely understood. A simple “Salamat” (thank you) goes a long way.

Safety:
Olango is generally safe and laidback. Just remember to bring sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on your belongings, especially when swimming or biking around.

Planning Your Trip to Olango Island

How to get to Olango Island?

From Cebu City, head to the following port below.
All trips are daily and continuous with a 30-minute interval.

Punta Engaño Port:
• Boat Fare: Php40
• Terminal Fee: Php10

Mactan’s Angasil Port:
• Boat Fare: Php40

Getting around the island: tricycle, habal-habal (motorbike), or rent a bicycle.

Where to stay?

If you plan to stay overnight, please know that Olango Island isn’t as developed as Mactan or Cebu City, but you’ll find homestays, small resorts, and beachside cottages. If you’re only there for a day trip, staying in Mactan and commuting works too.

Things to Do in Olango Island

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary is one of the best spots in Olango if you love the ocean. It’s a protected area where you’ll find healthy coral reefs, seagrass beds, and plenty of colorful fish. Snorkeling here is such a treat, you’ll see marine life up close while enjoying clear waters away from the usual tourist crowds.
This is where we usually spend a lot more time.

The sanctuary is managed by the local community, which makes it even more meaningful because your visit directly supports their conservation efforts.

Fees:
• Swimming: Php80 (with life jacket)
• Environmental Fee: Php200 for 10 people
• Snorkling set: Php180/person

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is huge, about 1,030 hectares of mangroves, mudflats, and sandflats that serve as a safe haven for birds. There are around 97 bird species here, with 48 of them being migratory and the rest resident birds of the island.

Every year, about 40,000 migratory birds stop over in Olango, coming all the way from Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. The best time to see them is from November to February, when they flock to the island to escape the cold.

What makes this place even more special is that it’s the first Ramsar Wetland Site in the Philippines, which means it’s recognized internationally as an important wetland for birds and conservation.

Entrance Fees:
• Adult: Php30
• Student: Php15
• Foreigner: Php100

Pag Utlan Camp

Pag Utlan Camp is such a peaceful spot in Olango if you’re looking for something more laidback and nature-focused. It’s a simple campsite surrounded by mangroves, with a view of the sea that feels extra calming, especially during sunset. You can stay in tents or cottages, depending on what kind of experience you want, either the full camping vibe or a more comfortable setup.

What I like about Pag Utlan is how raw and quiet it feels. It’s not commercialized, so you really get that “back to basics” island life. The lounging areas are spacious, perfect for just hanging out with friends, grilling food, or lying down and stargazing at night. Facilities are basic but good, with abundant water in the bathrooms, and you get that fresh sea breeze all throughout your stay.

They also have sari-sari stores inside, which makes things more convenient if you need quick snacks or supplies.

Another plus is accessibility, just right outside the camp, you’ll usually find tricycles parked and waiting for passengers, making it easy to get around the island whenever you need.

Rates & Fees:
• Day use- Php30/person
• Overnight Camp- Php100 per person
• Bike Rent- Php20 per hour
• Corkage fee- Php50 per food (The price varies depending on the food)
• Cottage day use- Php300
• Cottage overnight- Php500

Bike Around Olango Island

Biking around Olango Island is such a fun and relaxing way to explore.

I rented a bike at San Vicente Marine Sanctuary for only ₱20 per hour, which is super affordable.

Riding through the island gives you a closer look at the quiet villages, mangroves, and even stretches of open fields. You really get to see the simple island life at your own pace.

The roads are mostly flat, so it’s an easy ride even if you’re not used to biking.

What makes it nice is how peaceful it feels: no rush, just the sound of the sea breeze and friendly locals. It’s definitely one of the best ways to experience Olango.

Try their Local Eateries

I love seafood, and Olango is such a good place for it.

Most of the small eateries or carinderias sell simple dishes like fried fish, which is usually what we’d have for lunch. One time, we were lucky enough to buy a bundle of small crabs for only ₱100, and we also tried some adobo squid. It was so delicious!

The seafood here is always fresh, caught by local fishermen, and it just tastes better when you are eating it right by the sea. Do not expect fancy restaurants here. The food is simple, affordable, and homey, and that is exactly what makes the experience so nice. Eating like the locals really adds to the island vibe.

Tips for Visiting Olango Island

• Start your trip early in the morning if you are only doing a day tour.
• Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and avoid touching the corals while snorkeling.
• Bring extra clothes, especially if you are planning to swim.
• Do not forget insect repellent since mosquitoes can be around near the mangroves.
• Always bring enough cash on hand because ATMs are limited on the island.
• Wear comfortable shoes or sandals if you plan to bike or walk around the villages.
• Pack your own drinking water and snacks if you are visiting remote spots or sanctuaries.
• Respect the locals and their environment. Keep the island clean by taking your trash with you.

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