Danjugan Island was once an island threatened and exploited by overfishing and other activities has now become the epitome of ecotourism and natural conservation in Negros Occidental, and maybe even in the entire country.
Danjugan Island is now a famous ecotourism destination in Negros Occidental. It has evolved into a sanctuary abundant with various wonders both underwater and on land. It covers 43 hectares of land and is 1.5 kilometers in length and half a kilometer in width.
The island is so massive that it is no surprise that it hides numerous natural wonders in its forests and hills such as lagoons, bat caves, and mangrove forests. Even the sea that surrounds the island is teeming with various marine life such as vast seagrass beds and vibrant coral reefs that fringe the underwater edges of the island.
TRANSFORMATION HISTORY
When the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation (PRRCF) bought the island in the 1990s, they were not expecting that their action would result in more than just saving the island from possible destruction due to the numerous harmful activities being conducted within and around the island.
As the years went by, the island was transformed into an outdoor classroom where educational camps would be attended by the students and conservationists would conduct their research. When the island regained its former beauty due to the efforts of PRRCF, it soon flourished to become an ecotourism destination.
Despite the growing fame of the island as a tourist destination, its founders still prioritized the preservation of the island and its various secrets more than its popularity. Only 10% of the island was developed and the majority of it is reserved for the various wildlife in the island to continue flourishing.
Until today, the island only accepts limited visitors per day and they would have to schedule their visit beforehand. Tourism is the only human activity permitted in the island, apart from research, and even it is limited. Any other activity such as fishing is prohibited near the island which allows biodiversity to flourish.
FASCINATING ISLAND TOUR
More than being just a tourist destination, the caretakers of Danjugan Island actually showcase the different natural beauties in and around the island and uses it as an opportunity to teach them about the importance of preserving nature. At the very beginning of the tour, the tourists are required to attend a short briefing which includes the island’s history, the do’s and don’ts, and the itinerary for the day. After that, the guests can then officially start the tour.
The tour mostly consists of non-disruptive activities that focus more on appreciating the beauty of the island. Such activities include trekking and nature walk where tourists get a good view of the ocean, lagoons, forests, and mangroves. There are about five lagoons in the island with three of them land-locked and the rest hidden during high tides. Tourists can even kayak at the lagoons if they want to explore it a little bit more.
While taking a peaceful nature walk around the island, the tourists will also be able to encounter the diverse wildlife thriving in the lush rainforests of Danjugan Island. The island is home to 72 species of birds, including sea eagles and the Tabon scrub fowls, as well as 10 species of bats. There are also rarer species like coconut crabs and some species of snakes.
Of course, with glistening waters like the one surrounding Danjugan Island, it would be a futile attempt to resist it’s deeply refreshing waters. Moreover, a breathtaking underwater paradise exists in the surrounding waters with a wide array of marine creatures such as fish, turtles, and giant clams. Scientists have recorded at least 579 species of fish and 244 species of corals around the island. Best of all, guests don’t need to dive too deep to encounter all of these marine wonders because snorkeling will already be more than enough.
There are more activities and attractions that guests would be able to enjoy such as wildlife camps, parasailing, and massages but even this article won’t be enough to fully describe how much wonders Danjugan Island holds.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
TOUR RATES
- Day Tour: P1,950 per head; P2,250 on peak season
- Eco Tour: P950 per head; P1,250 on peak season
- Overnight Stay: P2,950 per head; P3,250 on peak season
NOTE: Upon arrival, there will also be conservation fees.
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Contact numbers: 0915-234-7145
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/danjuganisland/
- Website: http://www.prrcf.org/danjuganisland/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental
FROM BACOLOD: Find your way to the South Bus Terminal. Take a bus that’s bound for Sipalay or Hinoba-an. There are also vans in the terminal that travel to Sipalay or Hinoba-an everyday. Ask the driver to drop you off at Crossing Remollos-Quadro de King in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Upon arrival, there are boatmen who are ready to take you to Danjugan Island.
FROM DUMAGUETE: Ride any bus that’s bound for Kabankalan. From there, ride another bus or van bound for Hinoba-an. Ask the driver to drop you off at Crossing Remollos-Quadro de King in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Upon arrival, there are boatmen who are ready to take you to Danjugan Island.
FROM SIPALAY: Find your way to the bus terminal near Jamont Hotel. Ask the driver to drop you off at Crossing Remollos-Quadro de King in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Upon arrival, there are boatmen who are ready to take you to Danjugan Island.
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