PHILIPPINES: When In Mactan: Olango Reef, Caohagan Island, Sulpa Islet
May 30, 2018
Mactan Island is known for being the major contributor of tourists in Cebu. As a coral island, it offers some of the best diving, snorkeling, island hopping and famous water activities same with the other islands in the Philippines.
One sunny day, together with my friends, we have decided to go island hopping. First, we headed to Hadsan Cove located in Agus Rd. along JPark Resort. We talked with the coordinator about the places where we gonna go for our island hopping.
We are going to 3 places: Olango Island Marine Sanctuary, Caohagan Island, Sulpa Islet.
First, we headed to Olango Island Marine Sanctuary. It is a 20-30 minute boat ride going to the snorkeling spot. Upon arriving at the spot, the guides gave us some pieces of bread to feed the fishes.
We spend almost 2 hours snorkeling in the sanctuary. We saw various of fishes like clownfish, parrotfish, tiger barb and many more. We also enjoyed feeding them as their number is growing. It feels like having a party or a fiesta down the water as the fishes picking the small pieces of breads.
Locals who are riding on their pump boats will sell seafoods like shells and sea urchins and they can cook it for you right away. They noticed that we are with some foreigners so the price maybe went up. It was not affordable at all.
After that, we headed to Caohagan Island. We just stayed on the boat and ate our lunch prepared from home. We bought some drinks at the island and it’s not expensive unlike other locals who overprices their products.
Caohagan Island
When done eating we swam in the clear water. The sand was not so fine unlike other beaches but still we enjoyed and had fun.
Lastly, we went to Sulpa Islet. I felt so sad when I jump in the water. It was disappointing to see corals dying and you can barely see fishes swimming around. Only few starfishes left and algae is overtaking the place beneath the water.
I can’t hardly swim deeper enough to reach the floor because the current of the was too strong and it keeps me floating.
We finished our island hopping trip around 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Overall, it was fun especially seeing the fishes up close and asking you to feed them.
Mactan is not just about high class resorts. As it is the nearest getaway from the airport, there are so many things and exciting stuffs and activities to do that can make your stay and vacation more memorable and fun.
How to get there?
From Cebu City, take a jeepney/multicab (01K) going to Parkmall.
* ₱10 (from Colon)
* ₱7 (from Sm City Cebu)
From Parkmall Terminal, ride a jeepney/multicab going to So-ong/Maribago.
* ₱10 fare - just ask the driver to drop you off near Hadsan Resort. It's a 3 minute walk from the main road to the entrance of the resort. Entrance fee is ₱50 per person.
📝 It's easier to take a taxi or book a grab so you won't have a hard time commuting especially if you don't like taking jeepneys and get irritated easily with the traffic.
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