Cheap and quick island getaway for that I-am-tired-of-life-and-work-and-more-of-life mood.
Are you planning on a spontaneous trip? I know, it's ironic. But hey, if you want to go on "spontaneous" island trip the next day, you gotta plan a little bit. And don't worry. There are a few islands in Cebu that you can visit for just a half-day trip. The number 1 on my list is Olango Island!
If you're from Cebu City proper (meaning anywhere in the common streets of Cebu), you need to go to Lapu-Lapu City first. Not familiar with Cebu? When it comes to Cebu, see it like a very big island. Lapu-Lapu City -- that's like an island extension, a child island, a neglected child island but still held close. You get it, right? LOL
How to Get to Lapu-Lapu City
OPTION 1
- What to ride: Ferry boat
- Fare: Php 18 (regular), Php 14 (students), Php12 (PWD, Senior Citizen & children)
- Travel time: 30 minutes (I think?)
- Directions:
We went around the plaza. Inserts Tanga moment. Street children began to gather and asked for coins, packed up like a victim and flee to some random corner. And good thing that we did. If it weren't for that, we would never have gotten to all the ukay-ukay stores. If you're up for some cheap yet quality clothes, it's like a thrifty clothing palooza in Opon, Lapu-Lapu City. A lot of ukay-ukay stores all lined up -- selling shirts, blouses, shorts, and even dresses at the price range of Php 25 to Php 80. I bought 2 shirts and a dress that day for just Php 80. And that was it for the directions by the way... 😂
OPTION 2
- What to ride: Jeepney
- Fare: More or less Php 50 (one-way)
- Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (depends on the traffic)
- Directions:
Take a 01K jeepney from EMall in Colon Street (Php 9 fare) or from SM City Cebu (Php 8 fare) and drop off at Parkmall. In the same terminal in Parkmall, look for a jeepney heading Soong and tell the driver to drop you off at Eskina Angasil (Php 20 fare). Upon arriving, you'll see tricycle and motorcycle drivers happily waiting for you to drive you off to the Angasil port for Php 10-15 fare.
How to Get to the Island
OPTION 1 ONLY (unless you have your own boat)
- What to ride: Ferry boat
- Fare: P15 (regular), P12 (student & senior citizen)
- Travel time: 15-20 minutes
- Directions:
Instruct the jeepney driver to drop you off at the eskina Angasil. You'll know you're there since it's the little road right after seeing the fancy streets of Mactan Newtown. From there, ask the tricycle drivers if he is going straight to the port (but they all do, that's what they're there for). As mentioned, tricycle and motorcycle drivers will drive you off to the Angasil port (Php 10-15 fare).
What to do in Olango Island
Olango Bikes
The island's road is developed enough for a smooth bike ride. Plus! You can tour around the island with just a simple bike (given that you know how to ride one as well ;)) Olango bikes have lots of bikes available -- simple ones and mountain bikes. They charge for Php10/hr for the simple bikes. As for the mountain bikes, I didn't bother asking. I don't know how to ride a bike in the first place. * sighs *
But that didn't stop us! We went around the island through a motorcycle and paying about Php 20 for every trip/destination. While you're traveling, the trees right above you is just so scenic (and not to mention, instagrammable!) that we had to stop and take a picture in the middle of the road and just below those trees.
Of course, we had to dodge a few passing motorcycles and multi-cabs from there and then but it was all worth it. Kuya driver was extra helpful with the picture-taking as well.
San Vicente Marine Sanctuary
It's a one-stop place for all the simple sea (and also walking) activity you would want. They got snorkeling, fish feeding, sight seeing, and chillin' in the middle of the sea.
Activities & Rates
They got floating cottages a bit far from the shore and you need to get pass through this shaky yet exciting bridge to get there.
Good thing there's a perfectly placed bench for sitting (and taking pictures)
A closer look at what other parts are made of
The massive floating cottage
It's a long walk to these cottages but you definitely won't regret it. You get to enjoy the mangrove trees around and crystal clear water beneath you. Just don't look down for too long. 😉
Wildlife Sanctuary
Before going home, we decided to go the Wildlife Sanctuary which is just a bit ahead of the San Vicente Sanctuary. By taking another motorcycle, it took us less than 5 minutes to get to the place. They have this environmental and sort-of entrance fee of Php 30. They said the tour guide ends his shift at 4 pm and we were lucky enough to get there just a few minutes before.
There were no directions or labels or signs. But there was a path for us to follow. And it was quiet -- too quiet. As we walked pass the dried up trees, it was like seeing that scene on semi-monotone filter. There was so much gray but it still looked beautiful.
We finally arrived in the stoned board walk and it was fun and challenging, especially for klutz like me. Many times I tripped but made sure I didn't fall. Because if I did, a family of urchins is sure to catch me with wide arms.
At the end of the board walk, there is this little open house and telescope where you get to look at migratory birds.
The tour guide was a fun and chatty fellow and had a hidden talent in photography. Jump shots were fired and yes, it was the perfect way to end the trip.
TANGA Moments
I ran straight to a coconut tree with a not-yet-rented bike. This surely made it clear I'm not riding a bike around the island. Others just made it look so easy.
Played with the sea current while I was at the board walk. Slipper was loose and drifted away too fast. I had to rescue it before it got too far but first went through tiny urchins like it was a landmine.
Stressed face be like...
Not-so TANGA moments & TIPID Tips
We bought food in Lapu-Lapu City first before going to Olango. There isn't much food options in the island. Some food are overpriced while others are "cursed". Just kidding. But they really are overpriced though.
We spent more or less Php 500 for a half-day island hopping trip within the city. Not so bad budget for an impulsive trip.
That's it for this trip! So, next time you feel like doing something out of impulse -- get into a quick yet super sulit and enjoyable trip to Olango Island, Cebu!