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Cebu / Sumilon / Negros Oriental / Bohol
Cebu / Sumilon / Negros Oriental / Bohol
( 10 Days / 9 Nights )
Day 01
ARRIVAL IN CEBU
Drive to Tabunan in Busay. A birder’s dream in Cebu in the sight of the Cebu flower pecker, believed to be endemic in Central Cebu. Bits and pieces of information about this interesting bird and its equally challenging habitat are like a jigsaw puzzle that awaits the ultimate game. A quest for this unique specie begins in Tabunan, about 30 kilometers from Cebu City. The uphill drive ends with a 270-degree view of the valley including the famous Mt. Manunggal. Return to the city for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 02
CEBU
Transfer to local wharf in Mactan to board boat for Olango Island. In Olango, board tricycle for a short trip to Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Registration.
Olango, just four kilometers off the east coast of Mactan Island in Cebu, Philippines, is site a 920-hectare protected wetland called the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Twice a year, tens of thousands of migratory birds flock to this small island to rest their flight-weary bodies. Visit this place in the winter or spring and you’ll be sure to meet up with theses exotic creatures, basking in the gloriously bright sun or taking refuge in the balmly shade of mangrove stands: plovers, red shanks, egrets and sandpipers are just some of the winged visitors that can be seen here. Stopping over on their flight from Siberia’s harsh winter, or taking a breather before they continue their journey home, Every year February to April and then again from September to November, the OIWS serves as refuge to thousands of migratory birds travelling the East Asian Migratory Flyway.
Optional Activity:
-Community interaction
-Island tour with swimming and snorkelling
Picnic Lunch
Return to the city in the afternoon
Overnight in Cebu.
Day 03
CEBU / ALCOY / SUMILON
After breakfast, drive to Alcoy.
Stop at South Road Properties(SRP) for bird watching (wild ducks and egrets) proceeding to Alcoy. Register at the municipal hall . Then, proceed to a 30-minute scenic drive from the Alcoy town hall to Nug-as Forest. The drive through the narrow winding road provides a spectacular view of Cebu’s western coastline and its neighboring islands. The forest of Nug-as is also one of the sites where the Cebu Flowerpecker has been sighted. Return to main road in the afternoon and resume drive to Oslob Proceed to Sumilon island Resort pier to board motorized boat for Sumilon Island. Check in at the resort for accommodations. Late afternoon bird watching in front of the Lagoon.
Overnight in Sumilon.
Day 04
SUMILON
Early morning birding .Follow the islands foot trail for an easy nature trek of the island.
Sumilon Island remains one of Cebu’s best kept secrets and is found on the southeastern tip of the mainland. It s 125 kilometers from Cebu City and is in close proximity to Dumaguete. The island has an area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by crystal clear waters with varying aquamarine hues. It is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was made a fish sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of the Siliman University Marine Reserve. During dives, one will find varied marine species and even occasional sightings of black tip sharks. Pristine white sand beaches are situated in different areas in Sumilon.
Its sandbar is well known for its changing shapes and shifting locations around the island, depending on the season. On the island, there is a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves. There are also natural caves where fishermen used to seek refuge. On the south side, a lighthouse rests on a protected tree park. Beside it is a “Baluarte”, a historical watchtower built as part of a warning system to thwart slavers and marauders in the 19th century. It is easy bird watching in Sumilon where resident birds are adapted to the lagoon and its marble cliff with thick vegetation cover as their natural habitat.Optional Activity: swimming, kayaking, snorkelling.
Day 05
SUMILON / SANTANDER / DUMAGUETE
Transfer to Santander to board bus and ferry to Sibulan in Negros Oriental. Drive to Twin Lake of Balinsasayao Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao from the Twin Lakes Protected Area which is several kilometers from Dumaguete City. The sere and tranquil Lake Balinsasayao is the larger of the two lakes and is an ideal site for fishing, kayaking, trekking and of course birdwatching. The two lakes were once craters of a volcano that are now hidden behind the mountains of Dumaguete. One has to walk down a steep road to reach the lakes. The place is full of trees, flowers, birds. Some rare species of birds reside in this area which prompted the local government to put it under its protection. Other activities include swimming, boating, trekking and kayaking. Possible sightings are magnificent views of an Osprey or a Bhraminy Kite diving for fish, orange-bellied Flowerpecker, and White-collared Kingfisher. Proceed to Dumaguete City. Check in at Hotel.
Day 06
DUMAGUETE
After breakfast, proceed to Valencia for Birding. Optional Activity: Visit to Siliman University Overnight in Dumaguete.
Day 07
DUMAGUETE / TAGBILARAN
After breakfast, transfer to ferry terminal to board fast craft for Tagbilaran. Transfer to Bee Farm for lunch. Overnight in Tagbilaran.
Day 08
BOHOL
Corella/ Rajah Sikatuna.
Rajah Sikatuna National Park is an inland forest located near the town of Bilar. At 90 square kilometers, Rajah Sikatuna National Park is the largest remaining natural forest in Bohol.
A number of trails have been set out. Following the trails through the park, you can come across many species of birds. It will take some patience, and may really help if you bring along tapes with bird calls to tempt the often shy birds to emerge from their hiding places. With luck you can come across some rare and endangered species, such as the Philippine Eagle-owl and Steere’s Pitta.
Aside from birds, Rajah Sikatuna National Park also has a butterfly sanctuary. Monkeys thrive in the forest and are already used to seeing people every day. 26 bat species can be found within the caves that abound in limestone formations. On top of the hills in Rajah Sikatuna National Park, you can have a great view of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Birdwatching activity can end up in Corella Tarsier Sanctuary Overnight in Tagbilaran.
Day 09
BOHOL
Bilar Birdwatching Activity.
Day 10
DEPARTURE BOHOL
After breakfast, transfer to airport to take flight in Manila.
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