About Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a 920-hectare protected wetland and tidal flat on Olango Island in Barangay San Vicente, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. Established in 1992 and designated as the Philippines' first Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1994, it lies along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. The sanctuary is renowned for hosting tens of thousands of migratory birds annually, with extensive mangroves, seagrass beds and mudflats supporting diverse coastal wildlife.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a low-lying coastal wetland with expansive mudflats, mangrove forests and seagrass beds. A concrete boardwalk and elevated observation hides allow viewing of migratory shorebirds and resident species without disturbing habitat. The visitor centre provides information on bird migration and ecology. The setting is quiet and natural, with open tidal flats best viewed at low tide, and guided walks available through mangrove and beach areas.
Key highlights
- 01
920-hectare Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and first Ramsar site in the Philippines
- 02
Key stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway hosting up to 40,000 migratory birds
- 03
Elevated boardwalk and bird hides for close observation of shorebirds
- 04
Extensive mangrove forest, tidal flats and seagrass ecosystems