Olango Island, a hidden paradise in Philippines situated in the island of Mactan, Visayas region - supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country.

Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Anticipating the scarcity of food and winter cold, these birds fly as far as Australia and New Zealand from late July until late November.

This is usually referred to as the Southward Migration. By late February until May, these birds return to their breeding grounds in the reverse Northward Migration. Based on data gathered so far, the birds use Olango as a major refueling station as well as a wintering ground.

At Olango, the birds can replenish their fat reverses by feeding on rich supply of invertebrates in the intertidal mudflats. These fat reserves must fuel the birds on the next lap of their journey which may cover from 3,000 to 15,000 km. of non-stop flight. Land Area - 1,022.6228 has.

Diving at Olanggo

Olango Island is across the Hilutangan Channel from Mactan Island. There are three sites here that are worth the effort to see.

1. Santa Rosa
2. Baring
3. Mabini Point

At the southern part is Santa Rosa. The dive starts with a sandy bottom covered in soft corals, leading to a drop-off at 15m, descending to 50m. There are good varieties of reef fish in the shallows here, while further down you'll see fusiliers, catfish, jacks, snappers and sweetlips, among others.

Baring - off the northwestern coast. Descend to 35m and see tuna, whitetip and grey reef sharks, snappers, barracuda and jacks. At 35m you will find several number of caves - you never know what you'll find inside.

At northern tip of the island is Mabini Point, diving to the depths will give you the best chance of seeing large pelagics.
Currents are strong and unpredictable, so this is a dive for the experienced only. You will almost certainly encounter sharks, including hammerheads and the occasional whale shark descending to around 40m at the drop-off.