Danjugan Island: A Tropical Paradise in Negros Occidental

Danjugan Island is a lush 43-hectare island and marine sanctuary located off the Southeastern coast of Negros Occidental. The island is just 1.5 km long and 0.5 km at its widest point but in terms of biodiversity, it is such a gem. Unlike most islands in the Philippines, Danjugan still retains most of its original tropical forest cover which is teeming with wildlife.

The area was once over-fished but because the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), Danjugan Island bought the Island in the 1990s, it is now protected as part of the Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries. Today, the island serves as an example of best practices in marine conservation. It is an outdoor classroom for students, an open laboratory for researchers, and a tropical paradise for tourists who want to experience nature.

Getting to Danjugan Island for the First Time

The bus ride from Bacolod City to Cauayan took four hours but nobody complained. The beautiful scenery of mountains and coastlines of Southern Negros Occidental or the CHICKS area, will make you forget about your travel time. The three of us have been planning for this trip to Danjugaan Island for quite some time and the Araw ng Kagitingan Holiday gave us the right opportunity.

Imelda of Next Stop Negros Tours told us to ask the Ceres bus konduktor to drop us at Quadro de King at Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan and look for Bing-Bing Guanzon. I was a little embarrassed when I asked for Ms. Bing-Bing only to be greeted by a man. Bing-Bing contacted the staff at Danjugan Island and was told the motorized bangka is on its way.

Danjugan Island viewed form the mainland,

A short tricycle ride took us to the beach where we are to wait for the bangka that will take us to Danjugan Island. From where we stood, we could see Danjugan Island sandwiched between the cloudless sky and the calm sea.

The boat ride was short, around 20 minutes and as we approached Typhoon Beach,  the lush green tropical forest of the island was a most welcoming sight. 

Getting To Know Danjugan Island

Our guide, Tatay Ruben, took the task of orienting us about the island and our itinerary. He’s probably in his late fifties but his toothless infectious smile makes you forget his age. His energy and passion for marine protection was very contagious. When asked where his family was, he replied, “Inday, nawili ko sg obra nalipat ko mangasawa.” (I was so engrossed with my job I forgot to get married).  He has been a Bantay Dagat of EB Magalona town for several years before moving to Danjugan two years ago.

Imelda, knowing I would be interested to learn more about Danjugan, has left instructions for Tatay Ruben to lend me some reference materials. I browsed through a paper by Coral Cay Conservation and was amazed at the natural wealth of the Danjugan Island Marine Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary.

The biodiversity of Danjugan Island’s coral reefs can be compared to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. When Coral Cay volunteers surveyed 40 hectares of the island’s coral reef in 1996, they identified 190 species and 73 genera of corals. On the other hand, the Great Barrier Reef stretching some 2,600km is known to have 80 genera of corals.

Danjugan Island in Cauayan, Negros Occidental has incredible biodiversity given its small size. There were at least 72 bird species recorded, at least 10 bat species, 22 butterfly species, at least 17 species of mangroves, 572 fish species belonging to 139 genera, 244 species of hard corals, 8 species of seagrass and 74 species of macroalgae have been recorded.

Map of Danjugan Island: View it, to believe it!

I’m glad to see that Google Maps already has a high resolution satellite image of Danjugan Island. You can clearly see the white sand beaches, the lagoons, the lush green forest, the cabanas, and even the bangka! If you haven’t been to Danjugan Island and would like to have an idea what to see there, I have labeled the map for your reference.

I’m sure the long stretch of white sand beaches will entice you to visit the island. But there’s more to Danjugan Island than what you see from above. The different ecosystems and the diverse wildlife they support are what made this island truly amazing.

Day 1 Activities: Island Trekking

Moray Lagoon

From Typhoon Beach, the bangka took us to the east side of the island where Science Camp is located. It is also where one of Danjugan Island’s five lagoons are located, the Third Lagoon or Moray Lagoon. It was so named because of the Moray Eels that take refuge there. The lagoon opens to the sea during high tide and it is surrounded by mangroves, offering a safe haven for the eels from natural predators and humans.

A wood and bamboo structure on concrete stilts serves as dining cabana. A full stomach, the symphony of the birds and the gentle breeze from the sea, proved lethal to a tired body. We dozed off for a few minutes and woke up just in time for snacks. After our badly needed caffeine fix, we’re ready to trek to the watch tower. It took us perhaps 30 minutes to reach the tower, through a canopy of tropical forest. Good thing we thought of buying aqua shoes. It served as our trekking shoes as well. The sole is thick enough to protect your feet from pointed rocks and its soft canvass is very comfortable for walking.

Watch Tower

On our way to the watch tower, we passed by the Sixth Lagoon, its eerie stillness disturbed only by the occasional drop of leaves. A thing of curiosity was a flushless composting toilet near the lagoon. When you do your thing, it goes right into a septic tank. Do I hear eww? My thoughts exactly. But I was told by a friend who once tried using it that you won’t smell decomposing matter. Oh well, probably next time, when I can muster enough courage.

The watch tower is located at the highest point of the island, some 80 meters above sea level. From there you can see the Agutayan Island between Danjugan and the mainland. You can have your pictures taken at the watch tower with the scenic seascape as your background. Just a warning though, instruct Tatay Ruben how to use your camera, otherwise he’ll have your head missing from the picture. Much as we adore the old man, he is probably the worst photographer on the island!

Bat Cave

Our next stop was the bat cave located near the Third Lagoon which you will pass by if you are to trek to Typhoon Beach.  The trail can become steep and rocky with occasional root outcrops and fallen tree trunks, so be prepared to get your hands dirty.

You know you’re near the cave once you smell the stench of guano. The Insect Bats are quite small and not too scary but the smell of their droppings can be overpowering. There are probably thousands of them inside the cave but you can only see a fraction of them hanging on the wall near the entrance. I peered over the cave opening and there’s actually a pool beneath.

We followed the trail until we pass by the Second Lagoon. The water looked very still and inviting that we told Tatay Ruben it must be nice to swim here. He said as long as we are ready to share our swim with a Barracuda then perhaps we should consider it. To Typhoon Beach then, we don’t want to be at the lower part of the food chain with the Barracuda on top of us.

Adjacent to the Second Lagoon is the Turtle Beach. It was so named because it is a nesting ground of Hawksbill and Green Turtles. They often go here during rainy season to lay their eggs beneath the sand. It was already late afternoon when we reached Typhoon Beach after about half hour of trekking from Third Lagoon. Tatay Ruben then asked me to follow him to the kitchen. At the back of the kitchen was a pair of Tabon Scrubfowls, regular visitors to the camp. I noticed a hole near the kitchen so I asked Tatay Ruben about it. It’s a well. They’re hoping to reach fresh water at 80 feet deep.

Mud House

We still had some time to inspect the Mud House being constructed at the camp. As the name suggests, its main construction material is mud. Its walls are made from mud, its columns and beams from bamboo, and roof from cogon. Used bottles and plates are used for aesthetic purposes. Some of the workers are from Talisay City, the same workers who made a similar structure at Natures Village Resort.

Finally, we were able to do what we wanted to do the whole day, swim. We were also able to practice kayaking in preparation to our activity the following day. We were lucky to catch the Sunset which turned the sky to a beautiful hue of red orange.

Tired but still full of energy, we ate dinner with gusto. Nang Daday, the cook, must have thought we ate like sacadas (sugarcane workers). We were the only guests at Science Camp so the staff left us to have our privacy. We can hear occasional splashing of water below the dining cabana. It was probably the eel, disturbed by our boisterous laughter. The wine, the air of wilderness, or just the time away from the noise of the city, made us relax and enjoy girl-bonding. It was almost midnight by the time we bid good night to the staff.

Accommodation at Moray Lagoon Camp

The camp has five eco-cabanas with a magnificent view of a lagoon. Our sleeping cabana has basic items, a set of bedding with mosquito nets for each of us. There are no walls on the sides, just canvas which you can unroll. We chose not to unroll the front wall canvas to let the fresh air in. Electricity is powered by solar energy just enough for the lights and cellphone charging so there’s no air conditioning unit. It’s an eco-cabana in its truest sense.

Fresh water for bathing is available although we made extra effort to conserve the use of water since these are still brought in from the mainland. No need to worry, there’s regular toilet for those of us who are not yet prepared to embrace eco-living all the way.

A night owl by habit, I lay awake until dawn thinking of the day’s activity and already looking forward to the next day. I‘m not sure what time I slept but I remember my last thoughts were of the movie Blue Lagoon.

Day 2 Activities: Swimming and Kayaking

We woke up the next day from the chirping of the birds. It was all you could hear and the lapping of the waves at the shore. Had we slept at Typhoon Beach Camp, Tatay Ruben told us that we would be woken by a pair of White-Breasted Sea Eagles nesting near the camp. It is territorial in nature thus it has claimed a stake for the whole island. Its fledgling, once they can already live on their own, leave the nest to look for their own territory. We saw one of the pair that morning, hovering over the trees, probably looking for food for its chick.

Just before we left Third Lagoon, we were lucky to see a Moray Eel took refuge under the roots of the mangroves.  It was probably as big as my forearm. Unfortunately, all we could do was shriek in excitement. By the time we remembered to take a picture, the eel was already out of sight.

It was still low tide so we were able to use a a much shorter route going to Typhoon Beach where we will no longer pass by the bat cave. On this side of the island, the remnants of a lime kiln can still be found, evidence of the abuse on the island’s resources before it was acquired by PRRCFI.

A short trek from Typhoon Beach Camp brought us to a Bamboo Bridge at the East side of Danjugan Island. The spot is good for snorkeling since you don’t have to venture far in order to see the corals and the thriving ecosystem it supports.

First Lagoon

Our practice in kayaking the previous afternoon was put to use when we ventured out from Typhoon Beach to the First Lagoon. The water was still calm, allowing amateurs like us to have enough confidence to paddle out to open sea. The presence of Tatay Ruben also made us feel safer.

The First Lagoon opens to the sea through a narrow channel.  From Typhoon Beach, we paddled to the right side of the island to the First Lagoon. The rocks were formed in such a way that you could not easily see the opening of the lagoon. But when you have a glimpse of the lagoon, the scene will surely take your breath away.  The blue-green water of the First Lagoon was surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Compared to the water at the Third Lagoon, First Lagoon’s was much deeper with only a small shallow portion. Inexperienced swimmers should take precaution when swimming here.  The water is turbid so snorkeling here may not be very rewarding. We also saw a couple of jellyfish bobbing nearby.  After covering much of the First Lagoon with our kayak, we went back to Typhoon Beach, tired but satisfied of our feat.

Turtle Beach

We spent the rest of the morning at Turtle Beach, just enjoying the sun on our backs and the water lapping on our feet. We had the beach to ourselves. The thought of leaving the island soon filled us with melancholy.  We had to drag ourselves to Typhoon Beach to prepare for lunch and to pack our bags. But then, we can always go back and bring other friends. People should see the natural beauty of Danjugan Island. Those of us who live in Negros are very fortunate to have this tropical paradise almost right at our doorstep.

Lunch was served under the Talisay tree where we had a good view of the beach. The fish was bought from the mainland. As a protected area, fishing is prohibited in some areas within the territory of Danjugan Island Marine Reserve.

From our vantage point, we can see the eagle feeding its chick. When it will be old enough, it will also have to leave the island. Unlike us, it will no longer have the chance to return. Nature has made it that way. Lucky are this pair of eagles that found a home here in Danjugan. Unlike others, they are protected and are free to lay their eggs to ensure the continuity of their specie.

When it’s time to leave, we thanked the staff who were so kind and helpful in providing our needs, for enduring our noise, and for being patient on our naivete towards nature. To the people behind PRRFCI, you have our respect and gratitude. We love nature but seeing the efforts you have exerted in saving Danjugan Island, you have made environment advocates out of us.

Some Things To Remember

• Danjugan Island is not a resort. Tourists are allowed on the island in order to educate and advocate the conservation and protection of our natural resources.
• Don’t forget to bring aqua shoes, they come in handy for trekking and beach-combing. Though there are snorkeling gears that you may use, inclusive of your fee, it’s still better to bring your own.
• Be a responsible eco-tourist. Remember and abide by the motto “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.”

How to Get to Danjugan Island

By public transport, take the bus bound for Sipalay City or Hinoba-an.  Inform the bus conductor that your drop-off is at Crossing Remollos-Quadro de King. This is located at Purok 3, Baranggay Bulata, Cauayan.  Once at Crossing Remollos-Quadro de King, boatmen of Danjugan will be there to guide you to the shore where a “bangka” or outrigger boat will take you to the island.

By private vehicle, from Bacolod, Cauayan is around 3-hour drive. Upon passing through the town proper of Cauayan, keep driving until you see an ANTOL signboard on your right. This is after the “Welcome Bulata” and KM 143 marker. There’s a carpark exclusive for Danjugan Island’s guests where you can leave your vehicle. There will be boatmen waiting there to take you to Danjugan Island.

2019 Danjugan Island Rates

ECO-TOUR – PhP 950 per person
Recommended ONLY for guests booked at nearby resorts.

• 3 Hour Guided Tour: Island Tour. Purified drinking water also provided. Gears for snorkeling or kayaking are for rent at a separate cost, and depending on availability.
• Boat transfers: From the mainland (Bulata) to the island and back. (If the Eco-Tour group has less than 7 persons, an additional PhP 600.00 boat charge applies).
• Conservation Fee: Contribute to PRRCFI’s Conservation Projects

DAY TRIP- PhP 1,950 per person
Inclusive of:

• Meals: Lunch and 2 snacks. Purified drinking water also provided
• Boat transfers: From the mainland (Bulata) to the island and back
• Trekking & Snorkeling Guide
• Unlimited use of Kayaks: First come, first serve basis
• Free use of Snorkeling Gear: First come, first serve basis
• Conservation Fee: Contribute to PRRCFI’s Conservation Projects

OVERNIGHT

At Moray Lagoon – PhP 2,950 per person per night

At Typhoon Beach – PhP 3,950 per person per night

Inclusive of:

• Accommodations: Open air eco-cabana
• Meals: 3 main meals and 2 snacks per day. Purified drinking water also provided
• Boat transfers: From the mainland to the island and back
• Boat tour: Go around the island on your the first day
• Trekking & Snorkeling Guide
• Unlimited use of Kayaks: First come, first serve basis
• Free use of Snorkeling Gear: First come, first serve basis
• Conservation Fee: Contribute to PRRCFI’s Conservation Projects
• Accident Insurance

How to Book at Danjugan Island

For booking and inquiries, email at experience@danjuganisland.ph or you may also contact them at +63 915 234-7145 / +63 908 525-4108 / +63 34 441-6010