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 Eagle that’s 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 different route, a much shorter one and where we will no longer pass by the bat cave. Thank heavens for that. On this side is where the remains of a limestone mine can still be found. Before Danjugan Island was acquired by the PRRCFI, the island belonged to a family. Some unscrupulous people from the mainland have free access to the island and abuse its resources.
Bamboo Bridge
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.
Small fishes jump off the water in synchrony, much to our delight. The kids in us just couldn’t help but feel happy at this little gesture from nature.
Kayak to the First Lagoon
Our practice in kayaking the previous afternoon was put to use when we ventured out from Typhoon Beach pass Manta Island 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. I had to remind myself that I am still in the Philippines and not some Amazon jungle. From above a tree, the eagle was flapping its wings. We must have disturbed its training schedule with its fledgling.
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.
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 how beautiful and naturally pristine Danjugan is. Negrenses are very fortunate to have this paradise right at their doorstep.
Lunch was under the Talisay tree where we had a good view of the beach. Our 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 were this pair of eagles that they 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.
At last, it’s time to go. 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, you have made environment advocates out of us.
Those who are interested in visiting Danjugan Island, you may contact the following:
- Imelda Tinsay of Next Stop Negros Tours
Contact Nos.: +63 917-5122071, +63 (34) 4355377
Email: nextstopnegrostours@gmail.com
- Ramie Babac Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc
Contact nos.: +63 (34) 432 1260
E-mail: prrcfi@yahoo.com.ph
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.
- Overnight fee is P2,500 inclusive of food (3 main meals and 3 snacks) and accommodation, guide, unlimited use of snorkeling gears and kayak. Day tour is P1,500 inclusive of meals (lunch and 2 snacks), guide, use of kayak and snorkeling gear.
- Lastly, be a responsible eco-tourist. Remember and abide by the motto “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.”
- P.S. Please read Danjugan Island: Paradise at Your Doorstep – Part 1
__________________________
This article was originally posted at ExperienceNegros.com, a blog promoting Negros Occidental as a major investment and tourist destination in the Philippines. Visit the site for more pictures. Danjugan Island: Paradise at Your Doorstep – Part 2
