1. Various kinds of activities.
The Ecoconut Tours enable you to discover the island
of Olango and its multiple facets, through exploration and many activities,
such as:
* From one Island to another: You
will board an Ecoconut boat for a water tour of the various small
islands which comprise the island of Olango, such as Pangan-an, Coahagan,
Sulpa, Camungi, Hilutungan, Nalusuan… This maritime exploration
also constitutes a unique opportunity to discover the marine sanctuaries,
protected marine zone (Marine Protected Area), where the marine fauna
and flora are completely preserved.
* Snorkeling and fish-watching in the Marine
Sanctuaries of Olango Island: There is also a protected marine
sanctuary on the small island of Hilutungan (the Hilutungan Marine
Sanctuary), which is among the most known in the Philippines. Since
2000 and world recognition of the importance of preservation and protection
of these submarine tropical paradises around the island of Olango,
other marine zones have become protected like the marine sanctuary
of Talima. During various excursions, you will be able to go swimming,
do tropical fish-watching while snorkeling (mask and tuba) in these
marine sanctuaries observing closely the incredible richness of their
fauna and flora.
* Discovery of OIWS and migratory birds observation:
The island of Olango is a fragile and unique ecosystem. In recognition
of its exceptional character, 920 ha were declared “Olango Island
Wildlife Sanctuary”(OIWS) by an agreement signed by the President
Corazon Aquino on May 14, 1992. This area is geologically mainly made
up of limestone sands scattered with shells and some soil supporting
mangrove trees. On November 8, 1994, the OIWS was designated the first
“Ramsar” site in the Philippines, which is to say the
first wetland of international importance, particularly as a protected
zone for migratory birds. Indeed, due to its geographical position,
the island of Olango is right along the migratory path connecting
the northern hemisphere (China) to the southern hemisphere (Australia).
One can count 97 species of birds on OIWS including some species on
the verge of extinction such as the Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes).
The Ecoconut tours will thus enable you to penetrate this exceptional
territory accompanied by a scientific guide.
* The « Coconut Village » of
Olango Island: Coconut Village means the site of artisanal
production of coconut alcohol, called “Tuba”. Its name
is a traditional drink in the Philippines. The site, managed by a
group of local workmen, ensures an essential source of revenue. Nevertheless
it is today threatened by international competition leading to the
closing of the local commercial activities. Ecoconut Tours Inc. decided
to help safeguard this local tradition. Thus a visit to “Coconut
Village” will give you the chance to discover the local method
of coconut harvest, seeing the production process of the coconut alcohol,
talking to the local workers, but especially tasting the coconut alcohol
or quite simply the fresh coconut juice, called Buko juice.
* A tropical shell shop: A cottage
is managed by a local organization of women who produce artisanal
objects like collars, bracelets, earrings, but also lanterns or glasses,
all made from tropical shells. These artisanal objects are then exported
and sold internationally. This organization gives the local artisans
an additional income to provide for the needs of their family. You
will observe the work of these artisans, talk with them, and have
a chance of making your own tropical shell accessories.
* The discovery of local fishing techniques:
Fishing constitutes the primary and fundamental source of revenue
for the population living on Olango Island. It is an activity impossible
to miss on this island and, in a more general way, in the Philippines.
We highly recommend that you take the opportunity to discover the
techniques of local fishing through demonstrations and discussions
with local fishermen.
* A night with a Filipino family in a traditional
house made of bamboo: Depending on your choice of housing
on Olango Island, whether you decide to spend the night wherever you
are, you will have the possibility of dining and having a night with
a Filipino family, in one of their traditional and comfortable cottage,
made of bamboo. This experience will allow you to become friends with
the family you are with. This will be a memorable time of a special
evening sharing Filipino culture in an authentic way.
It should be noted that the activities listed here above vary according to the choice of your circuit.
2. The Ecoconut Tours organization.
These activities are proposals implemented within
the framework of the Ecoconut Tours in which improvisation always
has its place. The circuits are always flexible depending on your
choices and decisions of the moment, in the middle of an authentic
Filipino culture.
We propose 7 types of Tours, for all budgets, depending
of your tastes and availability:
1 - Eco-Tour of Olango Island: Adventures & Discovery
from one small island to another; All included (Total time: Approximately
9 hours);
2 – Express Eco-Tour of Olango Island (Total
time: Approximately 5 hours);
3 – From one small island to another; Snorkeling
(Total time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours);
4 – Two-day Eco-Tour of Olango Island: Full
adventure and discovery from one small island to another (2 days and
1 night);
5 – Educational Eco-tour/ Corporate Team Building
Eco-tour (for Cebu's school students);
6 – Personal Charter Boat – A cruise
“à la carte”;
7 - Eco-tour "à la carte" –
Bohol.
3. Contact
A question about Olango; A question about Ecoconut
Tours Inc.; A question about your next social tourism trip, please,
do not hesitate to contact us www.ecoconut.org
Ecoconut Tours Inc.
E&P Arcade, Gate Mepz II, Basak, Lapu Lapu City,
6015.
Cebu - Republic of the Philippines – ecoconutours@yahoo.com
Phone: +63 32 236 5810 Fax: +63 32 236 5810
Cellphone: + 63 916550318
