Philippines10 days
Philippines: Cebu, Sumilon & Bohol — Bird Migration & Island Marine Ecology — 10 Days
A 10-day journey tracking seasonal bird migrations across Cebu's endemic species, the mangrove wetlands of Olango, the marine sanctuary of Sumilon Island, and the limestone forests of Bohol.
This trip follows the migratory routes and breeding grounds of East Asian flyway birds across four distinct Philippine islands. Beginning in Cebu, the itinerary moves between endemic bird habitats—the Cebu Flowerpecker forests of Tabunan and Nug-as, the 920-hectare Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, and the lagoon ecosystems of Sumilon Island, a 24-hectare marine protected area established in 1974. The journey then crosses to Negros Oriental to visit the crater lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao, before concluding in Bohol at Rajah Sikatuna National Park, a 90-square-kilometer inland forest hosting Philippine Eagle-owls, Steere's Pitta, 26 bat species, and views across the Chocolate Hills. Days are structured around early morning and late afternoon bird observation when activity peaks; included are forest trails, marine kayaking, and access to tarsier sanctuaries and butterfly reserves. Transfers between islands involve short boat journeys and local road routes; accommodations range from island resorts to city hotels.
Highlights
- Early morning birding at Tabunan Forest, 30 kilometers from Cebu City, for sightings of the Cebu Flowerpecker, an endemic species
- Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a 920-hectare protected wetland hosting tens of thousands of migratory birds from February to April and September to November
- Sumilon Island's lagoon ecosystem and natural caves, the Philippines' first marine protected area (established 1974), surrounded by varying aquamarine waters with black-tipped shark habitat
- Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao, volcanic crater lakes in Negros Oriental, inhabited by Osprey, Brahminy Kite, orange-bellied Flowerpecker, and White-collared Kingfisher
- Rajah Sikatuna National Park, a 90-square-kilometer inland forest near Bilar, Bohol, holding Philippine Eagle-owl, Steere's Pitta, 26 bat species, and long-distance views of the Chocolate Hills
- Corella Tarsier Sanctuary and butterfly sanctuary within Rajah Sikatuna National Park
- Nug-as Forest, accessed via a winding road from Alcoy with views of Cebu's western coastline
Day by day
1Arrival in Cebu: Tabunan Forest & Cebu Flowerpecker SurveyTabunan · Cebu City · vantage point
Arrival in Cebu City. A drive of approximately 30 kilometers northward leads to Tabunan in the Busay uplands, an established site for observing the Cebu Flowerpecker, believed to be endemic to Central Cebu. The route climbs steeply uphill, ending at a vantage point with a 270-degree panorama of the surrounding valley and Mt. Manunggal. Return to Cebu City for the evening. Overnight in Cebu.
2Olango Island Wildlife SanctuaryOlango Island Wildlife Sanctuary · Olango Island · local wharf in Mactan · Cebu City
Transfer to the local wharf in Mactan to board a boat for Olango Island, situated four kilometers off Mactan's east coast. A short tricycle ride brings you to Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a 920-hectare protected wetland designated as a site on the East Asian Migratory Flyway.
Olango's significance lies in its role as a crucial refuge for migratory birds. Twice yearly—February through April and again from September to November—tens of thousands of birds pause here during their long journey between Siberia and their breeding grounds. Plovers, redshanks, egrets, and sandpipers are among the winged visitors you may encounter, resting in the bright sun or sheltering beneath mangrove stands.
After registration, the day unfolds according to your interests. Optional activities include community interaction with local residents, an island tour with swimming and snorkeling, and a picnic lunch. These activities can be woven throughout your visit, allowing flexibility to observe the birds at your own pace.
Return to Cebu City in the afternoon. Overnight in Cebu.
3Alcoy, Nug-as Forest & Transit to Sumilon IslandAlcoy · Nug-as Forest · South Road Properties (SRP) · Alcoy municipal hall · Oslob · Sumilon Island Resort pier · Sumilon Island Resort · island's lagoon
After breakfast, drive southward to Alcoy, with a stop at South Road Properties (SRP) for observation of wild ducks and egrets. Register at the Alcoy municipal hall, then proceed on a 30-minute scenic drive to Nug-as Forest, a road that winds through increasingly narrow terrain offering views of Cebu's western coastline and neighboring islands. Nug-as Forest is another known habitat for the Cebu Flowerpecker. In the afternoon, continue driving to Oslob, then transfer to the Sumilon Island Resort pier to board a motorized boat for the crossing. Check in to the resort. Late afternoon bird watching takes place in front of the island's lagoon. Overnight on Sumilon Island.
4Sumilon Island: Lagoon Ecosystem & Coastal TrailsSumilon Island · Sumilon Island's Baluarte
Early morning birding sessions along the island's established trails. Sumilon Island, located on the southeastern tip of Cebu's mainland, lies 125 kilometers from Cebu City and spans 24 hectares. The island is surrounded by water in varying aquamarine hues and was designated the Philippines' first marine protected area and fish sanctuary in 1974 under Siliman University's marine research program. Marine dives reveal diverse species and occasional black-tipped shark sightings. White sand beaches are distributed across multiple coastal locations. The island's sandbar shifts seasonally in shape and position. A natural lagoon occupies the island's interior, bordered by tall mangrove stands. Natural caves scattered across the island historically sheltered fishermen; a lighthouse and a 19th-century stone watchtower ("Baluarte"), built as a defense against slave traders and raiders, stand on the southern side within a protected tree park. Resident bird populations inhabit the lagoon margins and marble cliff vegetation. Optional activities include swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Overnight on Sumilon Island.
5Sumilon to Twin Lakes: Santander, Ferry Crossing & BalinsasayaoSantander · Sibulan in Negros Oriental · Twin Lakes Protected Area · Dumaguete City · Lake Balinsasayao
Transfer to Santander by local transport, then board a bus and ferry service to Sibulan in Negros Oriental. Drive inland to the Twin Lakes Protected Area, several kilometers from Dumaguete City. Lake Balinsasayao, the larger of the two lakes, and Lake Danao are both former volcanic craters now surrounded by forested mountains. A steep descent is required to reach the water level. The lakes sit in heavily vegetated terrain frequented by rare bird species, prompting local protection designation. Possible sightings include Osprey, Brahminy Kite diving for fish, orange-bellied Flowerpecker, and White-collared Kingfisher. The sites offer kayaking, trekking, fishing, boating, and swimming. Proceed to Dumaguete City and check in to hotel. Overnight in Dumaguete.
6Valencia Birding & Siliman UniversityValencia · Siliman University · Dumaguete
After breakfast, travel to Valencia for birding. Optional visit to Siliman University. Overnight in Dumaguete.
7Ferry to Tagbilaran & Bee FarmTagbilaran · ferry terminal · local bee farm
After breakfast, transfer to the ferry terminal and board a fast craft to Tagbilaran. Visit a local bee farm for lunch. Overnight in Tagbilaran.
8Rajah Sikatuna National Park: Forest Trails, Caves & Chocolate Hills ViewsRajah Sikatuna National Park · Corella Tarsier Sanctuary · Tagbilaran
Full day excursion to Rajah Sikatuna National Park, situated near the town of Bilar in the municipality of Corella. At 90 square kilometers, it represents Bohol's largest remaining natural forest. Multiple trail systems traverse the park, offering opportunities to observe a significant variety of bird species; early morning birding with recorded bird calls often prompts shy species to emerge from canopy cover. Notable species include the Philippine Eagle-owl and Steere's Pitta, both rare and endangered. A butterfly sanctuary operates within the park boundaries. Wild monkeys, habituated to human observation, inhabit the forest. Twenty-six bat species reside within limestone cave formations dotting the park's geology. Ridge-top locations within the park provide long-distance views of Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills. The day concludes with optional time at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary before returning to Tagbilaran. Overnight in Tagbilaran.
9Bilar Forest BirdwatchingBilar Forest
Forest trails reveal resident bird species.
10Departure from Boholairport
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure flight to Manila.