Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
Personally, I think getting close to nature is a great way to unwind or spend a summer, especially when your destination's closer to home. Danjugan Island, in particular, is one of my favorite places to go to in the province of Negros Occidental. I find it surprising how not much people know about this place, but I kind of like it that way as the island is not as crowded and polluted compared to other highly overrated places in the country.
Upon arrival at the island’s port, I could already see how much sanctuary this island offers for its marine life. Sea cucumbers and colorful fish among the limestone rocks and sea grass greeted me on my short walk to shore. Even a few moray eels live underneath the resort’s main pavilion.
Once you pay for a day trip to the island, you automatically pay for all the facilities the island provides for its guests (not so cheap, but very reasonable. plus, free lunch included). A day on the island simply isn’t enough to explore the entirety of it though, especially with everything you can use.
One of the best ways to enjoy the island, from my perspective, is to take a stroll and discover the island’s five main lagoons, tucked away in the place’s greenery and simple charms. The lime-rich soils and tropical climate allow the abundant growth of plant and bird species on land, while in the waters you will see a multitude of environments ranging from coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove forests, and craggy coasts.
I also got to see the island from the marine point-of-view. Kayak, paddle, snorkel, and fins in hand, we set out to seek the lagoons by water. Taking a quick dive into the sea, you could see the diversity of marine life, safe from the perils of illegal fishing due to the islands restrictions and boundaries. A giant clam re-population site, in fact, is one of the island’s main projects for rehabilitation. So much food for the hungry eyes.
As the afternoon drew close, I realized how time is such a bastard. The day was ending, and so was my time remaining on such a pristine island. I wished I could have stay longer, but the dusk was approaching; and so were we, to the shore of the mainland.
Before the day ended, I couldn’t resist this sunset shot with the island in the distance. The lighting was terribly perfect. And with this shot I closed the scene, and so ended my summer vacation. One day, Danjugan I’ll come back for you. ‘Til next time!
The island of Danjugan is a private-owned island sanctuary and resort located 20 minutes off the coast of the Municipality of Cauayan, Negros Occidental. The place is accessible via bangka at the jetty port of Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan which is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from the City of Bacolod, the main entry point into Negros Occidental.
