2010 Danjugan Youth Marine and Wildlife Camp

The youth are the future steward of the environment so it’s better to teach them while they’re young. What better way to teach them environmental conservation than to let them appreciate the beauty of an unspoiled marine and wildlife sanctuary that is Danjugan Island? Let your kids experience the 2010 Danjugan Youth Marine and Wildlife Camp on April 13-17, 2010.

Since early 1990’s the Danjugan Youth Marine and Wildlife Camp has educated young people on marine and wildlife conservation through lectures and interactive exercises.  Danjugan Island, located in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, around 130 km south of Bacolod City, was declared a Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary by the provincial government in 2000. Through the efforts of the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), linkages with international conservation societies were forged to source for funds in the acquisition of the island in 1994 and its maintenance.

This small island (1.5km by 0.5km) is home to at least 70 bird species, 9 bat species, 22 butterfly species, 17 species of mangroves, 572 fish species belonging to 139 genera, and more.  With this diversity, Danjugan is a microcosm of the world before mankind destroyed most of its natural flora and fauna.

Danjugan is a nature’s classroom where young people can learn how to take care of nature through exposure to the island’s diverse ecosystem. The kids will hear lectures from scientists, experience snorkeling and trekking, close encounter with wildlife, and they will also have games and art activities. The five days and four nights that the kids will spend on the island will give them lessons they can take with them for life.

For more information, contact:

Jay Jalandoni: 09173000529, jalandonij@yaho.com
Gerry Ledesma: 09189008113, glledesma@gmail.com
Nikki Cajili: n_cajili@yahoo.com
Ramie Babac: 09092073865, ramie_babac@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.prrcf.org/about_danjugan.html

Southern Negros Occidental Tourist Destinations

For those who long for a tropical vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Southern Negros Occidental is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. The scenic coastline with mountains as backdrop provide a relaxing atmosphere for the weary traveler.

Southern Negros Occidental boasts of unspoiled natural beauty in it beaches and diving destinations. The coastlines of Cauayan, Sipalay and Hinobaan are dotted with white sand beaches and diving sites with world class resort facilities.

Cauayan

Located 133 km from Bacolod City, the Municipality of Cauayan is home to Punta Bulata White Beach Resort which is a AA resort accredited by the Department of Tourism. The resort also serves as jump off point to Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sactuary.  Danjugan Island is one of the few small islands in the Philippines which still retains almost all of its original forest cover. Danjugan is an excellent site for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and bird watching.

The coastline of Cauayan is very scenic such as the Lina-on Bay which is overlooking Sulu Sea in the southwest portion and Panay Gulf in the north.

Travelers can stop over Punta Sojoton lighthouse for a quick drink. There’s Sari-Sari Store selling coffee and softdrinks and a viewing deck which provides  a good spot to view the coastline of Cauayan.

Sipalay City

Touted as the  the “Jewel of the Sugar Island”, Sipalay City is a tourist haven. In fact, tourism is Sipalay city’s One Town, One Product (OTOP).

Located 175 km South of  Bacolod City, Sipalay has various natural attractions to see and different activities to experience. One can swim and snorkel in its pristine blue water, frolic in the white sand beaches, explore its numerous dive sites, and take an adventure hike up to its mountains or go spelunking.

Local and foreign-owned resorts can be found along the stretch of Sipalay City’s beaches offering world class amenities. Famous beaches are Sugar Beach with its powdery brown sand akin to brown sugar and Punta Ballo Beach which has more than a kilometer stretch of fine white sand.

Sipalay City is a diving paradise with its 42 identified diving sites including four wrecks waiting to be explored. These wrecks are mostly found in Campomanes Bay.  There are also resorts which are equipped with diving gears for hire and also offer diving lessons.

Hinoba-an

Located at the Southernmost of Negros Occidental at 199.4 km from Bacolod City, Hinoba-an is where you can find the biggest catch of tuna and blue marlin in the province making it the tuna capital of Negros Occidental.

The Sulu Sea provided Hinoba-an with a rich marine life, it’s coral reefs teeming with fishes that serves as the main source of livelihood for the people and as a main tourist attraction. The occasional appearance of dolphins and whales are also proof of the rich marine resources of the Hinoba-an.

The calm blue water of Hinoba-an along a lengthy expanse of golden-sand beaches amid coconut trees provide a perfect setting for relaxation and unwinding.

Hinoba-an is also known for its dry and wet Ubong caves. The dry Ubong cave is accessible by land while the wet Ubong cave can only be accessed by sea. The wet Ubong cave is a half submerged limestone cave with a  cathedral-sized mouth facing the sea. A small banca can go inside the cave where one can take a swim in its natural pool.

How to get there

Southern Negros Occidental is accessible by land from Bacolod City and Dumaguete City. The road condition is excellent and scenery breathtaking.  Ceres buses and v-hires ply this route daily. Traveling by private vehicle  saves you  time and allosw you to stopover interesting locations for picture taking.

The next time you look for a vacation hideaway, consider Southern Negros Occidental Municipalities of Cauayan and Hinoba-an and the City of Sipalay as your next destination.