The hidden paradise of Negros Occidental: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary to Danjugan Island

 

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"Take nothing but photos. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time."

These are the three important rules that guide everyone who stays in Danjugan Island. After all, Danjugan is a protected marine sanctuary where the conservation of nature is top priority.

Because of its natural beauty and simplicity, the island is now slowly gaining popularity among Biyaheros. What should you expect when you go to Danjugan? Check this "Biyahe ni Drew" itinerary!

How to get there
Day trip packages start at P1,750
Overnight packages start at P2,750

Danjugan Island is situated in Negros Occidental. To get there, you can take a one-hour flight from Manila to Bacolod. Once you are in Bacolod, hire a van heading to Sipalay and tell them to drop you off in Cauyan. The trip lasts for three to four hours so be sure to bring food, stories, and games to keep you and your travel buddies entertained.

After you reach Cauyan, hail a tricycle or a jeepney that can take you to Barangay Bulata. From here, you have to ride a boat that will take you directly to Danjugan Island.

Biyahero tip: Be patient. To avoid travel hassles, prepare your transportation accommodations in advance. Sounds arduous? Don't worry! We guarantee that the long trip is worth it.

Where to stay

Typhoon Camp
Day trip: P1,750 per person
Overnight trip: P2,750 per person

Anyone who visits Danjugan is required to attend a briefing at Typhoon Camp, where all the do's and dont's in the island are discussed. Since this place is a protected area taken care of by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc., it is important to know all the things that the locals and the organization do to conserve nature.
 

Typhoon Camp is also where Biyaheros who want to spend the night in the island stay. They have open-air accommodations and cabanas that will surely give visitors a chance to get closer to nature. The cabanas are complete with mattresses, pillows, and mosquito nets. It is like camping in the middle of a forest but more comfortable.

Going natural does not stop there. Everyone is wary of comfort rooms that have no water but at Typhoon Camp, this is the norm. Yucky? Not really! This is just how they conserve water and recycle waste materials. Instead of using water to flush the normal way, they use dust, dry leaves, and indigenous microorganisms. The result: Fertilizer that can be used to make the soil healthier.
 

Another way the people in Danjugan practice low-impact living is by building mud houses, which are said to withstand typhoons better than houses made from other materials. The island is not connected to the power grid too so most of the electricity used here is generated by solar panels. Biyahe-mazing!

Punta Bulata Beach Resort
Cauyan Main Island, Negros Occidental
Rates start at P3,000
Camping fee: P150

If you choose not to stay overnight in Danjugan Island, you can still book rooms in Cauyan. Accommodations in the area are limited so be sure to make preparations in advance. Rooms in Punta Bulata have air conditioners, flat screen TVs, and mosquito nets. For those who want to go camping, you have the option to rent tents and bring your own food to the resort.

What to do

Explore underwater
Fee starts at P1,500

There are perks in traveling to a protected island, especially if much of the conservation efforts of the place is pooled to marine life. Danjugan Island not only boasts of having a white sand beach but also of a rich underwater ecosystem. The endangered giant clams or taklobo can even be found in the island's exotic waters.
 

Drew likens snorkeling and diving in Danjugan to swimming in an aquarium full of colorful fish. "Natatandaan ko may certain week na halos every week kaming may dagat, may bodies of water. Lagi kaming nags-scuba dive. Hindi talaga nakakasawa. This never gets old."

Visit the lagoons
 
 

 
There are a total of five lagoons you can explore when you are in Danjugan, all of which have surprises of their own. The number and variety of corals and fish in the lagoons are not as diverse as the ones found in the other areas of the island but each lagoon is still a great place to swim. You can also hire a boat to go kayaking.

"Kung gusto n’yo ng natural swimming pool puwede niyo itong puntahan," Drew says.

Meditate and relax in Turtle Beach

Cauyan, Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental

Sometimes, we travel not to try new adventures but to simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are in the mood for serious soul searching and meditating, Turtle Beach is the place to go.
 
 

 
 This tropical gem is still not known to most Biyaheros, making it a perfect getaway for those who are in dire need of peace and quiet. Nothing else is going to disturb you except for the crashing of waves and the chirping of birds.

Want to do some yoga? You’re free to do it! Want to have a moment by the beach? No one is going to disturb you here!

For a 360-degree view of Turtle Beach, go up the watchtower and simply take in the beauty of nature. It makes for a great selfie background!

Biyahero tip: Wake up early to catch the sunrise just like what Drew did. "Medyo Instagram-perfect ito eh, 6:30 in the morning. It’s so beautiful. The water is so still."

Discover the "Bat Cave"
Typhoon Camp, Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental

Danjugan Island may primarily be a sanctuary for underwater species but it is also home to animals that you might not get to see anywhere else. Case in point: the "Bat cave."

The "Bat Cave" is just a walking distance away from Typhoon Camp so Biyaheros could easily stop by if they want to go spelunking. There are 10 different species of bats that can be found in the cave thus, earning its name from the locals. If you are lucky, you can see some pythons too. Just make sure you have a guide with you so that you can easily navigate the cave.

Boodle fight

Vacations are the best excuse to have boodle fights with families and friends. Just inform the hotel you are staying in that you want to have one beforehand so that they can help you with the preparations.
 

 
Drew and the "Biyahe ni Drew" crew had grilled squid, crab and binakol for their boodle fight. Drew's verdict: "Walang hindi masarap."

What to eat

Pan de dulce
 

What is a trip to Negros Occidental if you will not try something sweet? One of the favorite desserts in Cauyan is the pan de dulce, a pastry made of grated coconut meat and sugar. "Imagine cooking bukayo, pero ito, wet version!"

Kilawin

Discovering a new place is not complete if you are not going to try the local food. A people's culture, after all, is reflected by what they cook and eat. Imagine going to all the islands of the Philippines and tasting their food. Same ingredients, different ways of cooking!

For example, the kilawin Drew tried in Danjugan Island is not like any other kilawin he has tried before. Instead of simply cooking raw fish in vinegar, ginger, bell peppers and chilli, the local kilawin recipe also has itlog na maalat and coconut milk.

Drew liked the unique combination of flavors. "Natitikman mo na 'yung luya. Akala mo maasim 'yung natitikman mo pero doon magki-kick in ‘yung coconut juice. Medyo matamis.”

There are trips where we get to experience thrilling things that we have never done before. However, there are also trips that will take us back to the simplicity and beauty of Mother Nature.

Drew's vacation in Danjugan Island proved that it is possible for locals, tourists, and organizations to come together to protect and promote the hidden treasures of the Philippines. Take it from the expert Biyahero: "You're being educated and at the same time you're really enjoying!"---Lara Gonzales/BMS