Danjugan Island Sanctuary Travel Guide: Our Overnight Experience in a Protected Paradise

We captured our stay on video—watch it at the end of this blog for all the vibes.

Hidden just off the coast of Negros Occidental lies a place where time slows down, nature speaks louder, and every visitor becomes part of something bigger than a holiday. Danjugan Island Sanctuary is more than a tropical escape — it is a living classroom for conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable travel.

Managed by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), the island offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience pristine ecosystems while actively supporting their protection. From coral reef restoration and wildlife research to community-based eco-tourism, Danjugan is proof that travel can be beautiful and meaningful.

Whether you’re an eco-traveler, student, researcher, or simply someone craving an island adventure with purpose, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — plus our personal overnight experience inside this protected paradise. Don’t forget to check the end of this blog for the full video of our Danjugan Island adventure.

Where Is Danjugan Island?

Danjugan Island is located just off the coast of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, in the central Philippines. Covering approximately 43 hectares, the island is surrounded by thriving coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and dense tropical rainforest.

Despite its modest size, Danjugan is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Its surrounding waters teem with sea grass, reef fish, clams, and starfish while its forests shelter native birds, bats, few pythons, and countless plant species endemic in the region.

The island has three camps:

• Typhoon Camp and Moray Camp – for guests

• Turtle Beach Camp – mainly for scientists and marine biologists who volunteer on the island

How We Got There from Sipalay City

We stayed overnight in Nataasan Resort in Punta Ballo, Sipalay and took a tricycle to Punta Pantalan in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan the following day. If you’re staying in Punta Ballo, your hotel receptionist can easily arrange a tricycle for you.

📍 Punta Pantalan Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/woAoWnfbXeJdpg3j9

The ride took about 30–40 minutes. While vans are available from Sipalay City, we chose the tricycle to support local drivers plus it added a bit of adventure since the final stretch of road to the port is unpaved.

After we arrived at the Punta Pantalan, we waited until the boat that would take us to the sanctuary island arrived. The boat usually picks up at 12 noon however, since the previous guests are still wrapping their activity up, the boat arrived at 1pm instead which was fine for us. From where we waited, we could see the island directly and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are also small shops around for refreshments.

⛵ Boat Ride to Danjugan Island: Approximately 15 minutes

When the tide is high, boats may depart from Antol Danjugan Port instead. The travel time is about the same.

📍 Antol Danjugan Port Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ywzPjdMPjTFgr8WAA

Our 2 Days and 1 Night at Danjugan Island

Arrival & Lunch

The moment we stepped onto the island, we were warmly welcomed by the Typhoon Camp staff and guided to our room — the charming Mud House overlooking the Sulu Sea. With its cozy design, natural materials, and hammock on the balcony, it instantly felt like our little island sanctuary.

Lunch was served shortly after and featured hearty, home-cooked local dishes:

• Native Chicken Tinola

• Vegetarian banana blossom burger patty

• Fried fish

• Red rice

• Fresh mangoes for dessert

  
  

Our guide, Mr. Ram, then gave us a short orientation about the island’s history, house rules, and conservation efforts — reminding us that every activity here is guided by respect for nature.

Island Activities

 🤿 Snorkeling

Snorkeling at Danjugan was one of our favorite moments. Just 100 meters from shore, we were already floating above coral gardens filled with reef fish, giant clams, and even shy moray eels hiding among the rocks.

Fishing is strictly prohibited around the island except for the buffer zone, allowing marine life to flourish. Although some coral areas were affected by Typhoon Odette in 2021, PRRCFI continues active reef rehabilitation programs to help damaged corals recover.

Tip: Always snorkel with a guide and never touch or step on corals.

🚣 Kayaking & Turtle Beach

After snorkeling, we enjoyed banana fritters and fresh calamansi juice before kayaking to Turtle Beach, the longest stretch of sand on the island. Beneath our kayaks, we spotted seagrass beds and starfish — like floating over an underwater garden.

As night fell, fireflies lit up the trees, and the sky revealed countless stars. Surrounded by the natural soundtrack of nocturnal animals, it felt like we were far removed from the modern world. (Light sleepers may want to bring earplugs.)

🌿 Guided Nature Walk

We woke up early for a guided nature walk around the island. The trail took us through mangrove forests in the lagoons, quiet beaches, the Bat Cave, and the Moray Lagoon.

We watched Tabon birds digging nests in the sand — their name means “to cover,” referring to how they bury their eggs.

At Turtle Beach, we also saw turtle nesting areas that remain safe since pets are not allowed on the island.

At the Bat Cave, entry is restricted for safety, but if you’re lucky, you may spot pythons resting near the bats.

At Moray Lagoon, we saw moray eels emerge from the mangroves as our guide tossed food into the water — an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

By 9:30 AM, we were back at Typhoon Camp for breakfast and departed the island around 11:30 AM.

As we left Danjugan Island, our hearts were full — not just from the adventure, but from the quiet realization of how beautifully and intentionally this place exists. From the thriving reefs to the untouched forests and the people devoted to protecting them, everything felt like a reminder that creation itself is a gift.

We’re deeply grateful to God for allowing us to experience this sanctuary — for the calm seas that carried us safely, the wildlife that welcomed us, and the stillness that reminded us to slow down and listen. Moments like these humble us and leave us in awe, knowing we are only visitors in a world so carefully designed.

Danjugan Island isn’t just a destination; it’s a blessing — one that invites us to travel with purpose, gratitude, and respect for both nature and the Creator behind it.

Why Danjugan Island Is Special?

Unlike commercial beach destinations, Danjugan Island is a marine and wildlife sanctuary. Tourism here is carefully managed to ensure minimal environmental impact. Every visit supports conservation programs, environmental education, and scientific research.

Here's How to Get to Danjugan Island By Public Transport

From Bacolod City

1. Head to Bacolod South Ceres Terminal and take a bus bound for Hinoba-an or Sipalay.

• Travel time: approximately 4–5 hours (with multiple stops).

• You could also take a van from DPL Terminal (around 3–4 hours).

• Fare: Approximately ₱400–₱500 per person (bus or van).

2. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Antol Danjugan Port in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan.

• Antol Danjugan Port is located just after the “Welcome Bulata” sign and the KM 146 marker.

• Look for “Antol” signage on the left side of the road and “Danjugan Island” / “Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc.” signage on the right.

From Sipalay City

• Take a tricycle to Antol Danjugan Port, Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan.

• Travel time: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  
  

From Dumaguete City

1. Take a bus to Kabankalan City (around 5.5–6 hours total travel time).

2. From Kabankalan, transfer to a bus bound for Hinoba-an or Sipalay.

3. Request drop-off at Antol Danjugan Port, Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan.

   
   

Once you are dropped off, enter the driveway leading to the port. It’s only about a 2–3 minute walk.

Always check your confirmation email from the organizers to verify which port will serve as your official boat pick-up point.

If your advised to take the boat ride at Punta Pantalan Port, ask the conductor to drop you off at the street leading to Punta Bulata Resort, which is the access road going to Punta Pantalan. You can take a tricycle from here to reach the port. Steet map link.

Once you arrive at Antol Danjugan Port (or Punta Pantalan depending on tide conditions), a 15 to 20-minute boat ride will take you straight to the protected paradise of Danjugan Island Sanctuary. 🌿

What makes Danjugan unique:

• Protected coral reefs and fish sanctuaries

• Five interconnected lagoons

• Old-growth forests and limestone cliffs

• Active conservation and research programs

• Community-based eco-tourism

  
  

Here, nature truly comes first.

Accommodations

Lodging is simple and eco-friendly:

• Native-style cottages

• Solar-powered electricity

• Rainwater collection systems or transported from the main land.

  
  

Food and Dining

Meals are usually pre-arranged and prepared by the island staff. Food is simple, nutritious, and often features local ingredients. Visitors with dietary restrictions should inform the organizers in advance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Danjugan Island is during the dry season, typically from November to May, when seas are calmer and outdoor activities are easier to enjoy.

Visits are usually by arrangement only, ensuring controlled and sustainable tourism.

How to Be a Responsible Visitor

To protect this fragile ecosystem:

• Bring reusable bottles and containers

• Avoid single-use plastics

• Do not collect shells, plants, or animals

• Follow all island guidelines

  
  

Remember, you’re entering a protected sanctuary, not just visiting a beach.

Why Visit Danjugan Island Sanctuary?

Danjugan Island isn’t about luxury, it’s about purposeful travel. Every visit helps protect marine life, educate future conservationists, and support local communities.

If you’re looking for an island escape that truly makes a positive impact, Danjugan Island Sanctuary is a destination worth discovering.

🌿 Planning your stay? Explore accommodation choices, conservation programs, and booking details on the official Danjugan Island Sanctuary website: https://danjuganisland.ph/

DISCLOSURE: Transparency matters to us. This site contains affiliate links, which allow us to earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) when you make a booking or purchase through these links. We only partner with trusted hotels and services that meet high-quality standards.

🎥 Here’s our full video of our stay below.