Trekking in a mangrove forest or a night camping on the beach are offered in the new Island Ecotourism Park in Olango Island. (CDN PHOTO/ NORMAN V. MENDOZA)
Camp sites on the beach and trekking along the mangroves are offered at the new nature park which opened last Friday in Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City.
Only 20 minutes away by pump boat from Punta Engaño, the Island Eco-Tourism Park in sitio Asinan of barangay Sabang is a community-based project developed by the city government.
The park also has a tropical fish aquarium and souvenir shops with native products made by local residents.
Sitio Asinan has 24 families who depend on marginal fishing, said Sabang barangay captain Nelson Melancolico.
Mayor Paz Radaza and her daughter Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Aileen Radaza attended the launch with other city officials.
The Lapu-Lapu City government built the park and extended financial aid to fisherfolks.
Tourism is the backbone of Lapu-Lapu city’s economy, said the mayor.
She said they ventured into community-based ecotourism projects since Olango island has scenic spots and offers a relaxing ambience away from urban areas.
The park can be reached by riding a motorboat that leaves the wharf in barangay Punta Engaño for Sta. Rosa wharf in Olango. Boat fare is P14.
From Sta. Rosa, take a tricycle or motor-for-hire for P10 per person for the 10-minute ride to the park.