Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary: Next diving haven

Just when you thought you’ve seen everything the Philippines has to offer as far as beaches, natural marine life and sanctuary go, well guess again.

Nestling quietly yet gloriously at the Olango Reef in Cordova, Mactan Island in Cebu is the Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary, a close-to-a-half hectare of island with a 260-meter stretch of wharf where rich, unspoiled marine life exists. Operated and maintained by MenCa Development Corporation since 1971, Nalusuan is touted to become the next diving haven for many diving and snorkeling enthusiasts especially with its bluegreen yet pristinely crystal clear waters that truly come alive with natural marine life.

According to Gigi Martinez Mathay, general manager for MenCa Development Corporation, the Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary is a perfect place not just for that much needed get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but more importantly for discovering a marine sanctuary that is truly untouched and unblemished.

“We have one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Olango area with a very abundant marine life forms from a diverse family of fishes, sponges, coralline, turf, and fish algae, to seagrasses and soft corals,’’ said Mathay. In fact, Mathay said the resort has been getting help from various marine conservation organizations to help maintain the Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary.

In 2001, a survey was held in the sanctuary headed by Sulu Fund for Marine Conservation Foundation, Inc. with the support of the Coastal Resource Management Project staff, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Coastguard and the German Development Service for the purpose of gathering and providing baseline information necessary for further improving the island. The study showed that the condition of the coral reef in the area was rated ‘fair’ and the mean fish density relatively high for the Olango area in general and comparable to other surrounding islands.

Moreover, there have been a number of divers and marine life enthusiasts who have ‘discovered’ Nalusuan even before and have found it very impressive. Among them were U.S. Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone, Jr. and Shangri-La Hotel proprietor and business tycoon Mr. Kuok.

“We’d like to be able to share this natural beauty of nature by making Nalusuan as one of the premier diving sites that’s both affordable and accessible,” said Mathay.

Conveniently sitting between Cebu and Bohol, the Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary is less than an hour away from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA). The resort also houses more than 10 cottages within the island, each at R1,990 for two people including breakfast.

Getting more comfy

Besides the wonders of marine life, fun and comfort are also some of the major value-adds felt when in Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary.

In fact, Nalusuan literally comes alive especially during mealtime as local folks serenade guests with familiar classic and current songs, while feasting over fresh grilled seafood available either through the Island’s open restaurant and bar, or through its ‘cookout’ wherein guests can get to choose and cook their food according to their taste.

Besides a breathtaking view and refreshing pristine waters, the Nalusuan cottages are also an enticing treat as it provides comfort in its truest sense. “Even though divers are cowboys in a sense that all they need is a bed to sleep on, we still believe that comfort counts whether they’re just there to dive or not,’’ explained Mathay.

Nalusuan Island Resort also offers a wide range of aqua sports that will rev up anyone’s spirit, from jet skiing, ocean kayaking, speed and paddle boating, and of course snorkelling and scuba diving. Other recreational activities such as beach volleyball, table tennis, darts and badminton are also available for guests to enjoy.

“It’s literally your own private island, which is very unlike other resorts that’s basically just a long stretch of beach divided into different establishments. We believe that’s what sets us apart from other resorts, we offer the opportunity to discover marine treasures and actually have fun doing it, without losing the aura of serenity that everyone looks for when they decided to break away from their daily grind of things,” Mathay said.

For more information about Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary, contact MenCa Development Corp. at Tel. No. 922-3199 in Manila.