One of the least known tourist destinations of Misamis
Oriental and Region 10 is Agutayan Island in the town of Jasaan which is about
28 kilometers from the capital city Cagayan de Oro. The island which is about 5
kilometers off the town’s coast is within a government protected marine area
that also includes underwater coral reefs that are sanctuary and breeding place
of different sea creatures such as giant clams, giant sea turtles, and species
of small and big fish. The marine protected area is about 3 hectares which is delineated
with buoys that are connected with lines.
The sandbar island is the most prominent scene within the surface
of the marine sanctuary. It is crescent shape and is about 5,000 square meters
in area. The cream-colored sand surrounding it and beyond creates clear and turquoise
water in its vicinity. The island is ideal for people who take pleasure to bask
or swim in the sea water during the hot summer days or in any season of the
year when the weather is calm. Visitors of the island should bring along with
them foods, water, tents, umbrellas or towels or clothes to protect themselves
from the hot sun because the island has no vegetation and is uninhabited.
Because of the diversity of marine life in it, the government
protected marine sanctuary has become the Mecca of scuba divers, snorkelers and
swimmers. Fishing however is prohibited in the protected marine sanctuary. And
there is a maritime post a few meters from the island to watch over the reefs
from poachers and illegal fishers. The post also serves as a lighthouse during
the evening.
From Liyang Beach or the fishing village of Bobuntugan in
Jasaan the island can be reached within 20 minutes by local motorized boats
which can be hired at a reasonable price.
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