Geography | |
---|---|
Coordinates | 9°52′40″N123°46′20″E / 9.8778°N 123.7722°E Coordinates: 9°52′40″N123°46′20″E / 9.8778°N 123.7722°E |
Archipelago | Visayas |
Area | 7.66 km2 (2.96 sq mi) [1] |
Administration | |
Philippines | |
Region | Central Visayas |
Province | Bohol |
Municipality | Loon |
Demographics | |
Population | 4,636 (2020 census) [2] |
Pop. density | 610/km2 (1580/sq mi) |
Cabilao is a Philippine island in the Cebu Strait, part of Bohol Province. It is home to the only natural lake in the province: Cabilao Island Lake, also called Lake Danao or Lanao. [1] [3]
The island, part of the Municipality of Loon, has five barangays (Cabacongan, Cambaquiz, Looc, Pantudlan, and Talisay), and has a total population of 4,636 people, [2] who primarily depend on fishing and agriculture, as well as tourism. [4]
Notable indigenous products are handcrafted mats and bayongs, weaved from romblon ( pandanus ) leaves by a cooperation of weavers using a shared service facility in Pantudlan. [5] [6]
The entire island was proclaimed as a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve under Proclamation No. 2152 in 1981, and confirmed by the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 (Republic Act No. 7586). But since only a small area around Cabilao Island Lake actually has any mangroves worthy of being protected, House Bill No. 5108 of February 2017 removed the island's protection under the NIPAS Act. [1] Proclamation No. 1801, signed in November 1978, declared the entire island a tourist zone and marine reserve under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA). [7]
The island is accessible by outrigger canoe ferries that connect Mocpoc on the western end of Sandingan Island to the pier on the eastern side of Cabilao Island. [4] There are no cars on the island, and local transportation consists of motorcycles and a few tricycles. [8]
The main tourist attraction of Cabilao Island is scuba diving and snorkeling. There are several diving locations with undisturbed coral reefs, that are home to barracudas, jackfish, ghostpipe fish, dragon fish, crabs, seahorses, damsel fish, fusiliers, parrot fish, and occasionally hammerhead and white-tipped sharks. Other attractions include a few sandy beaches, and bird watching. Since bird hunting is prohibited, there are more bird species on Cabilao Island than any other place in Bohol. [4] [8]
On the north-west corner of the island, known as Punta Baluarte, are a small museum, an old abandoned lighthouse and modern lighthouse. [4] [8] The museum is housed in the former ruins of the Spanish-era lighthouse building with 1-metre-thick coral stone walls, that was restored in 2011. [6] Nearby are the ruins of a Spanish-era stone watchtower of which only the foundations remain. [9]
Bohol, officially the Province of Bohol, is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran. With a land area of 4,821 km2 (1,861 sq mi) and a coastline 261 km (162 mi) long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines.
Samboan, officially the Municipality of Samboan, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 20,373 people.
Baclayon, officially the Municipality of Baclayon, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 22,461 people.
Bien Unido, officially the Municipality of Bien Unido, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 26,666 people.
Calape, officially the Municipality of Calape, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 33,079 people.
Candijay, officially the Municipality of Candijay, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,119 people.
Carmen, officially the Municipality of Carmen, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 49,191 people.
Clarin, officially the Municipality of Clarin, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 21,158 people.
Cortes, officially the Municipality of Cortes, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 18,344 people.
Danao, officially the Municipality of Danao, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 20,245 people.
Dimiao, officially the Municipality of Dimiao, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 14,889 people.
Inabanga, officially the Municipality of Inabanga, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 48,534 people.
Loay, officially the Municipality of Loay, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 17,855 people.
Loon, officially the Municipality of Loon, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines which was established in 1753. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,224 people.
Mabini, officially the Municipality of Mabini, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 28,701 people.
Panglao, officially the Municipality of Panglao, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 39,839 people.
San Miguel, officially the Municipality of San Miguel, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 25,356 people.
Talibon, officially the Municipality of Talibon, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 71,272 people.
Valencia, officially the Municipality of Valencia, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 28,392 people.
Carles, officially the Municipality of Carles, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 72,637 people.