Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
About This Museum
Believe it or not, one of the most significant wetlands on Earth isn't a remote, inaccessible bog but a sprawling, vibrant labyrinth right in the heart of Mindanao. The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast, liquid landscape where entire villages are built on floating homes and the rhythm of life is dictated by the rise and fall of the water. It's a stronghold for biodiversity, most famously serving as the home of 'Lolong,' once the world's largest crocodile in captivity. Navigating its serene channels feels like gliding through a watercolor painting, where every turn reveals a new secret—from rare birds taking flight to the quiet dignity of the Manobo people who have adapted their lives to this unique environment.
Collection Highlights
The main attraction isn't behind glass but living wild in the marsh: massive saltwater crocodiles, elusive Philippine cockatoos, and vast carpets of purple water hyacinths. You might spot a threatened Philippine sailfin lizard sunning itself or hear the distinct call of the rufous-lored kingfisher.
Visitor Information
Getting there is an adventure in itself, typically involving a bus ride to Bunawan and then hiring a local boatman for a tour—these guides are essential for both navigation and safety. The dry season from January to May is your best bet for easier exploration.
Architecture & Building
Forget a traditional building; the 'architecture' here is nature itself. The structures that stand out are the floating homes of indigenous communities, perched on giant bamboo rafts that rise with the floodwaters, connected by precarious-looking plank walkways.
Contact & Location
Address: Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Agusan del Sur, Caraga, Philippines
Phone: +63 85 343 7669
