Butterflies Galore

CEBU, Philippines - A unique, inspirational collection with a combination of talent, effort, hard-work and determination into preserving butterflies put together by the late Cebuano professor, Julian Jumalon is found at the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery, located at Macopa Street in Basak, Pardo.

This extraordinary butterfly collection was made into a museum, which opened in 1974 and is currently run and managed by Julian Jumalon’s daughter, Humaida, who inherited the exact same passion from her father.

It was so wonderful to see such a vast collection of rare butterfly species; ones that many of us didn’t even know existed! I particularly liked the small display of owl butterflies for its originality. There is also a display of butterfly abnormalities – ones that have uneven wings or the disability for not being able to fly. These species die quicker than normal and unwilling for it to go to waste, Julian Jumalon had put its wings together into a collection of portraits. I was taken aback when we were shown into a gallery with many lepido-mosaic portraits (intricately made from butterfly wings), portraits of Jose Rizal, Lapu-Lapu, former president Sergio Osmena, Colon Street at the turn of the century and many more! The rest of the preserved collections of butterflies are found locally and from almost every country around the globe, ones that Julian Jumalon had been collecting for years.

As I walked through the garden outside, it was even more surprising to come across so many butterflies flying freely in just one garden! What a rare find! Depending on your scent (i.e. lotions, cologne or hair products), you might be lucky to have these species land all over you!

Truly passionate to his art, Julian Jumalon was absolutely focused on his collection and paintings. It’s not common to find such an outstanding collection of displays put together so accordingly. Both locals and tourists alike frequent this sanctuary where butterflies dwell, a one of a kind place, which truly makes a great out for everyone at all ages.

It is suggested to visit the sanctuary in the morning, as the butterflies are visibly more active. At the end of your guided tour, you may also visit the souvenir shop to make some purchases of postcards sets or other items to take home.

Contact details are (032) 261-6884. Admission is P50 per adult and P25 per child. Opening hours are everyday from 9AM through to 5PM, you may visit anytime within these hours. Huge groups will have to ring in advance to make a booking.