9 Island Destinations in Leyte

9 Island Destinations in Leyte

For beach aficionados, here are some island destinations in Leyte that would suffice your sea lust. Satisfy that appetency by visiting the beautiful island beaches around the province. 

Listed here:

1. Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

Kalanggaman is undeniably Palompon’s best beach destination. Do not forget to take pictures on its long and snowy sandbar, and dip on its pellucid, luminous waters. Be sure to stay at the island overnight so you won’t miss the evident descent of the sun below the horizon; the blinking stars at night; and the aurora’s illustrious rays that lights up the island the next day.

ALSO READ: Palompon’s Best: Kalanggaman Island

2. Canigao Island, Matalom, Leyte

Canigao is an islet located just 15 minutes away from the port of Matalom, Southern Leyte via passenger or pumpboat. Canigao island brags its floury white sand and clear waters with beautiful tropical sea creatures. You can actually tour around this small island just for thirty (30) minutes. The island was often called as the “Little Boracay” of Matalom, Leyte by the locals. 

ALSO READ: Southern Paradise: Canigao Island

3. Cuatro Islas, Inopacan, Leyte

Cuatro Islas (Four Islands) are the four island destinations in Leyte which is very popular among local tourists. The three islands namely Digyo, Apid, and Mahaba Islands are situated an hour boat ride off the coast of Inopacan, Leyte. The fourth island which is the Himokilan, however, was part of the next town, Hindang, Leyte.

ALSO READ: Cuatro Islas: Leyte’s Four Island Destinations

4. San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

The twin islands of Hinunangan namely San Pablo and San Pedro Island were locally popular in Leyte. If by chance you’ve been to Sambawan Island in Biliran or the famous Kalangggaman Island of Palompon but had cost you so much penny, I am sure you’ll surely enjoy the clear and virgin waters here the way you enjoy your stay at those islands too, but in cheap and discounted prices.

ALSO READ: San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

5. San Pablo Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

The clear and cool waters’ enticing and will surely tempt you to jump off the ridge and enjoy the sea! And talking about clear waters, well yes it was very clear. You’ll see different fish species and other aquatic craniate vertebrates – fish capable of gliding flights through their large pectoral wings; scombroid fishes; school of anchovies swimming underneath the beach cottage; big fishes best for aquarium display, and many more. Marine life is so abundant here.

ALSO READ: Unspoiled San Pablo Island,Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

6. Canuay Island, Babatngon, Leyte

Coral bits make up the white sand of the island and mangroves set rest on the other side. You can stroll and walk around this islet and swim on its clear waters but only on specific portions where waves won’t crush you down at the shore. 

ALSO READ: Exploring Babatngon, Leyte

7. Sinapdan Island, Tacloban City

Sinapdan Island is an agreeable destination for picnics and other recreational activities. It is an idyllic setting for holiday or weekend getaways; a soothing place for your kind of easy street vacation; and a relaxing place for your beer and skittles.

ALSO READ: Sinapdan Island

8. Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte

Limawasa is an island municipality in Southern Leyte where the first Christian Mass in the Philippines (and in Asia) was held. Make sure to capture the beautiful sunset which is so visible at the island.

(2) Photo Source: Viggatintourism

9. Dio Island, Tacloban City

Dio Island is just minutes away off the coast of San Jose, Tacloban City. However, this white sand island is now a private island destination. Consent is needed from the owner.

Photo Source: Panoramio

Photo Source: Choose Philippines

Other nearby island destinations: 

ALSO READ:

Higatangan and Sambawan Island, Biliran

Camotes Island, Cebu

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Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content. 

Unspoiled San Pablo Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

Most of the island destinations we like to visit have been developed to provide tourists their wants and needs – e.g. hotel rooms, fancy restaurants, pool resorts, etc. However, commercializing such islands for profit use by establishing buildings and other business structures will cause the island’s fresh ambiance and rural atmosphere to fade. ‘Though the island’s marketplace is good for the economy, this somehow is unfavorable for other people just like me, who love the fresh island breeze, the pristine setting, and a virgin locale – emphasizing having no tall edifices photobombing the island view.

And talking about unspoiled island spots, I would like to introduce you to one of the two unsullied island destinations of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, the San Pablo Island.

SAN PABLO ISLAND, HINUNANGAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE

The twin islands of Hinunangan namely San Pablo and San Pedro Island were locally popular in Leyte. If by chance you’ve been to Sambawan Island in Biliran or the famous Kalangggaman Island of Palompon but had cost you so much penny, I am sure you’ll surely enjoy the clear and virgin waters here the way you enjoy your stay at those islands too, but in cheap and discounted prices. Some famous island destinations cost a pretty penny but of course the management will do everything to surely meet your expectations – a more developed place – for you to say that the amount you took from your wallet was worth it.

For now, let’s talk about our trip to San Pablo Island!

More or less than twenty (20) minutes from the shore of Brgy. Canipaan, Hinunangan, we then arrived at Del Rosario Beach Resort in San Pablo Island by taking a passenger boat from the port area.

Del Rosario Resort offers two (2) cottages which were situated at the sea - well yes, not at the beachfront, but at the sea. We booked one of these beach huts. The shack was big, consists of a table and benches linked on walls, and an elevated mini room where one can sleep for awhile. We put our things together and changed our garments for a swim. We were actually glad there were no guests other than us who visited the resort. We enjoyed owning the island for the meantime.

The sun’s shining blazingly and it feels like summer already but the island offers cold beach waters. I don’t think you'll mind the sunburn while you’re there. The clear and cool waters’ enticing and will surely tempt you to jump off the ridge and enjoy the sea! And talking about clear waters, well yes it was very pellucid. We actually saw different fish species and other aquatic craniate vertebrates – fish capable of gliding flights through their large pectoral wings; scombroid fishes swimming through the waters with its swordlike beak; school of anchovies swimming underneath the beach cottage; big fishes best for aquarium display, and etc. I can actually say that marine life is so abundant at the island.

Our day trip was so worth it with just P1,000 budget for the boat, P300 for the beach cottage, and no entrance fee. We brought our own snacks and there was no corkage fee. Can’t actually imagine our kind of day spree was so enjoyable just like how we used to enjoy the other islands of Leyte before, but this time 'twas cheaper and still worth a getaway! Economical but worth it!

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service.

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to St. Bernard, or Hinundayan, Southern Leyte. Land travel to Hinunangan takes about three (3) hours from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Canipaan. There is actually a signboard at the left side of the road that looks like the pic below:

Note: Make sure that the PUVs pass by Silago or Hinunangan. There are buses which head to St. Bernard via Sogod, Southern Leyte.

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ask drivers which vans and buses go or pass by Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. 

For promo fares and other details:
OceanJet
Roble Shipping
SuperCat

Weesam Express

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

If you are going to San Pablo Island, you may contact our service boat Kuya Kenneth – 09055934539 or you may contact the resort.

• If you are going to San Pedro Island too, you may stay at Vista Beach Resort.
• San Pablo island is inhabited so there are mini stores at the island for your immediate needs. But please know that the resources are just limited.
• Boat rate depends on number of passengers.
• For overnight stay, you may bring tent. There are no hotel rooms at the island.
• If this blog was helpful, do tell me by posting your comment at the comment box and please do share to your friends. Just share the link on any social media accounts you have like facebook or twitter. Hoping by sharing this blog we can help the locals there. 

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Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Da-o Balay Kawilan, Dulag, Leyte

No need to travel long from the city to find a serene place to relax! Just more than an hour ride from the city of Tacloban, you can find Da-o Balay Kawilan located in Sabang, Dulag, Leyte, the idyllic pastoral place for your kind of weekend getaway.

Just like the San Juan by the Bay and Floating Resto inSta. Rita, Samar and the San Jose Skimboarding Camp in San Jose, Dulag, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation established the Da-o Balay Kawilan of Sabang, Dulag, Leyte as part of its community based sustainable tourism and Bantay Kalikasan project, in partnership with the Municipality of Dulag, ABS-CBN Corporation and through the generous donors of Sagip Kapamilya. This is to promote eco-tourism in the area, and to furnish livelihoods to many locals.

Da-o Balay Kawilan offers a notable countryside experience featuring Leyte as a provincial eco-tourism site. With just an entrance fee of P20.00 per head, you can now explore the area and unwind for some time, relieving stress from work and worries.

Entrance Fee: P20 – Adults/P15 – Senior Citizens/P10 – Kids

The locals in-charge were so friendly, glowingly smiled and greeted us warmly with “Good afternoon ma’am!” ‘though they were busy at the garden.

This place is actually located at the beach close to a river. The place has a wide fish pen or pond set on the river surrounded by floating cottages obviously made of dented bamboo stems and nipa fruticans or palms. Fishing will be allowed soon, according to the in-charge.

You can rest on cozy seats inside those cottages, or lie on these comf'table sofas for awhile. 

Kayaking is also available and you can order some snacks at the counter if you haven’t brought any. But still, it is best to bring your own food since the public resto may not provide all your desired orders. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service.

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for jeepneys which transports to Dulag, Leyte. Travel takes more than an hour ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at the road to Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp. 

Note: You’ll see a Da-o Balay Kawilan signboard along the highway. Enter that road going there. As you travel straight to the beach, you need to enter the Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp – the road to Da-o starts here.  

If you are from Tacloban City, this signboard is situated at the left side.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Dulag, Leyte.

Notes: 

• There are two (2) companies which operates from Cebu City to Baybay, Leyte: Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. and Roble Shipping Lines, Inc. 
• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

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Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

St. Anthony de Padua Church - Sulangan, Eastern Samar

‘Promises are meant to be broken’ – popular statement for broken relationships, right?! – This phrase however should not be applied when you’ve promised to visit the St. Anthony de Padua Shrine in Sulangan.

Sulangan, Eastern Samar is famous for its patron saint, the miraculous San Antonio de Padua. It has been said that once you’ve promised to visit the place or attend the mass at their church, you must and should fulfill it. Why? Coz according to some people, undesirable consequences then would happen if you’ve ignored and disregard what you’ve promised, like getting sick, unwanted accidents, or other misfortunes. These were claims from people who had such experiences though.

So I’m giving you a tip: One should not say that he would visit Sulangan on a specific date to avoid this kind of occurrences. (As per advice, though)

But contrary to that, those who fervently pray and fulfilled their promise had testified the unbelievable kindness of St. Anthony de Padua. Rumors spread along nearby cities and towns about the miracles he can do to people, the reason why many would visit the place and attend the Sunday mass at the church. Most of them were students who are about to take board exams; people with incurable diseases; and others who have special intentions.

However in my case, I went to Sulangan not to ask for anything, but to attend the mass as a thanksgiving for all the blessings I have received. I went along with a friend and as expected, there were so many people from other places who were about to attend the mass too. 

Bought some rosary beads in Sulangan

After the celebration of the Eucharist held at the church, we then went to the beachside to take some pictures. We then took our lunch at a nearby carenderia and went home after that.

Notes:

• Sulangan is an inhabited islet and one of the barangays of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Guiuan is located at the southernmost tip of Samar Island.
• There are vans that travel directly to Sulangan. It will actually serve as your service vehicle going there. The driver actually waits his passengers until the mass has ended.   

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban. The flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal/Terminal for GrandTours or DupTours via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

Ride a van at the terminal bound for Sulangan, Eastern Samar. Travel takes four (4) hours from the city. Most vans leave at 4 or 5 in the morning to catch the 9 a.m. mass at St. Anthony de Padua Church, Sulangan. 

IF YOU ARE FROM CEBU

There are actually daily flights from Cebu to Calbayog. The flight takes at least an hour. You can find buses and vans bound for Sulangan, Eastern Samar at the local terminal. 

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Calbayog: (4+ flights per week)

• CebGo

CEBU CITY VIA CATBALOGAN

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Samar via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Catbalogan route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via Roble Shipping Lines, Inc.). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. Look for vans at the terminal bound for Sulangan, Eastern Samar.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.