Higatangan and Sambawan

Biliran Island Destinations: 
Higatangan and Sambawan Island

Higatangan Island is only forty-five (45) minutes away from the port of Naval, Biliran; a resident island, inhabited consisting of two (2) barangays namely Brgy. Libertad and Brgy. Mabini. The island was hallowed with exotic and bizarre rock formations situated particularly at the island's posterior area. A white, long and shifting sandbar stretches out at its west portion. The blue waters was so tempting but be sure to wear slippers if you don’t know how to float or swim. Spiny, globular sea urchins lie underneath especially in the island’s coastal surfaces so be sure not to step on them.

Note: Passenger boats travel until 12 a.m. only.

*We visited the popular Hagdan Beach at the island which is accessible only by taking a manageable staircase down to the resort or by taking a boat which cruises to the back part of the island. The quiet and peaceable setting made us unwind and relax at a small hut for some time before we head up exploring the nearby rock formations.

Note: There are few sari-sari stores at the island. Electricity or power supply starts at 6 in the evening until 10 p.m. only. A watch tower is also very popular among tourists as you can view the island 360 degrees from top. 

*After spending two (2) days in Higatangan, we pursued to our next island destination, the Sambawan Island.

Sambawan Island is located west coast of Maripipi, Biliran and south of the Samar Sea. Recently featured as one of the great destinations for snorkelling and scuba diving on Philippine tv stations like GMA.

*Well of all the island destinations in Biliran, this was my fave one! I had promised myself to stay out of the city life for the meantime and this undoubtedly was my best escape, my greatest slip!

We rent a small banca from Higatangan Island which enables us to visit the Sambawan islet. The journey took us two (2) hours before we sight the enormous view of the hills at the island. These hummocks actually made the destination extraordinarily spectacular when viewed from top. From its peak, you’ll see islets on both ends which were seemly connected through sandbars and shallow waters.

We took the whole afternoon swimming on its brackish, lucid blue waters. And just right after twenty (20) minutes, I took a break and suddenly noticed that some salt particles remained on my skin. It literally looks like an iodized salt or crystal-like, snowflake bits. And I almost burned my skin from wandering and exploring around for it was summer last year and the sun brightly emits its rays upon the island; drenched on its super saline water likewise made it rosily flamed. 

Desolate corals and white sand make up the beach. Marine life is abundant which makes it a popular dive site. According to the locals, you’ll be able to see turtles and reef sharks around the island so it is really best to rent or have your own diving gears to fully enjoy the sea life underwater.  

Notes and Tips:

• You can rent a boat from Kawayan, Biliran or Maripipi Island.
• Bring your own food, drinks, and other supplies needed for your trip. There is no convenience store which will offer and provide all your basic needs.
• Cottages are available for P500/day. Entrance fee is P100 per head for local and other tourists; residents from Biliran were free of charge. Tents are available for rent.  
• Bring power banks and other personal necessities. 

Be sure to visit the islands of Higatangan and Sambawan when you visit Biliran. These were my recommended island destinations you should not missed. 

Special and thankful regards to my friend's family (Rosete's family) for being hospitable enough, in generously and cordially letting us stay at their house for the meantime while exploring the famous islands in Biliran. Well, perks of having friends from Biliran. Lol. Thank you very much for the wonderful vacation. Surely be back next time. :)

Next: (2/3 of Summer 2015) Samar Escape: Falls, Spring, and Cave

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

For Higatangan Island Only: At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to Naval, Biliran. The city's terminal is beside the port area for Higatangan Island. 

For Sambawan Island Only: At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to Naval, Biliran. When you arrive at the city's terminal in Naval, look for vehicles bound for Kawayan, Biliran. Tell the driver to drop you off at the port area for Sambawan. 

CEBU CITY VIA NAVAL

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Biliran via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Biliran 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.

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Biliran via Ormoc, 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 travel to Biliran.

For promo fares and other details:

OceanJet
Roble Shipping
SuperCat

Weesam Express
Lite Shipping Lines, etc.

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. 

Kalanggaman Island

Palompon’s Best: Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman is undeniably Palompon’s best beach destination. Many local and foreign tourists plan a trip and visit the island chiefly during summer. Well for sure you can’t just sit at your computer seeing and watching pictures of it on web but definitely you’ll probably plan a straight off trip after that. However in my case, curiosity overstated my desire to visit the island which made me plan a trip in a sudden.

For an hour and a half boat ride, we then finally arrived at Palompon’s uninhabited and best tourist destination, the Kalanggaman Island!

Getting there: From Tacloban City’s terminal, we rode a van (3 hours estimated travel time) bound for Palompon, Leyte. After reaching the town proper, we went to Palompon’s Eco-Tourism Office to book a trip to the island.  It charges us P3,000.00, overnight pakyawan pumpboat rate (can accommodate 10-15 persons)

Palompon Port to Kalanggaman Island

Note: Just recently, a public notice was given prohibiting boats coming from Malapascua and any other place other than Palompon, Leyte from docking in Kalanggaman Island, provided that they have necessary permits. So, any guests should first contact the eco-tourism office of the municipality to ensure that the service boat to the island has the compulsory and obligatory licenses or authorizations. 

My Last Island for 2015

I’ve been to other renowned islands in Leyte and Kalanggaman was the last island I visited last year. Auspiciously, it was not crowded at the time we went there since it was September and people rarely go on trips during ‘ber’ months. So, solong-solo namin ang isla! With this luck, we explored around the island, took pictures on its long and snowy sandbar, and dip on its pellucid, luminous waters without anyone trying to photo bombed the scene. 

Note: The white sand actually mixed up with pieces of barren corals, so be sure to wear slippers on some areas with coral bits.

Unfortunately, we haven’t got the chance to kayak around the island. Kalanggaman basically offers water activities like riding on a canoe-styled boat or a stand-up paddle but sadly, there were no available equipment that time. But nevertheless, the trip to the island was very worth it. Boracay feels!

Note: 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.

Other notes:

• Bring water and food. Bring tent. Contact the tourism office before your scheduled trip. 
• There are police officers who check and monitor the island daily. No worries for your safety and security.

Recommended activities:

Kayaking

Stand-up Paddle

Snorkelling

Scuba diving

Eco-Tourism Office Contact numbers:

(Mobile)

0917-303-7269

0917-303-7267

(Landline)

053-338-3094

PUMP BOAT RATES :

Php 3,000.00 for 15 capacity & below

Php 3,500.00 for 25 capacity & below

Php 4,000.00 for 30 capacity & below

ENTRANCE FEE

REGULAR RATE ( DAY TOUR )

Foreign Tourists : Php 500.00

Local Tourists : Php 150.00

OVERNIGHT RATE

Foreign Tourists : Php 750.00

Local Tourists : Php 225.00

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 Palompon, Leyte. When you arrive in Palompon, the port area is located near the terminal. You can ask some pedicab drivers to take you to the Tourism office or port area for Kalanggaman Island.

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 travel to Palompon, 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.

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. 

Canigao Island

Southern Paradise: Canigao Island

Canigao is an islet located just 15 minutes away from the port of Matalom, Southern Leyte via passenger or pumpboat. You can reach the island from Tacloban City by taking a van or bus bound for Maasin City. Just tell the driver to drop you at the town proper of Matalom. You’ll find a signage which says, “This way to Canigao Island.”

We paid P75.00 each for the boat (rate depends on the number of passengers) and an entrance fee of P20.00 at the booth.

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. 

There are certain people who inhabit the island to serve local and foreign tourists. There is a mini sari-sari store where you can buy food or snacks. If you want to stay overnight, there are no cabins but only small-framed cottages so be sure to bring tents with you. Anyway, you can rent one at the island but it will cost you P150.00 to P200.00 for an overnight use.

You can buy gifts or souvenirs at their mini pasalubong centers located besides the port of Matalom. 

If you are in Leyte and desires to tour around the province, make some time to explore the island of Canigao. It is one of the popular, inexpensive but not cheapie island destinations in Leyte. This southern paradise can be a great setting for lovers, family or barkada outings. Book a trip now!

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 Maasin City. Tell the driver to drop you off at Matalom, Leyte.

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 Maasin. Tell the driver to drop you off at Matalom Town Proper. 

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.

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. 

El Nido, Palawan

The Ultimate Caliber: 
EL NIDO, PALAWAN

Reaching the dream paradise:

Visiting the place was on my bucket list and finally, I made it to my dream paraiso!

Since there is no direct flight from Tacloban to the island, we decided to book a flight from Mactan, Cebu to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Prior to our scheduled trip, we’ve already availed a tour package to El Nido from Bookwise Travel and Tours for our three (3) day vacation to the island and reasonably costs us P4,000 each.

It took as an hour from Cebu to reach the islands of Palawan. As we arrived at the airport, a service van fetched us and drove us then to our hotel in El Nido. It was completely a very tiring day since the travel took us 4 hours to reach El Nido, Palawan from Puerto Princesa City while passing long and zigzag road. I was completely frazzled and the prostration I’m feeling made me slumber on bed instantly after checking in at the hotel. We stayed at La Casa Teresa Tourist Inn in El Nido, Palawan. 

View from the hotel

Island Hopping Adventure

The next day, we took the island hopping tour A together with three (3) other groups. Our island-hopping adventure started and first cruised at Small Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan. 

Small Lagoon 

Kayaking at Small Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan

Rock formations aesthetically an august to the eyes.

Small tourist vessels piling up outside Small Lagoon

Our tourist boat

You’ll see limestone rock formations beautifully and naturally constructed as you enter through a hole on board a kayak or through swimming. 

Going inside the lagoon through this small hole

Big Lagoon

Before we took our lunch at Miniloc Beach, the boat captain suggested that we should visit Big Lagoon first. The lagoon can’t be accessible through boat and is only reachable with kayaks during low tide so before the water comes to its lowest point, we immediately sailed into this lagoon. 

This dark emerald and green water is splendidly beautiful!

Crystal clear water 

Secret Lagoon

The captain and other boat personnel prepared our lunch at Miniloc Beach, besides Secret Lagoon. The island secretly conceals a small lagoon only accessible by passing through a literally small hole. 

Lunch freshly served 

Local and foreign tourists align outside the passageway 

Getting inside through this small hole

Secret Lagoon, El Nido

Simizu Island (also Shimizu)

The boat did not dock at the shore of the island. We just stayed at its anterior where guests snorkeled and dive.

Talisay Beach 

Talisay beach boasts its powdery white sand beach with coral fragments and the unspoiled waters is just perfect for swimming; large palisades surround the beach. 

This was our last destination. Spent the last hour at the shore taking pictures and exploring the island. 

Truly, tranquility and serenity surrounds El Nido. With its placid turquoise blue and green lagoons, white sand beaches, and naturally beautiful surroundings, it is really a great spot for vacation. I can actually say it's the ultimate caliber destination here in the Philippines, a must visit. 

By the way, hats off to the travel agency who patiently assisted us throughout our three (3) day tour. Surely a recommended agency for El Nido! Thank you Mr. Cholo Carios for the supplementary support you have given us. Surely will recommend your agency to others. 

Notes:

1. Tour package inclusions:

•     3 days and 2 nights hotel accommodation + Daily breakfast 
•     Land transfers (Airport-Hotel-Airport)
•     Picnic lunch (Island Hopping Tour)
•     Entrance fees
•     Boat rental
•     Permits
•     Licensed Tour guide

2. There are direct flights from Cebu or Manila to El Nido, Palawan.

3. Kayaks and snorkeling masks are excluded from the package.

HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO, PALAWAN?

Travel Guide by Palawan Divers:
Source: http://www.palawan-divers.org/how-to-get-to-el-nido/

A. Direct flight from Manila to El Nido: This is definitely the fastest and most direct way to get in El Nido. The flight leaves from Manila and takes about 1 hour. It lands directly at Lio airport, located about 4 kilometers from midtown. There, tricycle drivers are waiting for you. Check with your accommodation if they can organize your pick up.

*Flights from Manila depart at 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:35 daily.

Return flights from El Nido to Manila leave at 6:30, 9:55, 11:00, 14:00.

There is a daily flight from and to Cebu! El Nido-Cebu takes off daily at 12:55. The plane leaves El Nido for Cebu at 15.15

B. Land travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is the second way to reach El Nido and the most popular. First, you have fly to Puerto Princesa Airport in Central Palawan. Its airport receives regular flights from Manila and Cebu via Cebu Pacific , Palexpress or AirAsia and other local carriers.

From Puerto Princesa, you still have to cover about 220 kilometers of highway to get to El Nido. To do so, you can rent a car or travel through a van or a bus.

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.