Laguma Rock, Silago

UNEXPLORED: LAGUMA ROCK IN SILAGO, SOUTHERN LEYTE

Aerial view of Laguma Rock. Photo credits to JahrixCultureEcotourAdventure.

Reaching there: 

Previously, the only paradise I knew about Southern Leyte where I can find beautiful beaches and exquisite views were at Canigao Island, Padre Burgos, or in Sogod Bay which is prevalently known as the haven of whale sharks and other beautiful aquatic creatures in the province. However, I got the chance to visit Silago, Southern Leyte because we have friends who were from this town. This opportunity made me discover an exciting sensuous pleasure of the other part of the south. We actually stayed at Brgy. Hingatungan, Silago for days and sought adventure at Laguma Rock.

The road to this tourist destination is a two (2) hour drive south from Tacloban City. As you reach the proper town of Silago, Southern, Leyte, you can find “habal-habal” (highly improvised motorbike used as public transportation and can possibly carry 5-6 passengers, at least) drivers who can take you to Brgy. Laguma, Silago. There you can rent motorboats or find some local guides who will take you to Laguma Rock.

Journey to Laguma Rock

In our trek to the rock structure, we stopped at Brgy. Lawaan to greet a friend and to find someone who will take us to Laguma Rock. Luckily, some fisherfolks agreed to take us but with “pakyawan” (all-in fare or rent for the whole boat) rate using their own fishing motor bancas.  The journey to the rock from Brgy. Lawaan took us 20-30 minutes but this actually depends on the sea or weather conditions. If you were exactly from Brgy. Laguma, it will only take 5-15 minutes since the nature-built tourist spot is located at a short distance from the shore of Brgy. Laguma and Brgy. Salvacion. 

Leaving Brgy. Lawaan. (Thanks to all locals who went with us to Laguma Rock)

(1)

(2)

Pictures (1) and (2). Local guides preparing the boat to unload passengers to Laguma Rock

Laguma Rock (which took its name from its place) is also called by the locals as “Bato Dako” in their dialect which means ‘Big or Large Rock’. It is likewise called “Pelada Rock” and commonly called as ‘Snake Island’ because sea snakes dwell on holes and frequently seen by locals sleeping or resting between rocks. Moreover, marine feathered vertebrates are also seen hovering and circling above the island, searching for food and building their nests on the rock. 

Amazing view of the rock structure facing the coast of Brgy. Laguma and Salvacion, Silago, Southern Leyte

Bird seen gliding over "Bato Dako"

Tourists taking pictures at the top of the rock structure

Stunning vista from the top!

We climbed up until we reach the upmost of Laguma Rock. The view was outstanding and perfect for photography aficionados and adventure enthusiasts. You can find angles and places to click your camera with and take beautiful picturesque scenery at the top. The magnificent panoramic view was very worth it! 

Notes:

1. There were no boats which regularly take tourists and certainly no boats can be rented unless you find someone who will agree to take you there. The “pakyawan” rate depends on the owners of the bancas.
2. Best time to go there: Early morning so big waves won’t hammer the boat in going to Laguma Rock. There were also no cottages so don’t expect white sand beaches coz it is purely a rock structure only.
3. Wear life-jackets especially for those who don't know how to swim. There is no wharf which will help you unload passengers off the banca. Seek help of locals who will escort you there and be your guide in helping you discharge your company from the boat.

4. Bring with you snacks and other necessities needed while you are there like beach hat, climbing gears, etc. (Tip: You can buy food and drinks at the town proper of Silago, Southern Leyte )
5. Be careful. The hard, uneven surface and coarse texture of the rock can seriously bruise and cut your skin so make sure to wear proper outfit.

6. Be cautious and watchful. Sea snakes live in between rocks and when disturbed can be very dangerous.
7. For diving enthusiasts, please seek advice from your guide in which part is safe for cliff diving.
8. Lastly, do not forget to take some pictures. The view is stunning and very spectacular, based on my experience. 

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 Silago, 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.

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.