Cuatro Islas, Inopacan, Leyte

Cuatro Islas: Leyte’s Four Island Destinations

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.

The municipality of Inopacan only caters the first three islands in their itinerary. Himokilan island was excluded since the government of Hindang acknowledges it as part of the municipality’s administrative jurisdiction - and this, however, fatefully made our journey to Cuatro Islas incomplete.

But having to miss one island did not dissuade our plan to continue our summer trip. Still, we decided to book a trip to these scenic islets of Inopacan, Leyte.

Digyo Island

Our island hopping tour first docked at Digyo Island. We actually spent the night here before we head up to our next island destination. It was June last year and remarkably the island was full of local tourists since it was a “Huling hirit sa Tag-init” kind of trip , before we all send farewells to the long summer month.

There we settled our tent and prepared for our dinner.

Digyo Island is actually inhabited and certain locals lived here to help run the resort and assist tourists with their needs. You won’t find any fancy accommodations of intricate costs here. The island is still undeveloped with only huts or small cabins and cottages of economically reasonable price. 

Digyo Island has white sandbars protruding on both ends.

You can buy pasalubong and other cheap stuffs at resident stores or local pasalubong centers in the island.

Apid Island

Although the island was the most populated among these four (since it was a fishing community), the blue and vibrant waters captured our hearts, the reason why we jump off the sand and swim along its cold waters, took group pictures and enjoyed playing at the beach.

There are reef walls on the side of the island.

Water forms between the extended sandbar and the beach when the water is at its highest point.

Mahaba Island

Among these three, this was my favorite. 

Mahaba was actually occupied by few people on the island’s northwest portion. However at its back part, serenity and tranquillity amount the view you’ll be seeing. Calmness of the ocean’s relaxing to the mind; crystal clear waters environs the island; and the setting was faultlessly best for your kind of summer retreat.

Himokilan Island

We haven’t got the chance to visit the island due to our limited time. Nevertheless, the island was home for corals and reef fishes according to some locals, and also known as the best spot for snorkelling and diving.

The trip to these southern island destinations was great although we missed one of its prominent destinations. But still, it is so overwhelming that there are these kinds of beautiful islands in our province - no need to flutter to other places to get a quick trip.

If you’re planning to visit Leyte’s Cuatro Islas, be sure to visit the four scenic islets to complete your Cuatro Islas trip. Hope you’ll enjoy!

Previous: (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 Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

Ride a van bound for Maasin/Bato/Hilongos at the city’s terminal. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Inopacan.

Note: Be sure that the van will pass by Inopacan town before going to the city of Maasin.

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 City or Hilongos, Leyte. These routes pass by Inopacan, 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.

Other related posts:

Laguma Rock, Silago, Southern Leyte

Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

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