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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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. 

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.

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.

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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.

San Pedro Island

San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

While we were having our vacation in Silago, we planned to visit the San Pedro Island of the neighboring town, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. We rent two boats for our trip and leave off the coast of Silago then arrived at San Pedro Island after two (2) hours.

We did not pay any entrance fees since we docked at the beach which we assume was a public territory. The island was actually inhabited but as soon as we arrived there it was so quiet, so peaceful; I only saw a man or two passing by the small street.

Of course we didn’t forget to bring viands of seafood cuisine which was everyone’s favorite. We enjoyed swimming on its unruffled, sheer waters and spent the whole afternoon taking pictures on its white, coral-made beach.

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.
 

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. 

• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 
• San Pedro 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. 

Special thanks to the locals who accompanied us during our trip at San Pedro Island. We enjoyed your company. Thank you, til next time!

ALSO READ:

• Laguma Rock, Silago, Southern Leyte
• Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary, Hinunangan, Southern 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. 

Caluwayan Palm Island and Resort: One of Samar's Best Resort

Caluwayan Palm Island and Resort

Getting there

Caluwayan Palm Island and Resort is an hour drive from the city of Tacloban; located at Marabut, Samar, Philippines. It is situated just along the highway and can easily be found for a signage at the resort’s entryway is seen alongside the road.

Pool and Beach Resort

You can chose on wherever you want to take a dip, in a swimming pool or at the sea. The pool is actually located near the beach. You can take a quick pic for an ‘infinity-like’ image when shot at the opposing edge, capturing the sea background making the water looks like flowing to the horizon.  

Note: The resort is very strict particularly on swimming apparels so be sure to wear the proper swimming attire.

The beach, however, has black sand and calm green waters which is also good for swimming. However, be cautious and watchful for some transparent marine jellyfishes on shallow waters for they have stinging cells that could prick and irritate your skin sorely.

Furthermore, the resort offers snacks and meals ordered at the counter. There are also cottages where you can stay for some time. Hotel rooms are also available for overnight use.

Resort Activities

The resort truly has a serene setting, a place for relaxation and recreational activities. It offers stand-up paddle and island hopping activities, good for an hour. But since we love visiting islands, we took the island hopping tour for P400/boat.

Note: Boat capacity = 4 persons only

Just WOW! It feels like I was back in El Nido, Palawan that time. The islets and rock formations near the resort was worth the tour. While we were passing and exploring these rock structures, we saw some marine fishes jumping off the green waters. From a limpid depth, we noticed some polyp colonies on the subsurface and espied few little caverns naturally placed under those beautiful rock formations.

We stopped at the last island where visitors used to stay overnight, of which has white sand mixed up with dead coral offal. I actually want to visit the Marong-badong Island for there’s a miniature pool built naturally at the island, the one I am curious about. This unfortunately wasn’t part of the itinerary, and we need to pay another hour for the island hopping tour if we would visit the island since it is situated farther from the resort. It was also late afternoon and the ride will just consume our time intended for our trip to the last island. (This was the last part of our Marabut trip.)

Samar’s Best

Caluwayan is really one of the best resorts in Samar that you should visit. Be sure to plan your trip at Caluwayan Palm Island and Resort this coming summer for I am sure you will also love it here.

By the way, big thanks to the local boatmen who toured us on those beautiful rock formations, and had generously extended our time at our last island destination. Thank you very much. Surely be back next time here. 

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, at least. 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

If you are from Tacloban City, ride a van bound for Marabut, Samar. Tell the driver to drop you off at Marabut, Samar. Travel takes more than an hour to the destination.

IF YOU ARE FROM CEBU VIA AEROPLANE (To Calbayog)

There are actually daily flights from Cebu to Calbayog. The flight takes at least an hour.

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 Marabut, 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.