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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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.

Hindang Caves and Wild Monkeys

Hindang, Leyte tailors one tourist destination featuring big caverns, inhabited by wild monkeys. The caves, however, are lifeless chambers of which have barren spikes and stalagmites.

You’ll be able to see monkeys everywhere but they were displeasingly untamed mammals. I think they don’t want to be stared of. Haha. They can easily get anxious and would get cheesed off in a breeze when you gaze at them so I think it is best to just ignore them while exploring the area.

One thing that attracts visitors was the zipline activity at Hindang Caves. Guests ride through a wire rope with straps or harness attached to them, suspended above a slope to which a sheave is inclined.

Well, without any doubt, we tried this activity for P180 each. This was actually my first zipline adventure.

The moment the in-charge pushed me off the edge, I shouted not in dread, but for that awesome feeling at the top, truly breath-taking! While the wind coolly brushes your face on the ride, you’ll also be able to see the sea from up there, and the nearby areas of Hindang town. It was so amazing and I like to try it next time soon.

Please visit this tourist destination in Hindang, Leyte. The local residents depend their living here. Guests will not just enjoy the fun activity but they can also help them earn money since this was provided by the municipality to furnish livelihood to the locals.

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

From Tacloban City:  Ride a van bound for Maasin/Bato/Hilongos at the city’s terminal. Tell the driver to drop you off at Hindang Caves and Wild Monkeys. (A signpost of the destination at the left side is situated along the highway)

Note: Be sure that the van will pass by Hindang 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 Hindang, 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.

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.