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

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. 

Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

CALAG-ITAN FISH SANTUARY, 

HINUNANGAN SOUTHERN LEYTE

Getting there:

The route to the fish sanctuary is a two (2) and a half hour drive from Tacloban City passing through the Abuyog-Silago Highway. You can find southbound PUVs (Public Utility Vehicle) which travel to St. Bernard, Southern Leyte traversing the municipality of Silago. Just thirty (30) minutes away from this town, you’ll see a tarpaulin-made signage at the right side which states the road going to the fish sanctuary.

Eco-Tourism Destination

After our trekking adventure at Laguma Rock in Silago, Southern Leyte, we went to this local marine sanctuary at Brgy. Calag-itan to look into some marine fishes protected under the government of Hinunangan. The Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary was one of the other marine protected areas in the municipality and serves as a permanent asylum and shelter for the protection of fish in the area. Although it is a refuge sanctum for marine resources, the place became a local eco-tourism destination for fish interaction.

The place looks like an old pier. There are also small beach cottages where you can stop and stay for a while. Across the sanctuary were the islands of San Pedro and San Pablo of Hinunangan noticeably sighted from the area. You will also see mangroves and beach rocks on nearby coastal shores. 

We've seen small, black and yellow-striped saltwater fish, “molmol” or parrot fish which comes so big and brightly colorful, and the “pakol” or triggerfish which inhabits the shallow coastal waters of Calag-itan. There are also some other kinds of fish but these types were the ones frequently seen. So bring with you snorkeling masks or diving equipment to surely enjoy looking at these beautiful fishes and sea coral underwater.

The management allows fish feeding at the sanctuary as well as diving or swimming but please be reminded not to harm them.  

Notes:

1. Entrance Fee: P10.00
   Cottages: Ranges from P100.00 to P300.00
2. Fishing is strictly prohibited.
3. They only allow bread for fish feeding. So make sure to buy some before going there.
4. Bring snorkeling mask or diving gears. You certainly should not miss sighting fish and other marine creatures below the water surface. If you have underwater cameras, then it is much better!

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.

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. 

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.