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. 

Exploring Babatngon, Leyte

Exploring Babatngon, Leyte

When you visit Leyte, don't forget to visit the town of Babatngon which also caters different tourist attractions.

Below are the places we’ve discovered while exploring:

Busay Falls

Curiosity convinces me to visit Busay falls after hearing about this popular destination from friends. So I had given it a try, visited this prominent spot. Just forty-five (45) minutes from Tacloban City, we then arrived at Babatngon's famous tourist attraction, the Busay Falls.

The falls, however, is a tourist destination managed and administered by the municipality of Babatngon.

Its cold water eases stress, relieves depression, and can actually boost your mood. Of course to soak into these waters have benefits therapeutically to our bodies like what a cold hydrotherapy does.

Notes:

•        There are mini cottages in the area.
•        You can also dip on its man-made pool at the resort; the water comes from the falls.

Paru-parong Bukid Conservation Center

After supertyphoon Yolanda wrecked the conservation center, the place need to timely renovate its enclosure to safeguard and conserve the butterfly’s population. So while restoring the area, Paru-parong Bukid offered other alternate activities such as kayaking.

Guests can kayak on the river by starting at a small stream from the opening area then stroll around the mangrove forest where a wide watercourse awaits them at the end. Guides assist the visitors and let them rest at the endpoint while serving them fresh buko juice.

Notes:

• Still, they restored an open and redesigned garden lodged with flowering plants that attract butterflies so still you can see some of these multi-coloured creatures flying around the area.
•  It has a mini restaurant where you can order snacks and meals for the day.
• There are cottages and rooms available for overnight use. Different fees according to size. 

Fish pond

Rafael’s Farm

We’ve went to this place last October 2013 and no doubt this was a perfect place to relax and bond with your family. Rafael's Farm has a simple restaurant which serves guests with their luscious meals and snacks, and also provides other places that were ideally good for taking pictures.

Function Hall

However, supertyphoon Yolanda ruthlessly destroyed this nature-themed tourist destination. We revisited the farm again and honestly it wasn’t as good as before. Nevertheless, the restaurant still operates but was relocated to the building that serves as a function hall before.

Canuay Island

We head up to this desolate island which is still undiscovered by many as a beach destination. We rent a boat from the port at the proper town of Babatngon and safely arrived at the island in twenty (20) minutes. 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.

Tulaan Falls

You should not also missed the other falls in Babatngon, Leyte which is located in about fifteen (15) minutes habal-habal ride from the town proper. You actually need to walk 300 meters from the road to get to Tulaan Falls. 

Pebble Beach

Across the falls' location was the pebble beach of Tulaan. Enjoy the calm waters by riding recreational watercrafts like jetski or riding in an inflatable banana boat, or kayak off the coast using double bladed paddles.

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 jeepneys that travel to Babatngon, Leyte. Tell the driver to drop you off at your desired destinations. (Most of these were located just along the highway)

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 ride vans bound for Tacloban City.

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. 

2 Days Samar Escape 2015

April 2015 (1/3): Biliran Island Destinations

(2/3): Samar Escape: Falls, Spring, and Cave

Lulugayan Falls

After doing our 2-day itinerary, we decided to firstly visit the famous Lulugayan Falls of Brgy. Literon, Calbiga, Samar. Calbiga is actually an hour and a half drive from the city of Tacloban traversing the famous San Juanico Bridge that connects the islands of Leyte and Samar.

This tourist destination was actually located of still an hour of roller coaster drive from the proper town of Calbiga. We passed safely along sharp curves and steep hills on our way there, and asked some locals of its exact location but this just made us confused as they were giving us different answers. We actually thought we’ve been lost and gone astray at its forest-like locale while passing laterally on large trees and underbrush almost covering the road to the destination. 

Starved and displeased while searching for its accurate location, we stopped to eat the lunch we brought and rest for awhile. As we opened up the car doors and windows, the noon breeze and gentle wind made us relax under a shade tree.

We then got back on track after fulfilling our stomach and just right after few minutes, we saw the famous Lulugayan Falls from the top. Woah! We can actually hear the sound of the water flowing and dropping off on its surface.

We followed the only path down to Brgy. Literon. There the barangay captain welcomed us and we’ve been assisted by local guides. We readily head up to a twenty (20) minute-walk down to the falls’ location.

Very spectacular! 

I thought it was just an ordinary falls like I used to see in other places but Lulugayan was a curtain falls; a big and wide cascade. The water was exceptionally icy cold, no wonder many local travellers visit the falls. There we literally enjoyed the serene surroundings and its peaceful setting.

We then climbed up to reach the top of the falls and it looks like a plain natural stream.

View from top

We brought a tent to stay overnight but the local attendants advised us to otherwise spend the night on their barangay hall for it is not safe and the water may tide up high while we are asleep.

My friends savoured the time jumping off from the falls and adored the cold waters which relaxes us (mentally and) physically after the long agitation on the road. Well the long hours were very worth it after seeing the spectacular Lulugayan Falls!

Notes:

1. First: Please visit or inquire at the municipality’s tourism office before your scheduled trip. There are local fees and permits, of course. 
2. There are only certain areas which are safe for jumping and swimming. 

The next day...

Villa Escober Cold Spring Resort 

We planned to visit other falls in Calbayog and eager to try the torpedo boat ride located in Ulot River, Paranas, Samar but it was far from we thought it was. So we just decided to search for another destination and found the Villa Escober Cold Spring Resort in Paranas located along the road going to Ulot.

It wasn’t an ordinary spring resort. It has a fancy and elegant setting but has cheaply discounted fees.

The cold spring water was so clear you can almost see fish tilapias swimming under. There are cottages of different prices according to its size.

The water came from this little manmade cave-like and we forgot to ask the in-charge of its source.

Sohoton Cave

Our last destination was visiting the famous cave in Visayas, the Sohoton Cave situated in Basey, Samar. We rode a boat going to this popular destination and we then arrived after twenty (20) minutes from the port.

Before we went inside the cave, certain guidelines and precautions must be observed like the importance of wearing helmets, which serve as protective head coverings from spiky stalactites.

While we were exploring around the cave, we have learned a lot of things from our local guide – the cave’s history: became a place of refuge and concealment during the war and natural disasters; its discovery; and the do’s and dont’s inside the cave.

We weren’t allowed to touch the white, crystal-like particles since these were the only thing that make the cave exist, according to our guide. By the time you touch it, moist from skin will react to the minerals present, will turn brown dead and will make the cave lifeless; a dead cave then becomes a den of wild bats.

You will be mesmerized by the stalactites lying down from its roof and stalagmites formed from dripping water. Spikes and inverted stalactites make up a column standing straight and hard. All of these things naturally form random, imaginative, and creative sculpture made of carbonated minerals.

You can also kayak on its calm, greeny waters outside the cave. Unfortunately for us, we did not have the chance since we need to get back home for it was late afternoon already.

----

It was indeed a very tiring yet an enjoyable part of my summer 2015. Our two-day trip in Samar was very worth it knowing that we did visit the famous Lulugayan Falls, the cold spring resort of Villa Escober and the popular Sohoton Cave.

Previous: (1/3 of Summer 2015) Biliran Island Destinations

Next: (3/3 of Summer 2015) Cuatro Islas: Southern Leyte’s Island Destinations

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 Calbiga, Samar. Travel takes more than two (2) hours from the city. 

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 Calbiga, 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., etc.). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. Look for vans at the terminal bound for Calbiga, 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. 

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.