Hello, Hive!
It's been a while — 16 days to be exact. How are you doing these hot, summer days? Yes, yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) officially announced the start of the country's warm and dry season or as what most Filipinos call "our summer season".
Warmer and drier days are to be expected in the coming weeks but, weirdly enough, the news did not come as a surprise to us here in Cebu. Even with Amihan (North East Monsoon), we've been subjected to several days of warm and dry spells. In fact, in only two months, there have been 51 fire incidents (forest fires included) recorded in City City alone. And most, recently, reports of Cebu's Buhisan Dam has reached critical water level is also making waves on social media. One's joy is another's sorrow, indeed.
Anyway, for today's post, I'm taking you to one of the pride of my home province. With the summer season finally upon us, let's get our dose of vitamin SEA!
White sandy beach and cool ocean breeze? Canigao Island is your place!
The Philippines is blessed with natural landscapes that can compete at international level in terms of beauty. With its 7,641 islands, there is no short of adventure for every wild at heart. One of these islands is Leyte, home to the famous Kalanggaman Island, Alto Peak, Agas-agas Bridge, Mt. Pangasugan, Cuatro Islas, Hindang Caves and Wild Monkeys, Montecueva Shrine and — today's highlight — Canigao Island.
Canigao Island is an islet just five kilometers off the shores of Matalom and would only take at least 15 to 20 minutes of boat ride. For many years, it has been a favorite inexpensive weekend getaway among locals. A former fishermen’s sanctuary, this little paradise has become a tourist destination sometime in 2005.
After paying 120 pesos (80 pesos for roundtrip fare and 40 pesos for entrance fee) at the Santa Fe port, James, my sister and I boarded the ferryboat that would take us to the island. There was no specific time when the boat will depart but as long as the minimum number of passengers has been reached, we were allowed to sail. Big outrigger boats can transport up to 60 passengers.
Canigao Island is known for its white sands, turquoise seas, extensive coral reef ground and diverse marine life. The place is suitable for swimming and diving. An overnight stay will also give you the chance to experience the beautiful colors of sunset and sunrise, and the star-speckled sky at night.
As for us three, we decided to stay just for the afternoon. When the sun’s heat is at its height. But what is a sun-kissed skin to a fun experience right?
Upon arriving we simply looked for a shaded area to laze around. The islet is surrounded by white, powdery sand which you won't mind sleeping on. It's clear blue water is also very alluring that you'd want to take a dip even before stepping on land.
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Canigao island is very small that you can go around the area in a matter of few minutes. In fact, you can even see the other side of the beach on some spots without coconut trees.
The northwestern side of the island has less white sand but more coral reef. Because of this, it has been considered a sanctuary for its rich marine biodiversity. During off-season, Matalom LGU and Canigao management temporarily close this section for rehabilitation.
Except for swimming, snorkeling, beach camping, and enjoying the view, there is not much activity in the island — not that I mind. I actually prefer it this way. Peaceful and quiet. You can't find 5-star hotels here too but there are basic amenities such as toilet and shower areas.
James, my sister and I spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the water and taking in the beautiful day.
By 3 PM, we decided to leave the island since we still have to travel to the next town, Hilongos. For those interested to visit, LGU Matalom and Marina Coast Guard has a policy not to allow boat trips to Canigao Island beyond 5 PM for safety and security reasons. Tourists who intend to stay for an overnight must cross to the island before the mentioned time, while those who opt for day use must sail back to Santa Fe port before 4 PM. Hope to you get to see Canigao's beauty in person too!
There is more to Leyte than this island. There are untamed mountains, hidden waterfalls and streams, isolated beaches that remain far beyond the reach of social media. Next time, I'll share with you some of them. 🫰
Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives her life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.
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Wow you went there in the perfect weather! I thought the island was in Cebu, mali diay hehe
Wish I could go! I super needed that Vitamin Sea already! Makasuyaaaa ang ka nindot sa island!
We're truly blessed to have many options when looking for a dose of vitamin sea ☺️ hope you get your well-deserved beach trip soon!
Ito sinasabi nla little Boracay ng Leyte, gusto ko puntahan someday.. I love that pristine beach view! Reminded me of Virgin Island sa Cebu..
Btw, for those mag overnight stay, are there cottages there or need magdala ng tent?
Yes, there are rooms for rent too. I haven't tried but they're prized at 1500. Come visit soon 😁
Super
Thank you 😊
I continue to be pleasantly surprised by the natural beauty of your country. Thank you for sharing
A heartfelt thanks from me and the Philippines ☺️
woooow! madiii @ybanezkim26, we now know where to go next hhehehe
Kanus-a man ni aunchie? Hahahaha
Hiya, @choogirl here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2163.
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Wow. Thanks for the feature! 😊
Wow, how beautiful. Island is on my itinerary list 😊 Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed reading! Thank you 😁
Wow! Is this in Southern Leyte sis? I was in Leyte in 2023 but I did not reach here. What a great place to relax. I hope you can visit Kalanggaman Island too. Whoa! Grabe kalayo ang travel from Bukidnon by land rami and then barge. Have safe travels. Gwapa kaayo oi!
Border pa ni sya sa Southern Leyte. Hehe. Naa pa gihapon na sa ako list ang Kalanggaman ay. Wala pa na fulfill. Hopefully soon 🤍
Grabe sa inyo travel oy. Pila ka hours man sad sa dagat. Hehe
Grabe gyud. From Bukidnon to Surigao 6 hours plus from Surigao to Leyte, 3 hours plus, from the port to Southern Leyte, 3 hours. Whoa! 12 hours or more. Grabe kahasol na travel pero worth it he he he. Visit gyud sa Kalanggaman Island sis.
Grabeeee. Murag saktong lipong jud na nako. Hehe. Did you blog about Kalanggaman na or na miss nakog basa? Hehe would love to read.
Hey! Canigao Island sounds like a super fun place to visit! 🏝️ It's like a little piece of paradise with its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
It is! If you're looking for an awesome beach with less crowd, Canigao is the place 😁
Wa pa jud ko kaanha lingan,
We are blessed kai naa ra jud duol white sand beach, hopefully it ia not that crowded yet.
Bitawww. Swerte jud kay naa ra sa duol. Hehe so far di paman sya grabe ka crowded ug kasaba kay wala pa may night parties. But basta summer, mas daghan nuon ang tawo.
👏 Keep Up the good work on Hive ♦️ 👏
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