The Philippines is composed of hundreds and thousands of stunning islands and more than hundreds of them are still unnamed and not expose to the public.
Visayan Islands, also called Visayas or Bisayas, island group, central Philippines. The Visayan group consists of seven large and several hundred smaller islands clustered around the Visayan, Samar, and Camotes seas. The seven main islands are Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, and Samar. These islands and their smaller neighbors make up the central group of the Philippine archipelago.
About Canigao Island
Canigao Island is located in the municipality of Matalom, Northern part of Leyte. Canigao island is just one of the alluring island in Leyte. Sambawan Island, Kalanggaman Island, Digyo Island, Limasawa Island and more others are just some of the famous island in the place.
Canigao Island is known for abundant fishing grounds and scenic coral reef areas suitable for diving. The beaches have white sand, with tropical sea creatures and extensive coral reef in the surrounding waters.These natural features often attract tourists and scuba divers, who arrive at the island by traveling from Matalom.
Preparation of Leyte Escapade
Basically, few days after I was admitted to Perpetual Succour Hospital a friend of mine, Denisa, asked me if I wanna go to Leyte for free. So to make story short, we went to Leyte and all expenses have been taken cared of our very humble big time friend, haha, Judy. Well, they are just the owner of Gabisan Shipping Line, we went to Leyte riding one of their ship heading to their place with no charge at all.
Basically, this trip is not just about Canigao Island, we also went to several places nearby, like the Pagatpatan, Didang River, Bung-aw Dam, Mt. Hanginan and so on.
Canigao Island experience
Canigao can be reached via pumpboat, travel time will just take 10-15 minutes from Matalom port. So, before going to the island you need to pay the boat fee for P105.00 per head, roundtrip. So cheap yes? It is indeed super cheap for a wonderful experience you will have on the island.
The color of the sea and the white fine sand will surely give you a great welcome sign to the island. Canigao Island obviously mesmerized me the moment I get off the boat and saw her beautiful and perfect coastline of powdery-white coral sands.
The island is beyond its beauty. Yes, she’s a beautiful [forever virgin] lady! This amazing island features fine, white sand that appears to glimmer under the intense heat of the sun. You can actually walk barefoot on the island, enjoying the soft sand under your feet.
The island is beyond its beauty. Yes, she’s a beautiful [forever virgin] lady! This amazing island features fine, white sand that appears to glimmer under the intense heat of the sun. You can actually walk barefoot on the island, enjoying the soft sand under your feet.
Canigao is just a small island, about 400 square meters in area. Exploring or wandering the island may take about an hour or less depending on your usual walking pace and depends on the number of stops you will have in taking photos and for rest.
The crystal clear waters of Canigao will amaze your senses – with corals and fishes easy to view even from a boat. You don’t even have to step into the island or swim its waters to enjoy the tropical sights. Of course, in doing so, you’ll defeat the purpose of your trip to the island. So, you’d better get your snorkeling and swimming gear ready – an underwater camera would be a huge plus in these areas, I tell you. Unfortunately, we do not have an underwater camera but at least we enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
After enjoying hours of swimming in the warm, tropical waters, you can explore the rest of the island. The fact that Canigao has lush vegetation actually makes it a better choice to go with because you could always take shelter under the trees to enjoy a picnic or simply rest and commune with nature. That way, you can spend more time on the island without having to worry about where to find shelter from the sweltering heat by noon. That should also mean more value for the money because you don’t have to hurry back to the mainland. You can also bring your hammock if you have one, picnic mat or camping tent.
Where to stay?
You can bring your own camping tent, hammock or picnic mat. I don't exactly know if there's a charge is setting-up a camping tent. If you don't have camping tent or for less hassle, they have some nipa huts and cottages where you and your friends and families can stay overnight.
Where to eat?
If you're too lazy to bring or prepare food, nothing to worry because there is a "paluto" style pantry on the island. They have fresh fish and seashells for a reasonable price. There is also a small store in the area that sells canned goods, soft/hard drinks, and other basic needs/merchandise.
Facilities
Within the island is a small area for tourists to camp. There are tables available for rental and fresh seafood for grilling. Toilets and showers are also available on the island for free.
How to Get To Canigao Island
Go to the municipality of Matalom.
Pay P105.00 per head (round-trip)
Photo Blog
Photo Blog
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| Playing the white sand and forming hilarious form out of it. |
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| Bung-aw Dam |
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| Didang River |
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| Gabisan Rest House |
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| Mt. Hanginan |
Tips
- Bring snorkeling gear to enjoy the coral formation in the island's waters
- Bring underwater camera
- You can ride any available pumpboat anytime back to the main island.
- Bring your own tent, hammock.
- Make sure to leave nothing but footprints.
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