CANIGAO: AN ISLAND OF PARADISE IN LEYTE
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Summer never ends, it's just changes places especially for those working people who just have a time if they gonna leave or mostly weekends. It's never too late to be what you might have been. And by now, many are eager for their travel escapade.
Shining and shimmering crystals with powdery white sand, warm blue skies, uninhabited island and sibilant breezes caressed the morning grass that danced in appreciation for the morning celestial hues (sunrise). These are the qualities of an island or beach getaway you always wanted. And definitely, the word "cheap", I guess there's nothing more you can ask for it. Located about 5 kilometers off the shores from its town center.
HELLO EVERYONE! INTRODUCING- AN ISLAND OF PARADISE IN THE PROVINCE OF LEYTE.
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Canigao Island is an elliptical islet no more than 480 meters across its longest side. All of its sides are powdery white sand and its center is filled with tree of life. It is situated along Matalom sea and is midway between mainland island of province of Leyte and northern coral reefs of Bohol.
Its western side is facing the wide sea between the island of Leyte and Cebu giving a perfect scene for the sunset while its eastern side is facing the mountains of Southern Leyte.
Once known as the fishermen’s sanctuary in the Municipality of Matalom Canigao Island has become a major tourist destination in Eastern Visayas since 2005 and has gained overwhelming popularity recently.
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True to its name as cheap, the boat fee to get to the island is only Php 95.00 but they require that at least the boat gets to be at least at full capacity of 25 before leaving. So the more you get there, the cheaper way. Good for us because we get there by group so we just pay the regular fee and also we pay the rent for the cottage of Php 700 since its an overnight.
GREAT THINGS TO DO: |
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IT'S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE.GO.EXPLORE.
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Believe it or not, there is so much great things you can do in Canigao Island that will truly test your passion being a traveler. But the question is, are you a certified traveler or simply a tourist?
Well, traveler or not is not an issue but becoming a traveler is not just about setting foot in a new place and taking selfies, but discovering, experiencing and appreciating the beauty of nature — the essence of travelling, as they say.
In Canigao, you can:
1. Set up your hammock in a sturdy trees. Once done, lay down, close your eyes, feel the cool sea breeze, listen to the soothing sound of ocean waves and chirping of migratory birds, and doze off to sleep for a few minutes to rejuvenate your senses. Alternatively, you can get your favorite book and read with the sea breeze on your face. Or, you can just lay down and look at the beautiful surrounding — different types of tree species, clear turquoise water, sparkling white sand, warm skies, rare cloud formation, and so much more or you can sleep as well.
2. Tour around the island barefoot. Canigao is one of the islands in the Philippines with the finest white sand. On the way, you’ll see awesome sand and rock formations, variety of plants (flowering or not), endangered tropical and subtropical trees (fruit-bearing or not), different types of shells, migratory birds, fisherfolk waving their hands to say hi, friendly and generous locals, and more.
3. Swim pa More. Actually, most of the tourists immediately go and take a swim once they arrive in the island. They just can’t resist the inviting sparkling crystal clear and cool water. It’s amazing because you can see the sun beating down hard but when you dip into its waters, it’s very cool. And when you come up, it’s very cold because of the strong sea breeze. Your eyes will be filled with excitement too as colorful fishes swim along.
4. Visit the lighthouse and other landmarks. In the middle of the island, you can see one of the oldest lighthouses in Leyte. You can go up there just ask permission and they allow tourists to climb and have a panoramic view of its island and other nearby islands or provinces like Camotes, Cebu, Cagayan, Limasawa, and more. It’s magnificent!
How to get there:
A trip to Matalom ,Leyte and a 5-Kilometer boat ride to Canigao which would take about 20 -25 minutes.
Coming from Manila, you may ride a plane to Tacloban. From Tacloban to New Transport Terminal and it is about a 3 hour ride via vans called Duptours or Van-vans heading to Maasin, Southern Leyte for Php 220.00. Drop-ff at Matalom Town Center.
Right now, the transport to Canigao has been centralized and controlled already by the local government after the Typhoon Haiyan. Now it is located at the town by the back of the public market.
Tips:
- The best way to go there as a group and as much as possible in a group of 25 so that ride will be as cheap as Php 95 per pax.
- Don't forget to bring your cameras and cellphones to captured best moments to treasure.
- Drag bag where you can put all your valuable things and of course so it will not get wet.
- Leave no trace behind and secure all your trashes.
- Enjoy the beauty of Nature
Cost for staying overnight in the island:
- You can bring your own tent but you gonna pay for Php 100 or you can rent a tent for Php 250.Cottages are available for Php 700 or a room for Php 1500.
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| Spotless and Dazzling Shore |
