A trip in Leyte wouldn't be complete without a beach trip. Leyte is blessed to have pristine white sand beaches yet to be vastly discovered and flocked of tourists. Downside is you just have to burn hours to reach those shorelines which can be met with good roads now and what's a great achievement without hardwork. Went there with the fam bam coming from Tacloban. Bought food along the way. Nap a little for additional energy to explore the island.
How did we got there?
It took us about 3 hours and a half to get to Matalom Leyte with a short stop at Baybay City to buy lunch food to take on the island. We had our own ride as we went there but one can go there by commute or chartered van. If you're coming from Manila, nearest airport is in Tacloban. From airport go to the downtown terminal (either Duptours or Grand tours) via a jeep (going to San Jose) for Php12.00. Both terminals has van bound to Maasin City and you can alight at Matalom. I think it would cost you 200 for a one-way van fare.
After arriving at Matalom, ask around for the port going to Canigao Island. It is just a small port for take off and return of the pump-boats. Better come early as the last trip to the island is around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Pumpboat ride is just 15-20 minutes. Around 60 pesos for a round-trip fare, just specify what time will you get back on the ticket booth area.
How did we got there?
It took us about 3 hours and a half to get to Matalom Leyte with a short stop at Baybay City to buy lunch food to take on the island. We had our own ride as we went there but one can go there by commute or chartered van. If you're coming from Manila, nearest airport is in Tacloban. From airport go to the downtown terminal (either Duptours or Grand tours) via a jeep (going to San Jose) for Php12.00. Both terminals has van bound to Maasin City and you can alight at Matalom. I think it would cost you 200 for a one-way van fare.
After arriving at Matalom, ask around for the port going to Canigao Island. It is just a small port for take off and return of the pump-boats. Better come early as the last trip to the island is around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Pumpboat ride is just 15-20 minutes. Around 60 pesos for a round-trip fare, just specify what time will you get back on the ticket booth area.
Arriving at the island will make you leave your stuff and jump on the crystal water. The shore is not steeply inclined, ideal for those not good in swimming hahah. Bring your snorkel paraphrasing and enjoy the view! Fishes and other sea creatures living within live corals can be seen on the other side of the island. You can tour the island for via the shoreline for just about 30-50 minutes fast paced or a couple of hours enjoying the most of it. Yes it's not that big but it has a lot to offer. Aside from swimming and snorkeling, theres a light house in the middle of the island which can be accessed by tourists at a certain time of the day.
Have your sunblock and shades ready for doing nothing at the beach shore. Sunbathe and chat with your travel buddies under the sun if you came here early. You wouldn't want over burnt tan lines. The water is so clear you would still be able to see the white sand bottom above water.
While you are enjoying the view, munching on your food, chatting with your buddies, there are locals that can serenade you. They are relaxing to watch, and better to give them some tip. 😉
Have your sunblock and shades ready for doing nothing at the beach shore. Sunbathe and chat with your travel buddies under the sun if you came here early. You wouldn't want over burnt tan lines. The water is so clear you would still be able to see the white sand bottom above water.
While you are enjoying the view, munching on your food, chatting with your buddies, there are locals that can serenade you. They are relaxing to watch, and better to give them some tip. 😉
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| View of the back of the island when we toured around. |
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| Pool look-alike when viewed underwater cause of the pristine white sand |
Where did we stay?
Since were just on day tour, we stayed on a cottage which can accommodate 10 - 15 persons. Otherwise, there are room accommodations on the island that you can rent for a night. Should you opt to stay overnight but on a budget or just want to have that camping experience, you may bring your tents and sleeping bags. I think bonfire is allowed as long as you clean up your mess after, but also ask ahead just to be sure if it's allowed.
There are decent toilets, showers and sink wash areas within the island. Small stores for your necessities and trinkets as souvenirs can be bought, they just close a little early than usual so better buy the stuff you need early.
We return with via the last trip for that day, it was 6 in the evening but since we went there during ber months, the sun went down faster so it was nearing dim when we arrived the port. It was also low tide so we had to use the stilts pathway to return to the port which is an experience.
This is just one of the white sand beaches you can enjoy at Leyte. Others like Biliran and Kalanggaman Island (the more famous one) are just some that you'll drool to visit. Please do exercise claygo or Clean As You Go as you visit these islands!
There are decent toilets, showers and sink wash areas within the island. Small stores for your necessities and trinkets as souvenirs can be bought, they just close a little early than usual so better buy the stuff you need early.
We return with via the last trip for that day, it was 6 in the evening but since we went there during ber months, the sun went down faster so it was nearing dim when we arrived the port. It was also low tide so we had to use the stilts pathway to return to the port which is an experience.
This is just one of the white sand beaches you can enjoy at Leyte. Others like Biliran and Kalanggaman Island (the more famous one) are just some that you'll drool to visit. Please do exercise claygo or Clean As You Go as you visit these islands!
