Leyte - Arriving at Canigao Island for an Overnight Camping Trip

Canigao Island is located in the municipality of Matalom, province of Leyte. This small island off the southwestern coast of Leyte island is a favorite inexpensive weekend get away among Leyteños and tourists visiting the island. It is a small, uninhabited island. So small, one can walk around it in less than half an hour.


To get there, go to any banca operator in the town of Matalom. A 20-minute motorized banca ride from their makeshift port will bring you to the island for 50 pesos each.




It was already 4:00 PM when we sailed towards the island and the sun already started to set. Some mangroves can be seen from the banca and the setting sun is truly a spectacular view to behold!




When we arrived, we paid the entrance fee of 20 pesos each. There are no accomodations in the island, it only has nipa hut cottages. So, if you plan to stay overnight, you should bring your own tent or rent one from the caretakers.



A fee of 100 pesos is to be collected as "space fee" for setting up a tent. While renting a tent from them costs 200 pesos for a 2-person tent and 300 pesos for a 3-person tent. Since we brought our own tent, we just paid the "space fee". No worries, they issue Government Official Receipts. So the money you pay goes to the government and not to any "caretaker's pocket". Hehehe!



After setting up our tent, we roamed around to take some photos before it totally gets dark. The island can really boast to have white, fine, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It's so clear that you can see the bottom.


It is very secluded; nature lovers and adventure seekers will really have a good time here. It's very serene, unspoiled and not so crowdy. Truly a perfect place to commune with nature!




After the photo ops, we went to the market area to get some food for dinner. We bought a can of corned beef (40 PHP) and a kilo of rice (45 PHP). Then we had it cooked for a fee of 30 pesos.


After dinner, we went back to our tent which we set up at the shoreline. It's time for some Booze! Woohoo!!! This is what I like most on camping trips - whether up in the mountains or in a beach. The bonding and sharing of stories among friends over some booze is truly the best!


After finishing some bottles of red horse beer, we called it a day.

PART 2:Waking up in an Island Paradise called Canigao

SEE ALSO: Kalanggaman Island, "Palompon's Island Paradise"

HOW TO GET THERE
From Tacloban City, take a van (Duptours or Van-Vans) bound for Maasin City. Tell the Driver to drop you at Brgy. Nonok or Sta Fe in Matalom, Leyte. Fare is around 200 pesos and travel time is about 3 hours. From here, look for banca operators that shuttles passengers to Canigao island. Fare is 50 pesos and travel time is 15-20 minutes.

This is a part of my Leyte and Southern Leyte Adventure Getaway last October 1-2, 2011. This is my 2nd time to visit Leyte, the 36th province on my list. Kudos to my friend, JM, for accompanying me and for preparing everything on this trip. Join me as I unravel Leyte's rich history, culture and natural resources.
Map By: Wikipedia	Reliving Gen. Douglas MacArthur's Historic Return to the Philippines Arriving at Canigao Island, an Overnight Camping Trip Waking up in an Island Paradise called Canigao San Juanico Bridge, A Walk To Remember The Neoclassical Leyte Provincial Capitol Building Leyte and Southern Leyte - How To Get There, Accommodations, Transportation, Expenses, Itinerary and Contact Details