Digyo Island Sandbar (July 2016)
At first, we were torn between Kalanggaman Island and Cuatro Islas. Lucky enough that Mel's friends in Ormoc have been to both already and their suggestion was for us to choose Cuatro Islas over the latter.
How to get here?
How to get here?
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is just an hour flight from NAIA Terminal 4. From there, you need to ride a jeep going to downtown and tell the driver to drop you off at the terminal bound to Ormoc, which is approximately 3 hours away. We were supposed to look for a lodge for backpackers upon arrival in the town proper, but Ma'am Rose offered us to stay in her place for the length of our stay.
Where to go?
1. Sabin Bay Resort: A few minutes away from Ormoc town proper. Visitors/tourists can go around and chill within the area for FREE except for those who would want to go swimming of course (P150.00/head if I'm not mistaken). You can stay by the bay in the afternoon if you want to catch the sunset.
Where to go?
1. Sabin Bay Resort: A few minutes away from Ormoc town proper. Visitors/tourists can go around and chill within the area for FREE except for those who would want to go swimming of course (P150.00/head if I'm not mistaken). You can stay by the bay in the afternoon if you want to catch the sunset.
2. Cuatro Islas: From Ormoc, take a van going to Inopacan (2 hours) and upon arrival at the port, you need to settle the boat that will fit in the number of group you're into. The boat rental starts from P2,500.00 for 10 pax and below (overnight), P3,500.00 for 11-22 pax (overnight), and P5,000.00 for 23 pax (overnight). In our case, we settled the boat good for 10 pax, which includes island hopping in Apid, Digyo, and Mahaba. If you wish to include Himokilan Island in your tour, additional rate of P300.00 will be charge. According to the locals, it is best to visit Cuatro Islas starting July (off peak) for you to have its beauty at its finest.
Sandbar of Mahaba Island.
Digyo Island
Accommodation/Food:
Digyo Island have the following for rent: close cottages (P500.00), tent pitching (P50.00), open cottages (P300.00), tables (P50.00), and chairs (P50.00). We brought two tents here and paid for tent pitching only with an additional one close cottage to secure our valuables. They have here a designated area for "ihawan", which you might want to take advantage of while Mr. Sun is still there. They accept "paluto", but I suggest that you prepare your foods together with the squad. This is one of the moments by the beach that you shouldn't miss.
Having silhouette pictures by the beach during sundown will always be a #squadgoal.
There is no electricity in the island and what the locals use here is solar power only. They accept charging of your smartphones/cameras, but it would be better if you won't miss out bringing your own power banks/extra batteries with you, so that in case the charging stations were full, you can have one for yourselves. You also have to take note that bonfire is not allowed in the island, but street lights are open from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. "Tubig tabang" is available upon request at the sari-sari stores from P20.00/small container up to P40.00/big container and you can already use the bathrooms for free.
Maayung buntag from Digyo Island!
I and the rest of the gang woke early to catch the sunrise by the beach, have our underwater shots, enjoy the sandbar, eat breakfast, and have a final dip into the crystal clear waters of Digyo Island. Our photos will say a thousand words with a gut feeling that you still wanted to stay a little longer, but the boat was all set to bring us back to Inopacan port before 11:00 am. Our stay here might be short, but enough to appreciate every little thing that your eyes can see. The fine white sand, blue skies, calming waters, fresh air, sweet pineapples, the genuine smile of the locals, and of course, their sweet bisaya tone of voice.
The living Hope underwater.
Cuatro Islas Crew!
3. Mc Arthur Park Landing Memorial National Park: From Inopacan highway, take a van going to Tacloban and alight in Palo (2 1/2 hrs; P160.00). (Ride a tricycle (P10.00/head) and tell the driver to drop you off in Mc Arthur Park. From airport, take a jeep going to downtown, alight in Palo and take a tricycle going to Mc Arthur Park.
4. Sto. Nino Shrine: Located in Real St., Downtown, Tacloban City, Leyte. From downtown, take a tricycle going to Sto. Nino Shrine (P8.00/head). Open from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. from Mondays-Sundays. Entrance fee is P200.00 for 3 persons and P60.00/head if you are more than 3. Camera fee is P30.00.
4. Sto. Nino Shrine: Located in Real St., Downtown, Tacloban City, Leyte. From downtown, take a tricycle going to Sto. Nino Shrine (P8.00/head). Open from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. from Mondays-Sundays. Entrance fee is P200.00 for 3 persons and P60.00/head if you are more than 3. Camera fee is P30.00.
5. M/V Eva Jocelyn: One of the commercial ships brought to the shore by the typhoon Yolanda. It has been renovated and now a tourist spot. From downtown, take a multicab going to Kassel Homes (P8.00).
Bangon Pilipinas!
6. San Juanico Bridge: From downtown, take a bus bound to Samar (P15.00) and alight at the bridge entrance. Be cautious in taking pictures at the bridge because many vehicles are passing by.
San Juanico Bridge during sundown.
7. Sambawan Island: From Ormoc, Take a van going to Naval Port (2 1/2 hours) and hire a tricycle (P700.00/3 pax back and forth) going to Kawayan Port where boat rental is a bit cheaper than in Naval Port. The island is just an hour away from Kawayan port. Entrance fee of P100.00/head. They also have cottages and tents for rent ranging from P500.00-P2500.00. There is a sari-sari store available and they accept "paluto" if you happen to stay here longer than planned. You have to take a 15-minute trek before having the picturesque view of the island.
Sambawan Island Viewdeck
The other side of Sambawan Island Viewdeck.
8. Ulan-Ulan Falls: We asked the locals if there is a waterfall near Kawayan port and they suggested Ulan-Ulan falls. It is located in Brgy. Sampao, entrance fee is P20.00, which can either be a 30-minute guided tour or not, your choice. In our case, our tricycle driver also served as our tour guide since he is a local there.
Ulan-Ulan Falls.
Where to eat in Ormoc:
- Food Park BBQ Plaza: Pick your favorite street food. Have it grilled for you. Best paired with "puso" (binalot rice).
- JK Bites Boneless Lechon: My first time to eat boneless lechon and I must say, it's worth every single cent. Extra rice please!
- Lorenzo's Cafe: Try their best selling drink-Caramel Macchiato.
Expenses:
Airfare
- Airasia Promo - P2,000/pax (two way)
- Booking Period: May 2016
- Travel Period: July 15-19, 2016
Cuatro Islas
- Boat Ride - P2500.00 (good for 10pax and below)
- Van from Ormoc to Inopacan - P100.00/each
- Close Cottage - P500.00
- Tent Pitching (2) - P100.00
- Food/Drinks/Paluto - P1,000.00-P2,500.00 (varies to number of pax)
Contact Person:
Ma'am Hope - 09163234022
Sambawan Island Dive Camp and Beach Resort
- Ormoc to Naval - P80.00/pax (van)
- Naval-Kawayan Port Back and Forth - P700 (for 3 pax)
- Entrance Fee to Sambawan Island - P100.00/pax (van)
- Contact Person: Jessie Manuel (Caretaker) - 09264104866
- Contact Person for Boat: Nelbert Montoc - 09075959614 (P2, 500.00 for daytour/P3, 000.00 for overnight)
Ulan-Ulan Falls
- Environmental Fee - P20.00/pax
- Guide Fee (P100.00 will do)
- Naval to Ormoc - P80.00/pax
Where to Stay in Ormoc:
- Niko's Ark Voyager Inn: http://www.nikosarkboutiquehotel.com/
- Zenaida's Chateau Tourist Inn and Restaurant (053-255-2717)
- Cristobal's Inn (053-561-6417)
