Philippines is known for its beautiful tropical islands.
We are consistently named as the home of the best island in the world.
I am not trying to be biased, but Leyte more than any other has the best islands in the country.
Imagine you are dying of going to Palawan or Boracay or maybe Siargao, but found the perfect gem in Leyte.
These islands are more accessible, and way cheaper than you think for an ultimate getaway.
Islands in Leyte are pristine, gorgeous, and charming.
A lot of these are even unexplored and uninhabited until this day.
This blog is all about the island hopping you can do in the province of Leyte.
Leyte, Philippines
Leyte is an official province in the Philippines.
Located in the Eastern Visayas region, it is about 878.6 km (545.9 mi) from Manila, Philippines.
Leyte province is situated in the west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte, south of Biliran province, and east of Camotes Sea in Cebu, Philippines.
Leyte is composed of forty (40) municipalities and three (3) cities.
With two major cities, Ormoc City and Tacloban City (the capital of the province of Leyte)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leyte_(province)
Islands in Leyte
Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman Island is part of Palompon, Leyte.
The name of the island came from its shape which is like a bird, and the word “langgam” means bird in local dialect.
It is about 79.2 km away from Tacloban City, and the same distance to Cebu City.
Kalanggaman is famous for its sand bars, white powdery sand beach, and crystal clear water.
This is a perfect destination for your ultimate island getaway.
You can get a tour starting from Tacloban City or Cebu City.
For tourist that are based in Manila or foreigners that are based outside the country, you are most likely to fly out to Tacloban or Cebu City.
I recommend to plan your travel around March to May since its the summer time, or you can check the weather and contact the local authority for advise if you plan on going on a certain time.
You are going to travel by boat to get to the island so its best that you know what is the weather going to look like when you get there.
The boats are not permitted to travel if its not safe to do so.
Kalanggaman Island hopping tour typically starts at $123 per adult and it varies by group size.
For more information about tour package please check this out – https://www.viator.com/
Canigao Island
Canigao Island is located in the municipality of Matalom, Leyte.
The island have white sand beach, sea creatures, coral reefs, and features a man-made lighthouse.
Canigao Island to this day is under nature protection, due to this law activities in the island are very limited.
However, there are still a lot of things you can do when you visit the island.
You are free to swim all you want, and tour around and explore the island barefoot and be friends with the locals.
Snorkeling and diving are allowed, but only outside the protected areas so make sure you check with someone before doing this.
According to the posts I read online, the authorities of Matalom Leyte allow you to bring your own watercraft equipment and you can use it while having the best time of your life in Canigao Island.
If you have jet ski or kayak make sure you bring them with you or better check with them before your trip.
For tour packages for Canigao Island you can inquire here – https://www.evintra.com/
Sambawan Island
Sambawan Island is a jewel in Biliran province.
This stunningly beautiful island is one of the top destination in Leyte.
Sambawan is surrounded by crystal clear blue water and sanctuary to marine life.
The mountainous rocky coastline in Sambawan will give you a panoramic view of amazing sunrise and sunset.
To get to this heavenly paradise you need to go to Tacloban City and from there travel to Naval, Biliran.
You can check with their Tourism office for more details about tour packages – https://tourism.biliranisland.com/
Cuatro Islas
Cuatro Islas means “four islands” in Spanish.
These group of islands are situated in the municipalities of Inopacan and Hindang in Leyte.
Cuatro Islas consist the islands of Himokilan, Mahaba, Apid and Digyo.
Each of the island has their own beauty and unique tropical vibe to offer for tourist.
This is an opportunity for you to be in an island quadruple the charm.
Check this out to know more about Cuatro Islas – https://vismin.ph/2020/cuatro-islas-leyte
Limasawa Island
Limasawa is a municipality located in Southern Leyte, Philippines.
The island of Limawasa is comprised of six baranggays (Baranggay or brgy. means village or district in Filipino dialect).
Limasawa Island is believed to be the place for the first ever documented mass in the Philippines back in March 1521 during the exhibition of Ferdinand Magellan.
This island is famous for its religious and historical importance, and attract the interest of many tourist because of its eye-catching beaches and lagoons.
If you are thinking of visiting the island, you can check out this travel guide information – https://www.facebook.com/LimasawaTravelGuide/
Conclusion
I am loud and proud to be a Filipino.
Sadly, out of all these eight wonderful islands I discussed I have only been to one which is the Kalanggaman Island in Palompon Leyte.
As I am writing this post, I am also scolding myself for not giving time to see these islands.
I would literally fly in a heartbeat if I could and would definitely prefer to be chilling in one of these island right now.
This pandemic has been very stressful and draining to all of us.
At the same time, it is also a wake up call and realizations that we should and we need to enjoy our lives the best we can and live every day with a grateful heart.
I love talking about the Philippines with every person I came across with.
I mean seriously, what’s not to love?
The Philippines is a dream destination to every tourist who wants to experience a tropical island life.
Filipinos are known for being hospitable, loves foreigners and will try their best to accommodate your needs.
Back in June 2014 my friend invited me to go on a trip to Kalanggaman Island.
During that time Kalanggaman wasn’t commercialize yet, there were no tour operators but there were local authorities that will guide you on your trip.
This was back when the island was just starting to be popularize to other people.
I remember when we went there we were the only ones in the island and some police officers that were stationed on duty.
So, on that trip I can safely say that we pretty much owned the island for few days which was really incredible and beyond perfect.
On its early days the island had no electricity, no water, no food and no room for accommodation.
We had to bring everything on our own, however that trip is probably one of the best trips I ever had in my life despite of all the catch.
Kalanggaman Island was just so heavenly that you would fall in love right away.
It has powdery white sand beach, crystal clearwater, fresh air, long sand bar, coconut trees everywhere and the tropical island vibe it gives you is definitely one of a kind.
It has everything you are looking for if you want to be away from the city and have a different experience.
I will never get tired of sharing the beauty of the Philippines and try to convince people to visit the country.
Every person reading this has to fly there and check out the islands at least once in their life.
I have been to many beaches here in the United States, but none of it is comparable to what we have in the Philippines.
The islands in the Philippines specifically in the province of Leyte has a charming, lovely and stunning beauty you don’t want to miss.
I am already thrilled just thinking about flying back home and planning on a trip to these islands.
Just like the Department of Tourism slogan, I want to personally tell you that “It’s more fun in the Philippines”.
With that being said, I can’t wait to see all of you having fun in the Philippines.
