The initial plan was to go to
Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte for Joni’s birthday. However, when we
called the tourism office of Palompon, they can no longer accommodate us since
the island is already crowded limiting visitors to only 90 heads per day.
After much research and thought, I
brought up the idea of visiting Canigao Island instead to which the group agreed after several exchange of private messages in FB. So, last weekend, three
families and long time friends went on an island adventure in Canigao Island –
an island which is just 15 minutes away from Matalom Leyte.
Canigao Island earned its popularity just recently through social media. I’ve heard good reviews of the island and how affordable it is to get there. It was highly recommended by a friend and team mate of my husband who hails from Hilongos.
To get to Canigao from Cebu, you have to take a boat from Cebu City to Hilongos. There are three shipping companies plying this route: Roble Shipping, Gabisan Shipping and Medallion. We took Roble Shipping which departs Cebu at 9:00 PM. We arrived in Hilongos at around 4:00am, Since it was still too early, the group slept a bit until the sun was already up at 6:00 AM. We had breakfast at the Market courtesy of the birthday girl Joni and waited for the Roble Shipping Office to open so we can purchase our return tickets.
 |
| Friendship Goals |
By 7:30 AM, we are off to Matalom, Leyte - the jump-off point for Canigao Island. It was a less than 30-minute ride via a Multi-Cab. When we reached Matalom Port, a lot of people are already signing up for the boat ride. Cottages were already full so we just opted for tent space and a table/chair set. After paying our fare and some waiting time of about 15 minutes or so, we were already on board the boat that will bring us to Canigao Island. We can already see the island from afar so it was just a really quick boat ride (about 15 minutes).
 |
| Jump-off to Canigao Island |
Upon reaching the island, we were met with very clear water, powdery white sand and an almost crowded island. People are already setting up their tents, provisions and anything that would make for a perfect weekend. I really didn't expect the island to be this crowded.
 |
| Canigao Island from afar |
We bought our provisions in the market - from the freshest seafood, softdrinks, rice, coal and even toiletries. You can even charge your gadget at Php30 per hour. There's halo-halo for sale just beside our tent and masseuse on the other side. How's that for a good business?
Anyway, here's sharing some photos of that beautiful weekend at Canigao Island.
 |
| Chillin' with the birthday girl |
Thank you Canigao. You were really beautiful but I think whoever is running/operating you will have to do something about the following:
1. Restrooms - This needs major improvement; I wouldn't mind paying extra for a nice restroom.
2. Water Supply - Water supply in the island was a pity. Everyone's lining up to wash up but it would take forever to even fill-up a small pail.
3. More Huts/Accommodation - They need to put up more huts/cottages with restrooms and other amenities. Sleeping in tents, though a bit of an adventure, leaves your muscle sore when you wake up.
Summary of Expenses:
Cebu - Hilongos (Roble Shipping) - Php 370 per head (Tourist)
Hilongs - Cebu (Roble Shipping - Php 270 per head (Economy)
Terminal Fees - Php 25 (Cebu Port) Php 11.50 (Hilongos Port)
Hilongos - Matalom (multi-cab) - Php 20 per head
Matalom - Canigao (roundtrip boat) - Php 95 per head
Tent Space - Php 100 per tent
Table & Chairs - Php 300 per set of 1 table and 4 chairs
Food - I cannot remember how much we spent for food
No comments:
Post a Comment