Cuatro Islas " A not-so hidden paradise"

CUATRO ISLAS

The province of Leyte is home of perfect white sand beaches and crystalizing sea water, two of which are the famous Kalanggaman Island in Palompon and of course the Paradise Island, Canigao, in my Hometown Matalom. But if you are extra-adventurous and playfully curios try to go to ’’Cuatro Islas”

Crystalizing turquoise water, perfect scenic views, beautiful cottony waves, windy, rejuvenating and simply breath-taking is what awaits you in ‘’Cuatro Islas” the four famous islets in Leyte. The Cuatro Islas are a 12,500-hectare of protected landscape and seascape peacefully located in the Municipality of Inopacan, Leyte. The Four groups of Islets consist of Digyo, Mahaba, Apid and Himokilan. Each of the Islets has different features and offers jaw-dropping wonders.

How to get there:

If you are coming from Manila or Cebu, you can take a direct flight to Tacloban Airport (Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport). From Tacloban City, you can ride a van with “Tacloban-Maasin” route to Inopacan, Leyte. Tell the driver to drop you off in Inopacan near the town hall and go straight to Tourism department since you have to register your tri first before going to the Islets. From their you can ask for assistance and other inquiries. Travel time from Tacloban City to Inopacan thru van is approximately 2-3 hours. The fare per person may cost less than 250 pesos.

If you’re from Cebu, you can also ride ferries going to Hilongos, Baybay City or Ormoc City. Hilongos to Inopacan is only 16.3 kilometers away, while Baybay City to Inopacan is 30 kilometers away. Ormoc City is the farthest since it would take a 76-kilometer road trip from the city to Inopacan, via Baybay-Inopacan road. From Inopacan proper you have to go straight to town hall and same process.

Since we’re just from Leyte in Matalom to be specific, I together with my squad just rent a passenger pump boat. We prepared everything early in the morning (Food, Drinks, and etc.) because we have to depart on 5:00am in the morning for the reason that we have to travel 3-4 hours in the sea depending on the weather conditions. I recommend traveling in the sea since you can see and experience how spectacular the beauty of seacoast in Leyte.

Sunrise at 5:00am in Matalom Leyte.

Photo source : GOOGLE

Boat fares and other fees

1. Pump boat fee*Inopacan boats for hire

10 pax and below – P2,000

11-22 pax – P3,000

23 pax and up – P4,500

2. Entrance fee: P50/person

3. Cottages: P350 for open cottages and P500 for closed cottages

4. Tent Fee: P50 for using your own tent

The turquoise crystal clear water in “Digyo Island”.

We stayed in the Island of Digyo. I highly recommend everyone to bring your own food since the Island has no available store for food.

Strolling around in Digyo with your friends is ideal. The Digyo Island has also a small community; you can talk and ask the locals about the information and facts in the Island. You can also perceive their way of living and experience their very unique culture.