Canigao Island : Leyte's Hidden Paradise

Canigao is an islet located in the Philippines, near the municipality of Matalom, Leyte, an hour and half away from Maybog, Baybay Leyte, my barrio. Canigao is a small island of southwestern cost of Leyte. The Island is known for its white sand beach, surrounded with corals and crystal clear water. Canigao is a popular yet inexpensive weekend gateway for families and friends residing in Leyte and tourist visiting the island. Canigao Island is manage by the local tourism of Matalom Leyte.

Canigao Island, from a far.

Canigao Island, up close.

Canigao is always been in my bucket list to travel and explore when I go home in Leyte for vacation. I'd been hearing good reviews and seeing picturesque images from my friends who visited the Island. And most of them would tell me to come visit the Island, and just recently I had the chance to take a 5 days off from work and I decided to go home to Leyte and made sure that Canigao Island is in my itinerary.

Matalom Leyte's drop off point. Just follow the sign...

and you'll reach Canigao's pick up point.

October 23, 2014 Me and my bestfriend/childhood Madelyn Lumba Porcadilla and cousin/good friend Brenda Galanza decided to go to Canigao for a day chilling and exploring the Island. From our place in Maybog, we woke up early at 5:30am and took the 7:00am bus ride going to our town proper in Baybay City. From Baybay bus terminal we ride a van going to Tacloban and asked the driver to drop us off at Matalom Leyte, after an hour ride we reach Matalom and walk for 15 minutes to reach Canigao's pick-up point.

Waiting area for Tourist/Visitor going to the Island.

with my friends Madz and Brenda while waiting for our boat ride going to the Island. We had fun taking the obligatory photo opt at at the Bamboo foot bridge going to the motor banca ride to Canigao Island.

while waiting for the boat to leave chilling while looking at the open sea.

At Canigao's pick up point awaits are the local government of Matalom's tourism office. They organized the motorized banca ride going back and fort to the island. You only have to pay Php 40.00 for the entrance+environmental fee and Php 60.00 for boat ride per head. And if you are in a hurry to reach the Island, you can rent the boat for Php 1,500.00 only back and fort. Because boat usually leaves at the pick up point when passenger reach at 25 people. But if your below 25 people the local tourist officer will divide the Php 1,500.00 pesos amount depending numbers of passengers ready to board the boat.

Arriving the Island. Hello Canigao!at the Entry signage on the island.

Wow! Welcome view of Canigao Island.

Blue skies and white clouds forming as we got off the motor banca.

Canigao Island is one of the Leyte's hidden gem of paradise. It is unknown to many especially to the people from Luzon and Mindanao. When we reached the Island, the first thing we did is find a place for us to stay. In Canigao there are no Hotel establishment in the Island, but their are camping tents to rent for Php 300.00 per day, table and chair to rent for those who want to stay under the shades of trees or coconut tress just like us. Rentals for table is Php 50.00 each and chair for Php 10.00 each. Or you can rent a cottage for Php 300.00 for a day.

Our spot in the Island.

Me and my friend Madz enjoying the sun and the white sand of Canigao Island.

But if you are a big group and planning to stay overnight in the island, their are rooms for rent also for Php 1,500.00 per night inclusive of 2 double deck bed, comfort room and electric fan. As of now the island does not have electricity, the only thing that gives the island lights and power are generators. The island also has an open conference area or function hall for groups who has an indoor activities or programs. If your a small groups like us and too lazy to bring and carry foods all the way to the island, worry no more because there are available stores in Canigao Island. Local caretakers sell fresh fish and rice, and they offer cooking too for a very cheap price. Like for us we brought 2 different kind of fresh fish, one is big and the other one is small and paid it for Php 180.00 pesos plus Php 30.00 fee for cooking and cooked rice for Php 60.00 good for 3 people and we had a very delicious hassle free lunch.

Canigao's room for rent for Php 1,500.00 per night.

Canigao's open conference room/function hall

You also have an option we if you want to cook your own food. Canigao has a place for you to do so.

Canigao's cooking area.

Canigao Island is truly beautiful...I felt in love instantly, the island is spectacular. It has abundant fishing grounds and untouched coral reef in the surrounding waters making the area suitable for snorkel and diving. The beaches have fine white sand very great for beach volleyball and other outdoor beach activities. The Island can be tour for an hour and explore by foot, some parts of the island are not passable. There are also some parts of the island wherein rock formation dominates the beach but still offer a picture perfect as the white sand area of the island.

Canigao is very secluded, nature lover and adventure seeker like moi would surely love this place. And would surely have a good time chilling or simply meditating with mother nature. Canigao Island is very laid back, unspoiled and so infamous to tourist which make the island not so crowded and as for now the island is not yet exploited. I hope the local government could keep this island clean, natural and peaceful in the future.

Leyteños call Canigao as Leyte's Boracay version because of its white sand like bora itself minus crowd and bars.

the obligatory jumpshot with my friend Madz.

Canigao is truly a perfect place to communicate with nature!.

Beautiful sandbar behind us.

Meditating...

How to get to Canigao Island from Maybog, Baybay Leyte.

• Canigao Island is Located in Matalom, Leyte (South of Baybay Leyte)
• From Maybog take a bus going to Baybay time travel is 20 to 30 minutes with Php 20.00 pesos fare.
• From Baybay bus terminal take a van bound to Tacloban or Maasin, Leyte
• Tell the Driver to drop you in Brgy. Maitum, Matalom Leyte. Travel time is 1:00 hour with Php 80.00 pesos fare.
• Take a tricyle going towards the jump off point of Canigao or you can take a walk for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Take a boat bound to the Island with approximate 20 to 30 minutes boat ride.

Inside the VAN going to Matalom, Leyte :) with my friend Madz, Me, Brenda and her baby Mabbie.

How to get there: If you are from the City of Ormoc, Buses and PUVans are available for your travel to Baybay City. From Baybay City you can ride a van or bus going to Matalom, Leyte, or take the PUVans that would go straight to Maasin and just asked the driver to drop you off at Matalom so you won't have to stopped at Baybay City. Travel time from Ormoc to Matalom is 3:00 hours. The island is accessible from the Barangay Itum in Matalom. On the Barangay there are local tourism officials who will assist you, you'll just have to pay for the entrance (Php 20.00) and enviromental fee (Php 20.00) and for the boat rides sailing back and forth to the island for only Php 60.00, round trip fare.

How to get there: If you are from Manila, Their are various flight flying daily from Manila to Tacloban. You can check PAL Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air and Air Asia for flight schedule bounds for Tacloban. From Tacloban City or "DownTown" as the local people called it, take a van either Duptours or Van-Vans bound for Maasin Leyte. And tell the driver to drop you off at Matalom Leyte. Fare is around Php 200.00 pesos and travel time is about 3:00 hours. 

Maybog-Canigao Expenses:

Transportation per pax

Bus from Maybog to Baybay                       25.00 

Van from Baybay to Matalom Leyte           80.00 

Entrance Fee                                                20.00 

Environmental Fee                                      20.00 

Boat Fare                                                     60.00 

TOTAL:                                                    200.00 

Lunch at Canigao for 3 pax includes 

Fresh Fish 1kilo include cooking fee         220.00

Rice                                                              60.00

Water 3 bottle                                             120.00

Cola 2 bottle 1.5                                         140.00 

Others                                                         200.00

TOTAL:                                                     740.00 

PS. Prices may subject to change without prior notice.

We had an amazing lazy afternoon at Canigao Island and called it a day!

Thank you for reading and visiting my blog, for updates, and video's please LIKE my Facebook page at Upinde Cordero.

Xoxo,

Tine :)

CANIGAO ISLAND VIDEO

Every place has its own beauty and allure. God made us unique thus also for the places and location in Earth. - Anonymous 

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Pia Gladys Perey Press Launch for World Fashion Week in Paris with Beatriz Accessories

Last September 24, 2014 PGP held a press launch at La Creperie in Salcedo Village. Our beautiful and artisan pieces of accessories brand Beatriz Accessories is proud to support Australian-launched luxury fashion label, Pia Gladys Perey (PGP) at the prestigious World Fashion Week (WFW) event held at the Maison de L'Amerique Latine in Paris from September 30 to October 4, 2014. 

Model Aya Abesamis wearing PGP dress and Beatriz Accessories Costa Del Sol Cuff and Goddess earrings from our latest Tropical Edge S/S 15 Collection.

La Creperie owner Ms. Cheese Ledesma Ong, Pia Gladys Perey and Beatriz Accessories Designer my pretty boss Carissa Cruz Evangelista.

Moi! :)

Beatriz is characterized by strong burst of colors, sculptural details and statement pieces. We will be launching our S/S 15 "Tropical Edge" collection at the upcoming Manila Fame International Trade show this coming October 16-19, 2014 at SMX Convention Center.

Beatriz Accessories is available locally at FIRMA at Greenbelt 3, AC 632 at Greenbelt 5, CURA V in Rockwell, Bijoux in Greenbelt 5 Makati City, JMA Jewelry at Edsa Shangrila Hotel, Vitostudio.com, Beatriz Accessories showroom at 12-A United St. Brgy. Kapitolyo Pasig City (by appointment call/text 0917-896-8905) and in Singapore at the TYAN Boutique at the ION Mall.

You can also follow Beatriz Accessories on Instragam @beatriz_accessories or connect with us on Facebook at Beatriz Accessories.




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Coco Grove Beach Resort Siquijor Philippines

On our third day in Siquijor we decided to move-in to another place, since we weren't that happy in Villa Marmarine. Upon checking online and locals recommendation for good beach with reasonable price. We decided to check-in Coco Groove Beach Resort, located in San Juan, Siquijor. 

Coco Grove Beach Resort is one of the most up market you can get in Siquijor and one of the largest resorts on the island with 800 meters of white beach surrounded by turquoise water. A 5-hectare property was laid out well, cottages and villas were spread apart. They have native cottages and villas, from standard rooms up to their suite villas with jacuzzi, cottages has its own balcony and cable TV too.

They have 3 swimming pools - 1 being an Olympic size pool, complete with bar, 2 restaurants the Salamandras and Sunset restaurants which offer Filipino, International cuisine and seafood. Every Saturday they have dinner buffet with Coco Grove's famous Folk Dance and Modern Dance show so make sure to treat yourself and enjoy the presentation. The resort also has a dive shop and center, function hall, wifi areas, massage, foot-spa, manicure services and souvenir store. The resort also organizes dive tours, diving courses, other water sports and tours in the island. The resort can also organize your transfer to the pier.

As their site says; Coco Grove Beach Resort offers complete relaxation and rejuvenation, to enjoy and relax in-surroundings of complete nature, from tropical gardens, crystal blue sea to spectacular marine life and unbelievable sunsets all on a long white sandy beach. I can't disagree more. 

Here are some of my pictures in Coco Groove.

Our Cottage, we occupied the first floor.

Our cottage interior inside L: Bathroom. R: Bedroom.

Our Cottage balcony with bamboo towel rack.

Coco Groove's Olympic size pool.

L: Sunset Restaurant located on the west side of Coco Grove Resort that offers Filipino and European cuisine. Named after the setting sun, it is a silent witness to the fiery afternoons of Siquijor. This is were breakfast serve. R: Sunset Restaurant over looking view.

Beach front of Sunset Restaurant.

Coco Groove's Villa.

Late dinnner at Salamandras Restaurant.

Sunset is always sentimental.....

but the sunset at Coco Grove was really excellent and beautiful .

Coco Groove's Saturday dinner buffet with ........

Coco Grove's famous Folk Dance .......

and Modern Dance show to entertain you while dining in.

my favorite Coco Groove spot's....the hammock.......

overlooking this beautiful white beach.

One of the best thing I loved about Coco Groove Beach Resort is that, they have the friendliest/accommodating staff, I have never been to a hotel/resort whose staff gives effort in memorizing the names of all their guests. Yes, you read it right, we were really surprise walking around the resort and every staffs we saw greeted us with our names. They really make us feel so special, with this in-mind I would surely and definitely go back here to spend more quality time with friends, family or just myself.

Thank you for reading my blog, hope this helps you plan on where to stay on your vacation in Siquijor. For more information about Coco Groove's rates and bookings you can check their website at www.cocogroovebeachresort.com

Xoxo,

Tine :)

Other related blog article:

• Mythical Island of Enchanting Siquijor Philippines

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."-Mary Ritter Beard

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Mythical Island of Enchanting Siquijor Philippines

Siquijor is an Island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. The Island of Siquijor is known to many as the mystical and magical island of the Philippines, the third smallest province in the country, in terms of population as well as land area. During the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines, the Spaniards called the island as "Island of Fire". Because of the Molave trees and the fireflies in them at night.

Siquijor is said to have magic potions, shamans, sorcerers and witches - perhaps it is very fitting for an island with a mystery to its name, that the island itself is rumored to be quite the center of mystique. Since old days people have seen Siquijor as an island of voodoo and witchcraft and still to this day many superstitious Filipino's prefer not to visit the island.

But as for me, its the other way around just the thought of those superstitious beliefs exist on this era really makes the trip more exciting and fun. From the moment I stepped out of the fast-craft, I knew that the port is just one of the many beautiful things that I will see in the island.

Siquijor Port-The cleanest port I've ever seen. 

From the port we hired a trike (tricyle) for Php 200.00 going to VILLA MARMARINE our home for two days, the hotel has a homey atmosphere and it is managed by Japanese couple. Its a small resort with four cottages and restaurant. 

80% of Siquijor's transportation is Tricyle. 

Shoreline of Villa Marmarine. Behind me is the main house of the hotel that serves us our restaurant as well. 

Overlooking view at Villa Marmarine's Main House/ Restaurant 

Sunset at Villa Marmarine 

Our Cottage 

On the second day we decided to stroll the island. Take note you can tour the island in one day. This is possible because the circumferential road that spans all of the island’s 6 towns is just 75 kilometers long and passes mainly along the coast. You can rent a trike for P800 to P1,200 for a whole day tour (again this depends on where you are going) – with your driver acting as a tour guide as well. You can also rent a motorbike (P800 or so for a whole day) and go wherever you wish. The only setback is that you may not know the way to lesser known destinations. We rent a trike for Php 1,000.00 and the driver also serves us our tour guide. 

First we went to Capilay Spring Park. Siquijor province is home to many natural cold springs. Situated at San Juan is located at the southwestern portion of Siquijor province. Capilay Spring Park is among the well-known natural spring parks in Siquijor. This natural, open-to-the-public swimming pool is right in the middle of the town plaza where everyone is free to take a plunge into its refreshing spring waters. This spring park has three main areas, such as the upper pool, the swimming pool and the laundry pool, all flowing into the nearby ocean. There is also a playground, kiosks, and booths around the park which are perfect for families or friends who want to have a picnic. 

Next we stopped by at Siquijor's famous old enchanted balete tree in Lazi which is believed to be 400 years of age. I'm not very fond of Balete trees thanks to local horror films and to my very superstitious ancestors here in the Philippines, balete trees are known as hosts to scary creatures and spirits. I have no idea where this myth originated but i grew up listening all this kind of stories, I'd have to see one to become a believer. ha!ha! Lazi's 400 year old balete tree is huge! And it's branches set it's foliage to a wide canopy that covers the pool in it's bottom. The gloomy weather that day did not seem to bother me much because of the cool, and calm atmosphere the tree gave on the visitors below it. There is a pool area that one can cool off and the water is surprisingly clean with fish swimming in it and some locals wash there clothes here. 

Our next stop is the town of Lazi, located fifteen kilometers from San Juan. It is the home of the popular St. Isidore Labradore Church and Convent. Known as the largest Convent in the Asian region, surrounded with many acacia trees. The planning and construction of this religious edifice was started by the Augustinian Recollects in the year 1857 and was finalized by Filipino artisans twenty seven years later. 

St. Isidore Labradore Church

The San Isidro Labrador (Lazi) Church and Convent is reputed to be the biggest and among the oldest convents in the country, it has been declared a historical landmark by the Philippine Historical Commission. The church complex was built by the Augustinian Recollects in the latter half of the 19th century. The church has two pulpits, the original retablos, and wood floors with herringbone pattern. The church walls are approximately a meter thick, The walls are reinforced with log post which are embedded in the wall. The pediments of the church are made of wood panels. 

it was great to know that the old church was well preserved.... 

the old stairs and its railings with its old wooden floor. 

St. Isidore Labradore Church...aging gracefully in time. We had a fun time taking pictures of the well-preserved structure. 

Across the St. Isidore (Lazi) Church is a large convent, which was used for rest and recreation of the Friars. It is a U-shape structure, with stonewalls at the first level, and wood studs and panels at the second floor. The convent has width of about 50 meters and a depth of about 50 meters. Most of the partitions of the convent have been removed, but the design elements are seen in most parts of the structure. The convent was constructed in 1887 and was completed four years after. It was believed that prior to the building of the St. Isidore Church and Convent in Siquijor, there was a church and convent already standing but the conditions of the old structure were starting to deteriorate hence construction of a new structure was initiated. Aside from the convent and church, friars in Siquijor also spearheaded other projects such as the Casa Real, schools, irrigation systems, and bridges.So when visiting the province of Siquijor, a trip to St. Isidore Labradore Church and Convent is worth adding to your itinerary. 

The Convent. 

Lazi town is a proof that Siquijor is more than just beaches and historic structures but also nature's wonder lays the islands most popular destination is Cambugahay Falls.It lies in a ravine so one has to descend a total of 135 steps from the road to get there. The falls has three major tiers or levels. Each one is relatively shallow in height but makes up in width what it lacks in height. All three tiers have turquoise-colored catch basins that invite the visitor to a refreshing swim. These waters come from natural springs further up the mountains or hills in the central part of the island and continue on down into Lazi Bay.

Welcome to Cambugahay Falls!!!

We spent less than an hour at Cambugahay Falls then decided to continue our swimming session at Salagdoong Beach Resort our last but not the least stop over for the day. Salagdoong Beach is Siquijor's famous beach located in the town of Maria, its five kilometer ride from the highway. Before reaching the beach you'll passed by those human made forest. Salagdoong Beach is a government owned resort that is famous for its postcard worthy landscape, floating rock formations, fine white sand, cliff diving and slides facing Pacific Ocean. 

Beautiful Rock formation in the middle of the beach with human made slide. 

Right side of the beach with amazing rock formation. 

Left side of Salagdoong beach. 

Salagdoong Beach front. 

Standing at diving cliff flat-form facing the wide calm Pacific Ocean.

As I said above Salagdoong is famous for its cliff diving. During the low tide, the water reaches up to 12 feet and during the high tide, it can go as deep as 50 feet. Looking down at the 20 foot drop made me nervous at first, especially I'm not a good swimmer, and the idea of jumping off in an open wide sea, gave me goosebumps. I'm glad and thankful that my partner was waiting down on me to catch me since I'm jumping off without a life vest, so it took me a few minutes before I finally went for it. When I took the jump, I was screaming out loud calling names of my parents and God name hahaha just to relish the free fall. For its height, it was a short fall and before I knew it, I was already in the water whooping for joy. It was awesome. Daebak! an amazing experience and I'm so glad that I was able to do it and would definitely do it again and again. 

My extreme cliff diving while my facial expression while jumping off is so EPIC. hahaha Daebak! na Daebak! 

I would like to give credit to the local government of Siquijor for keeping clean and well-maintained Salagdoong Beach despite being a public beach and so are the locals for being well disciplined. I hope that stay forever and tourist would not exploit the island. 

Getting to Siquijor 

There are no direct flights to Siquijor from Manila or Cebu but there are daily flights on Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines to Dumaguete City, the nearest commercial airport. From the airport at Dumaguete you can take a trike (P100-150) to Dumaguete’s port. It’s just a short 15 minute ride. 

And if your coming from Cebu City (like us) you can take the fast ferries like Ocean Jet Fast Ferry Travel time is approximately 1hr and 20mins. 

In Dumaguete port there are several ferries bound for Siquijor town or Larena. You can choose between the fast ferries such as Delta Fast Ferry or Ocean Fast Ferry that can make the trip in 45 minutes to an hour or the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ferries that take vehicles on board and can take almost 2 hours to make the trip. These ferries leave as early as 5:30 AM and as late as 7PM. The schedules for travel times can change so you may need to check online just to make sure what exact time these ferries depart for Siquijor. 

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Thank you, mga ka-hopia! 😊 ♥