The province of Leyte and Biliran are slowly gaining popularity among beach and island lovers. Big thanks to social media and technology.

In this article, we mention some of the Best Island and beaches in the provinces of Biliran and Leyte.

1. KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

The most popular white sand island in Eastern Visayas. Blessed with crystal clear waters and a sandbar with powdery white sand, Kalanggaman Island in Palompon is undoubtedly the top island destination in Region VIII. Recently, Jeter Resort opened in Kalanggaman and offers Tipi Hut accommodations, but other than that, the island remains a pristine and untouched gem.

The LGU of Palompon also provided a Tourist Police Assistance available 24/7 in the island. You can do overnight camping using your tents and or have a barbecue and beer party at night. There are stores in the island that sell snacks and can cook meals for tourists. Other activities in the island include kayaking, snorkelling, and aqua-biking.

Rates & Other Information

Entrance and Camping Fees:

• International Tourist: P500 (day tour), P750 (overnight camping)
• Non-Palompon Tourist: P150 (day tour), P225 (overnight camping

Roundtrip boat rental:

• 15 persons: P3,000
• 25 persons: P3,500
• 30 persons: P4,000

Cottage rentals:

• Small (15 persons) – P250
• Medium (25 persons) – P500
• Large (30 persons) – P750

Tent rentals:

• Tent for 4 persons: P300 per night
• Tent for 2 persons: P200 per night

Other information:

• Restrooms are available but water is limited.
• Upon arrival at Palompon, make sure to register and pay the fees at the Palompon Ecotours Office. It is highly recommended that you book with them prior to travelling as they only allow limited number of visitors per day.
• Contact number (Palpompon Ecotours Office)
  • Landline: (053) 555-9731
  • Mobile (Globe): 0926-816-4005
  • Mobile (Smart): 0998-555-1421

How to Get There?

Exact Location: Palompon, Leyte

BY VAN OR BUS: From Tacloban City, ride a van or bus at the New Bus Terminal headed for Palompon. Travel time is 3 hours and fare is around P200. If you are from Ormoc, you can ride a van for Palompon at their bus or van terminals (near the Ormoc City park). Travel time is around 2 hours and fare is P120.

2. CUATRO ISLAS

Another famous spot in Leyte are the so-called Cuatro Islas. This is a cluster of four islands within the towns of Inopacan and Hindang, Leyte.

Mahaba island, as the name suggests, is an elongated island. It’s covered with lush vegetation and is inhabited only by a small group of villagers in the northwest side of the island. Mahaba island has long stretches of white sand beach and probably one of the clearest beach waters you will ever see!

There are also rock formations and sandbars on the eastern portion of the island. This is also a perfect spot for snorkelling where coral reefs can be seen a few meters from the shore and the sea bottom drops off to form a reef wall.

Accessible via a 20-minute boat ride from Mahaba Island is Digyo Island. “Digyo” is a local term that translates to “small”. It may be the smallest of the 4 islands but it is a standout when it comes to white sand beaches and waters with different shades of green and blue. There are also sand bars on either end of the island.

Himokilan Island is the nearest to the mainland. The southwestern part of Himokilan is a marine sanctuary where fishing and diving are strictly prohibited. Lastly, Apid Island is the farthest of the 4. It’s a fishing village and as the local tour guides would say, is the least appealing of the four. However, getting to interact with the locals and fisherfolks of the island is a worthwhile break from the island hopping.

You can visit all 4 islands in a day provided that you start early in the morning.

Rates & Other Information

• Entrance fee: P50 per person in each island
• Cottage fee: P250-P300
• Boat rentals: P3000-P3,500 (good for 10 persons or more)

How to Get There?

Exact Location: Inopacan and Hindang, Leyte

BY VAN: If you’re from Ormoc City, van terminals bound for Inopacan are located near the Ormoc City Park. Fare is P100 and travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. If you’re from Tacloban City, you can ride a van bound for Maasin and instruct the driver to drop you off at Inopacan’s municipal hall. Travel time is 2.5 hours and fare is around P250.

3. CANIGAO ISLAND

Canigao is popular among locals due to abundant coral reef and fishing grounds. Aside from the fine sand and crystal clear blue waters, Canigao is popular for its stunning sunset and sunrise views. At night, the island is a perfect spot for stargazing. There are a lot of establishments within the island already. There is a market, small sari-sari stores, grilling stations, information center, and even a souvenir shop. There is also a lighthouse at the center of the island.

Rates & Other information:

• Entrance fee: P40 (adults), P20 (children)
• Roundtrip boat transfers: P80 per person

Cottage fees:

• Day use: P500
• Overnight use: P700
• Tourism building: P1,500 (24 hours)
• Rooms for rent: P1,500 (2 rooms available)

Other information:

• Travel time via boat from Matalom to Canigao Island is 20 minutes.
• The LGU of Matalom does not impose limit on the number of guests. Canigao tends to be crowded especially on weekends and holidays.
• Contact number (boat reservations): 0967-600-8120
• Contact number (Canigao Tourism Office): 0920-521-4431 / 0935-237-9010

How To Get There?

Exact location: Matalom, Leyte

BY VAN: From Tacloban City, you can ride a van bound for Maasin via Baybay, Leyte. Instruct the driver that you are going to get off at the town plaza of Matalom. Fare is P200 and travel time is around 4 hours.

4. SAMBAWAN ISLAND 

Sambawan is the top island destination in the province of Biliran. It’s an uninhabited island composed of interconnected islets that is surrounded by turquoise waters. Unlike other islands, Sambawan has a hilly and rocky terrain, complete with a grassy landscape, with a peak that serves as a perfect spot for a panoramic view of the sunrise and sunset.

Rates & Other Information

• Entrance fee: P80 per person
• Environmental fee: P20 per person

Cottage fees:

• Open air cottage: P500 overnight
• Enclosed cottage: P1,500 (6 persons) , P2,500 overnight (12 persons)
• Bench and table rental: P300 per day
• Tent fee: P100 per day

How to Get There?

• Exact location: Maripipi, Biliran
• BY VAN: From Tacloban City, ride a van bound for Naval, Biliran. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours and fare is around P150. From Naval, ride a boat to Maripipi island (fare is P60 and travel time is 2 hours). Once in Maripipi, ride a motorbike to Ol-og (fare is P30 per person) and hire a boat for Sambawan (P500 for 6 persons, round trip).

5. LIMASAWA ISLAND

The emerald green color of the waters surrounding the island is one of its best assets. One of the best options here is Dakdak Beach close to the port. The Limasawa island lagoon is the most popular spot in the island.  The lagoon receives its water from the sea, and exudes a crystal clear and turquoise  green hue. It looks like one big saltwater swimming pool surrounded by limestones which you can use as a diving point.

Rates & Other Information

(Island Lagoon Resort):

Entrance fee: P35 (daytime tour), P50 (overnight)

Cottage fees:

• Umbrella cottage: P150
• Seaside cottage: P300-P500

Room rates: 

• Couple room: P1,000
• Standard room with aircon: P2,500

Other information:

• Open: 8 AM – 6PM
• Contact number: 0916-360-8595
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eveestemada/ 
• E-mail: evelynestemada@yahoo.com 
• Website: https://www.limasawalagoon.com/ 

How to Get There?

Exact location: Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte

BY VAN: From Tacloban City ride a Van for Maasin City. Fare is around P250 and travel time is approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Maasin, you can ride a multicab for Padre Burgos port. Fare is P30 and takes around 30 minutes. You can approach boatmen in the port and tell them you’re going to Limasawa. Travel time is around 45 minutes.

6. SAN PEDRO ISLAND (PONG DAKO) & SAN PABLO ISLAND (PONG GAMAY)

Considered as the “Unspoiled Twin Islands” of Southern Leyte, San Pedro and San Pablo Islands boast of pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life. The bigger island of San Pedro (Pong Dako) is a true nature trip. The island has no electricity and locals have a simple and laid-back life.

They boast of rich marine life and clear waters. The smaller island, San Pablo (Pong Gamay), lies adjacent to San Pedro. It also boasts of clear blue waters, with some cottages half submerged in the waters already.

Rates & Other Information

• Entrance fee: None
• Cottage fees: Ranges from P200-P500 depending on the resort you choose.

Boat fees:

• P1,000 (1-10 persons)
• P1,500 (11-15 persons)
• P2,000 (16-25 persons)

How to Get There?

Exact location: Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

BY BUS OR VAN: From Tacloban City, you can ride a bus or van bound for St. Bernard, Southern Leyte at the New Bus Terminal in Abucay. Instruct the driver that you’re going to stop at Barangay Canipaan, Hinunangan. This is where you usually hire a boat to get to the twin islands.

7. HIGATANGAN ISLAND

Endowed with white sand beaches and stunning rock formations, Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran is a fishing village with abundant coconut trees and rich marine life that keeps on attracting tourists from nearby provinces.

Rates & Other Information

Boat transfer fee: 

• Private boats (pakyaw; prices are not fixed and are negotiable)
  • 15 persons – P5,000 (roundtrip)
  • 7 persons – P3,000 (roundtrip)
• Passenger boat
  • P50 per person (leaves Naval every 12 NN daily)

How to Get There?

Exact Location: Naval, Biliran

BY VAN: From Tacloban City, you can ride a van bound for Naval. Van terminals are located at the downtown area. Travel time is 1.5 hours and fare is around P150.

8. DALUTAN ISLAND

A thin strip of white sand beach with overhanging trees, Dalutan Island is another popular spot in Biliran. It is perfect for snorkeling and cliff diving.

Rates & Other Information

• Entrance fee: P20 (adults), P10 (minors)
• Cottage rental: P400 per day

Boat rental: 

• 12 persons: P600 roundtrip
• 20 persons: P1,500 roundtrip

Other information:

• Overnight stays are not allowed. Until 5PM only.

Corkage fees:

• Lechon baboy: P120 each
• Lechon manok: P20 each

How to Get There?

Exact location: Almeria, Biliran

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Ride a public transport to Talahig or Agta Beach Resort in Barangay Talahid, Almeria. From there, you can hire a boat that directly goes to Dalutan.

9. MOLOPOLO WHITE BEACH

A long stretch of white sand beach located on the eastern part of Liloan, Molopolo is a top destination in Southern Leyte.  Aside fro kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddling, there are rocky islets which you can use for some exciting cliff-jumping.

Rates & Other Information

• Entrance fee: P5
• Cottage fee: P100-P200

How to Get There?

• Exact Location: Liloan, Southern Leyte
• BY BUS: From Tacloban City ride a van bound for Sogod. Travel time is 4 hours. From Sogod, ride a jeep for Lilo-an (travel time of 1 hour).

10. TAGBAK MARINE PARK

A single cottage partially submerged in green waters, located in the middle of an islet and a marine park. Tagbak Marine Park is one of the most popular spots in the town of Liloan for some swimming, snorkelling, and paddle boarding.

Rates & Other Information

Entrance fee:

• Adult: P10 (local), P50 (foreign)
• Children: P5 (local), P20 (foreign)
• Cottage rental: P300 (maximum of 10 persons)

Other information:

• Boat rental: P200 (to and from the cottage)
• Additional boat rental: P200 (in excess of 10 persons)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMPLiloan 
• Contact number: 0997-372-1452

How to Get There?

Exact location: Tagbak, Liloan, Southern Leyte

BY BUS: If you are coming from Tacloban City, head on to the New Bus Terminal and ride a van bound for Sogod. Travel time is around 4 hours. Upon arrival at Sogod, ride a jeep for Lilo-an (travel time of 1 hour). The municipal hall is near the terminal and you can ask for directions in getting to Tagbak Marine Park at the Municipal Tourism Office.

11. TANGKAAN BEACH

Turquoise and crystal clear waters plus one of the best spots for snorkelling in the town of Padre Burgos. Padre Burgos is the jump-off point for Limasawa Island, so make sure to visit Tangkaan Beach before or after your Limasawa trip.

Rates & other information

• Entrance fee: P5
• Table rental: P60

How to get there?

Exact location: Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte (located near Padre Burgos Port)

BY VAN: From Tacloban City, ride a van for Maasin. Fare is around P250 and travel time is approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Maasin, you can ride a multicab for Padre Burgos port. Fare is around P30 and takes around 30 minutes.