Travel Feature Article

Canigao: An Island Paradise in Matalom, Leyte

By Keannu Dave Cuesta, BAMC 3

Journ 103 – Feature Writing

Yes! Only a few more days to go till I finally say hello to the best time of the year - summer. Which means, fun-time once again! - this is the typical statement that most of us would probably think whenever summertime is fast approaching. Oh summertime is just pure love, don’t you agree?

We highly anticipate the arrival of the summer season knowing it is the perfect opportunity for us to travel across the country and witness the grandeur of different tourist spots with our own naked eyes.

Traveling gives us quality time to chill-out, unwind, have fun and experience setting foot on places we have never been to before.

It was last May 27, 2015 when my family and I went on an out-of town beach getaway to have a family travel vacation as well as to bond with each other. Among the many beach destinations in Leyte, we decided to travel to Canigao Island since we’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback from our neighbors who have been there already.

To give a brief background, Canigao is an elliptical islet located about five kilometers off the shore of Matalom, Leyte and is situated along the Matalom sea midway between mainland island province of Leyte and the northern coral reefs of Bohol.

Since 2005, it gradually became one of the major tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas and has gained overwhelming popularity recently.

From our town Kananga, it took us about three and a half hours of land travel before reaching the municipality of Matalom. But despite those long hours being held captive waiting inside a car, the feeling of excitement filled-up my emotions upon finally arriving at Matalom's port.

When I and my family went-off from the car, we had a short stroll on the port and eventually saw a small marketplace directly at the right side. Out of our curiosity on what things were sold there, we went forward to take a peek. 

Indeed, the things sold were pretty amazing. The marketplace was selling a wide array of native souvenir items like t-shirts, bags, hats, mats, key chains, purses and also figurines crafted out of sea shells, clams and pebbles made personally by the locals in Matalom. We were very impressed on how they were intricately made. Aside from souvenirs, fresh looking seafood were available in the marketplace - delicious enough to make our mouth's water.

After that short stroll, my parents bought tickets for our ride and picked a time schedule for our trip to the island. It was then when I and my family knew that 'wooden pump boats' are the only means of transportation to get to Canigao Island.

The boat fare costs 60.00 pesos per person which already covers the back and forth trip as well as the entrance fee to the island. Children under 12 years are also given half price discounts. To think of it, it’s cheap compared to others.

Finally, we were told by the management that the wooden pump boats traveling to Canigao are ready to be boarded. This moment was the peak of my excitement and all that was going inside my head was - “the time has come”. 

However, it took us a while to board the pump boats because we first needed to cross a bridge made of bamboo tubes. It was long a bridge, and by long, I really mean long.

It was a bit terrifying for me crossing the bamboo bridge since it shakes every time I take a step. I can also tell that the bamboos are already timeworn because of its color and some already have cracks between their parts. It was a test of fear. But somehow, I and my family along with the other passengers managed to board safely. 

Right after everything was set, we then started our voyage.

While we were traveling on saltwater, huge waves were splashing on the sides of the boat causing a constant up and down motion just like that of a roller-coaster ride. All I can see was the sky and the vast ocean, both to my right and left side. I waited and waited. Surprisingly, while I was quietly staring at the ocean, I suddenly saw a big flying fish flipping out of the water and performing five consecutive jumps. I think it is really amazing for a fish to have that kind of talent. But after that short show of the fish, it was back to waiting.

The trip from the pier of Matalom to Canigao Island more or less took twenty minutes. As soon as we ducked at the shore, the first thing I noticed was how remarkable and eye-captivating the scenery is. Indeed, Canigao is one hidden gem of Leyte.

In terms of land size, Canigao is quite small. I finished touring the entire parameters within just a few hours. Even if my tour around the island ended up quickly, the features that I saw along  the tour were the ones that made my day.

First and foremost, the island was surrounded with sparkling white sand similar to Boracay in Aklan. When I stepped on the sand (barefoot), I felt a slight ticklish sensation due to how fine its granules were. Small white pebbles and empty sea shells with different sizes and colors were also mixed in the sand.

The middle part of the island was composed of various species of trees, some were even fruit-bearing just like “dragon fruit” trees in which the fruit resembled as of that of a vegetable named "artichoke".

There was also an old lighthouse which had an interesting fact. We asked the watchers some information about the lighthouse and they told us that it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Leyte.

I tried climbing to the very top and the view was very lovely. When I was at the highest level, I had a panoramic view of the whole Eastern Visayas and I’ve likewise seen the islands of Camotes, Cebu and Cagayan.

Another asset of the island was the tree house. My family and I tried to ask permission from the management if we could be allowed to go up and see what it’s like up there. Turns out, it’s fine as long as you ask prior consent from them.

The high elevation of the tree house establishes a scenic view of the dazzling ocean as well as the horizon. The view was relaxing enough, but with the supplement of the cool breeze from up above, it further contributed in making the place more impeccable.

I had also observed that most of the tourists upon arriving would immediately splash and swim on the beach. I mean, who can blame them, the inviting turquoise crystal water of the beach is totally irresistible.

When I saw that many people were enjoying their swim, I also ran towards the beach and jumped into the water with them. It's incredible because even if the sun was beating down hard, but when I submerged my body underwater, the temperature was so cold - I was not able feel the sun’s heat kissing my skin anymore. 

The north and the west waters of Canigao Island is also sanctuary according to the locals. The island has an abundant and diverse marine life which makes it good place for snorkeling on a bright day. 

I’ve tried delving underneath these water locations together with my little sister and we were mesmerized by the extensive number of tropical sea creatures and the enchanting ocean floor with lush coral gardens.

We saw schools of fish of different breeds along with other sea creatures like starfish, hermit crabs, jellyfish and clams. Aside from the water, the sky in the island was also stunning. It almost had the same qualities with the beach. 

When I was lying on the sand after soaking in the water, I looked up and I saw few cloud formations and more of its blue pigment. The sun’s bright rays also shimmers in the horizon. The cool breeze was sweeping on my face and I could hear the soothing sound of the ocean waves. That moment for me was like  paradise at its finest.

During the day, a lot of activities were going on in the island. Many tourists were playing Beach Volleyball, Frisbee and Parlor games. A lot were also fixing up their own tents while others did sunbathing, building sand castles and burying their bodies under the sand. Other were cooking their food.

Around five o’clock in the afternoon, another great event that awaits the island is the majestic sunset. But during night time, the place somehow gets better and better.Night time in Canigao is preferably one of the most awaited for tourists.

Around eight o’clock in the evening, the island becomes quieter because people focus their attention looking at the star constellations. Stars are pretty visible in Canigao since the sky is absolutely clear at night. In cities, it’s now rare to see stars at night, but in Canigao, you will definitely lose count.

Believe it or not, there are tons of features in Canigao that will truly satisfy your travel experience and would stamp an adventure in your life.

Traveling is not just going to places that are known to many people, but it is more about discovering what’s new. It’s not the fixed concept of setting foot to a place you have never been and taking “selfies” for remembrances. But perhaps, the real essence of traveling is by learning to appreciate and discover the beauty of nature.  


Sources of Photos: Google Images