Canigao Island: Hello from the Other Side
Aside from Kalanggaman Island, Canigao Island has now become one of the go to destinations for summer outing in the province of Leyte.
One of the biggest factor that the island has drawn attention to beach goers was through social media and other online communities. A reposted beautiful shot of Canigao Island from the Facebook page of Biyahe Ni Drew, a travel show of GMA 7, has added to the frenzy of travelers, friends and families to visit and take a selfie on the island. By the way, the reposted Canigao Island picture was taken by a friend of mine, Sanders – the unofficial ambassador of Canigao Island. 😛
If you try to search for Canigao Island on Google, the results are all images of the white sand beach and the turquoise water. There were only few images of what it looks like from the other side of the island. To show not only the common white sand beach, I walked around the island to take picture of the beautiful scenes that were overshadowed by the beach. The area of the island is small enough that you can walk around the island for 30 to 45 minutes.
The opposite side of the island is rocky just like of Kalanggaman Island. However, there is a protected marine sanctuary which must be good for snorkeling but unfortunately, it is prohibited to do so. What’s interesting about the island are the quite number of trees. Some of them are leaning towards the shore that gives shades to campers. There is even a small forest at the other end of the island. I think these are the good signs that the island was protected and well-managed by the people of Matalom.
It was also said that a wide variety of sea foods were sold at a cheap price. Indeed, it is. Food here is not a problem because they have a small market to cater the visitors and campers who will stay overnight on the island. They have also a water supply but you can bring your own just to be sure.
However, the main reason that I really looked forward to in visiting the island was sea urchins. I read a blog that you can catch sea urchins with the locals. This is what I usually do everytime I go home. And I was lucky enough to meet some locals who, at the that time were cleaning the freshly catched sea urchins. It was a FEAST!!! If you are curious on how it taste like, better try catching it yourself. Just be careful. 😉 Another tip is to catch them during full moon. I don’t know why but just trust the locals, they know better than you.
If beach and sea foods are one of your weaknesses, Canigao Island is not for you because once you visited the island, it will not take long for you to go back here. 😛
Again, let’s be a responsible traveler. Leave nothing but footprints. Take all your trash with you when leaving the island. Let’s protect our islands as much as we enjoyed it. Cheers!
