On the second leg of Biliran Island adventure, we explored the hidden beauty of Higatangan Island. Higatangan is a 45-minute pumpboat ride from mainland Naval. It is famous for it's long sandbar and pristine waters but, it's not the only attraction to look forward to in this hidden paradise.



Amongst all our getaways, the Higatangan Island trip proved to be the most stressful, tiring, but rewarding one. You ask why? Here's why. The only trip (scheduled trip) to Higatangan Island departs at 11:30am; fare is at Php 50/head. We had to leave Palo as early as 6:00am since we still have to buy supplies and food. The trip was spontaneuous and unplanned; it was only the day before that we decided to push through.

We were not able to prepare for this trip; thus, no googling and researching happened. We took the pumpboat, asked people aboard the boat, and took note of their suggestions. We alighted at the sandbar in Brgy. Mabini, only to find out that we have to walk about a kilometer to reach Higatangan Island Beach Resort. It was very strenuous--walking with all our heavy bags. It took us about 30-45 minutes to reach the resort. And when we arrived? Voila! Fully-booked!

You can however pitch your tent ast Php 180/tent. On other days, they have private rooms and dorm rooms available. Open cottages are also available at Php 1,000 each. We were not inspired to stay in this resort. There was no scenic view. It was not well-maintained. We were immediately disappointed. Thank God for internet, I was able to come across Hagdan Beach Resort. We immediately called their line and arranged for a transfer.

We traveled from Higatangan Island Beach Resort to Hagdan Beach resort by two's. We rode a single motorcycle and paid Php 50 each. It was a short 20-minute ride.



The next obstacle we had to face was the scary stairs leading to the resort. It was steep and the steps were small. We had to crawl--literally crawl--our way down to the beach side.

But all those hardships were instantly forgotten once we stepped in the resort. The view was so magestic, so lovely. We settled in our open cottage, and since it was way past noon, we prepared for our lunch. Note that there is no signal for Globe users in this part of the island.

Feel like soaking in sweat and sun? Play some volleyball.

Hagdan Beach Resort was quite complete in amenities. They have aircon rooms (good for 2) for Php 1,800.00/night. If you come with a bigger group, you can get the fan room (good for 6) for only Php 1,200.00/night. Open cottages are aslo availanble for Php 500.00 for overnight stay. If you prefer camping out, pitching of tents is at Php 100.00/tent. Shower rooms (with sea water only), comfort rooms, volleyball area, kayaking, and other.

private rooms for 2 or for 6 are also available

open cottages available for only PHP500.00/night

So here's what I can say about the resort.

The staff was very warm, friendly, and accommodating.They were also very helpful and always checks on us.They also had the best views in all of the island--beautiful rock formations, pristine beach, and scenic sunrise and sunset. While the sandbar area was dirty with all those dried fish and other garbage, Hagdan Beach Resort was very clean. How can it not be when they regularly clean the cottage areas as well as the beach side. I would recommend coming to this resort.

charter a pumpboat or take MB Rizflor and it will take you directly to Hagdan Beach Resort

Just to help you on your upcoming visit, take note that you can take MB Rizflor. It will take you directly to Hagdan Beach Resort. No need to go through the hassle of riding a single motorcycle and crawling down the steep stairs. You can also arrange for a private pumpboat to take you to and from Naval. It wil cost you around Php1,000-Php2,000 depending on the size of the group.

the gang

the obligatory jumpshot

Canigao Island is a not-so-distant islet located near the municipality of Matalom, Province of Leyte. Known for its white sand and pristine waters, Canigao Island has been a top choice summer destination for both local and foreign tourists.

photo not mine. credits to the owner of the pic

I have been to this island for quite a couple of times already. My first visit was way back in 2010. At that time, Canigao Island was still being developed into a more commercialized resort complete with cottages, showers, family rooms, etc.

Matalom is quite a long drive from Tacloban City. It would take about 3-4 hours depending on your driving skills. For my third visit to the island, we decided for a day trip only. We left Tacloban at 6:30 in the morning, made some stops, and arrived Matalom at 10:00am. If you brought a car, no worries. There are free parking spaces available at the wharf entrance.

Pay your entrance fees and round-trip pumpboat fare here.

Enjoy the fine white sand of Canigao Island

High-chair for adults, eh?!

Canigao Island is ideal for family vacations, barkada getaways, even company activities. With it's wide shoreline, you can do a team-building activities, play games, and even beach sports.


Several cottages are available for rent. Rate starts at Php 500.00 for day use. If you are staying overnight, you pay a much higher rate of Php750.00. Take note, for overnight stays in the cottages, check-out time is at 9:00am. There are also tents available for rent. If you prefer staying under the shade but want to be comfortably settled in, they have tables and chairs for rent.

Long weekends basically shouts getaway. And thank God, I badly needed one.

overnight cottages at Php 500.00/night

Casa Pilar is one of the many beach front hotels found in the island of Boracay. It is frequented by a lot of foreign and local tourists. By far, it is the biggest beach front hotel that I’ve checked in Boracay Island. It is located in station 3. I actually didn’t get to stay in this resort (coz we stayed at Crystal Sand) but I was able to check their rooms and amenities due to work-related circumstances.



So anyway, here are the room choices and the amenities they offer:
Superior Room (Aircon) - Superior rooms are found on the far end of the hotel. The room is complete with aircon, cabled TV, hot/cold shower, dresser. Towels are also provided.




Deluxe Room – Same with the superior room, it is complete with all necessary amenities that you need. The difference is that it’s a little bigger, more sophisticated, and found just behind Casa Pilar resto.




Executive Room – Room amenities are basically the same. The difference? Well as you can see from the photos, it looks like your own house in Boracay. Luxurious and grand. ^^,



Fan Room – Basically the cheapest accommodation in this resort. Same amenities with the other rooms, except that it doesn’t have an airconditioning unit.But hey! You’re in the beach! Who needs airconditioned room when you can go out and enjoy the sea breeze?! ^^,




Aside from the room, the resort  boasts a lot of other amenities like a function hall and  resto.




Here is a copy of the resort’s tariff:

MY THOUGHTS: I think this one is relatively cheap compared to other resorts in Boracay. I mean, hello?! It’a a beach front hotel! You’re just one cartwheel away from the sea! At these rates, it’s  definitely worth it. We stayed in Crystal Sand while we were in Boracay and it cost us PHP5,500.00 for a family room which accommodates upto 4 people AND there was no free breakfast.So really, this one is already a great deal. It’s actually also very near pubs, bars, stores, and others.