Laiya

Natural Draw

Laiya’s bane is also its boon—since the place has been isolated for so long its marine and terrestrial flora and fauna are relatively intact. A few-minute boat ride away is a natural submarine garden that’s great for snorkeling. In fact, you don’t even have to dive or snorkel there to see the multi-colored fishes: just tear pieces of bread, throw them into the water and they will all come to you—an exhilarating experience more often seen in remote Palawan resorts.

There are also dolphin, pawikan (sea turtle), and whale shark sightings, which are quite visible even from the beach, as the World Wildlife Fund attests. A quick look at the map explains it all: Laiya sits on the coast of Sigayan Bay and the renowned Verde Island passage, which, according to the Global Marine Species Assessment of the World Conservation Union, has the highest concentration of marine life in the world. This prompted President Arroyo to declare Verde Island passage a marine sanctuary and national protected area. However—unlike Anilao, another marine sanctuary in Batangas—Laiya’s beach is pretty swimmable as the clear blue waters are free of undertow and the seabed near the coast is free of sharp corals.

Laiya

Laiya’s natural attractions aren’t just relegated in its waters. The 705-meter high Mt. Daguldol, Laiya’s picturesque backdrop, is home to several hiking destinations such as Naambon Falls and Mainit Pulang Bato. A trained mountain guide from the local mountaineering club can take you to the summit and back, a good eight-hour foot journey, for the average Joes. Just ask the resort where you stay in about the guided treks.

Another one of Laiya’s potential draw, reminiscent of Subic’s, is the giant fruit bats (Pteropus Vampyrus) seen on the trees at Parang Sili Dao, in the four-kilometer trek through farmlands and tropical forest. Another route goes through the river whose sandy riverbed is reportedly a nesting ground for turtles.

Photo and Article Source: Balikbayan Magazine