Samar ( Eastern)

A True Island Hideaway

Not many are aware of this beautiful island called Calicoan, although Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan first made landfall in the Philippines in nearby Homonhon Island. During the Second World War, it was the biggest American PT boat base in the Pacific. Lying by the town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar, this island has long stretches of untouched white sand beaches dotted with coves, a cathedral cave, islets, and unique rock formations. Inland, the island has a thriving tropical forest with seven inland lakes. To prevent over-development, a law has already been passed that has set aside 50% of the island’s 1,600 hectares as a protected forest preserve. With two bodies of water—the Pacific Ocean and Leyte Gulf— Calicoan is not a “new Boracay” for it offers more. Besides the usual swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing, there is surfing, fishing (tuna and marlin), spelunking, and trekking.

                                    Asian inspired Villa

                                                                     Calicoan Island

Giant lobsters here are so plentiful that you can have as many as you can feast on. The island’s development is low keyed— attracting those who seek a true quiet hideaway and listen to the soothing rhythm of the waves. There is a chic, boutique resort simply called The Surf Camp with tastefully designed cottages that has been described as the “Amanpulo for surfers.” For those who want to build their dream hideaway with the beach just a few steps away, limited island lots are available (www.calicoanislandph.com; tel. +6332 232 2820). Things are moving up in the Leyte-Samar region. Besides frequent commercial flights from Tacloban (95 kilometers from Guiuan), PAL has opened new flights to Catarman and Calbayog in Northern Samar. Calicoan Island also has its own sturdy airport built by the American Navy’s Seabees that will soon have regular, commercial flights. With all these access points, a boom is bound to take place and this region, so full of ecotourism potential, deserves it. If you are looking for virginal investments in this region that you can also enjoy, Calicoan is a good start.

Photo and Article Source: Mabuhay Magazine ( PAL)