Lesser known Philippine Islands to visit

CEBU, Philippines - There is no doubt whatsoever that of the 7,100 islands the Philippines has, there are still many patches of paradise yet to be discovered.  There’s certainly a lot more than just Boracay or

Mactan or Palawan or Malapascua.  The funny thing is that these fantastic islands at just there – they’re neither hidden nor  so difficult to find.

It’s a mystery why not many people have discovered Sambawan Island in Biliran or Calicoan Island in Eastern Samar or Digyo Island in Southern Leyte. And these islands are in the Visayas alone. There are many more elsewhere in the country.

For Visayas travelers who want to explore their own periphery first, these island-trip suggestions from the website www. waytogo.cebupacificair.com should be interesting:

Pamilacan Island, Bohol

One’s knowledge of Bohol may simply be limited to Chocolate Hills and Panglao, where many resorts are.  The tiny Pamilacan Island is vaguely heard of. But, oh, it’s really worth visiting.

Located a 45-minute boat ride away from the town of Bacloyan, this hidden gem is the very definition of “bucolic” – it’s home to just over 200 families, and electricity runs only from 4 p.m. to midnight. The traveler’s day may be spent lounging on the empty beach, gazing at the sea or reading a book. One may also snorkel at the island’s marine sanctuary, which is replete with healthy corals and lively fish.

To get there: From Tagbilaran City, one may ride a jeep bound for Baclayon and, once there, hire a private boat or join the locals in a passenger boat to Pamilacan.

Sicogon Island, Iloilo

For something more under the radar, one may check out the sandy beaches and sparkling waters of Sicogon. Life on the island is laid back: visitors may hunt for seashells, lounge under the canopy of verdant trees, snap photos to the heart’s content and strike up conversations with the locals. There are no resorts on the island yet, but visitors can stay with a local family for a petty fee a night – or pitch their own tents and sleep under the stars.

To get there: Estancia, the jump-off point for Sicogon, is an hour away from Roxas City and three hours from Iloilo City.

Olotayan Island, Roxas City

Despite being dubbed “Little Boracay,” for its pristine beaches, this peaceful island barangay is still very much underdeveloped and unnoticed. Travelers may have to cook their own instant noodles and sardines for dinner, and spend the night in an open cottage under a sky full of stars. But wouldn’t it be wonderful?

To get there: From Roxas City, visitors may hop on a tricycle to Banica Wharf, and then hire a private boat to take them to the island. The boat ride takes around 45 minutes.

Sambawan Island, Biliran

This island in Maripipi town is beautiful in so many ways. Some of the things one can do here include swimming and diving in the marine sanctuary which has amazingly clear waters, drinking “tuba” (coconut wine) and staying overnight in a local home. There’s also a watchtower on the highest point of the island, which offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset.

To get there: From Tacloban City, one may take a bus to Naval, Biliran, and then a passenger boat to Maripipi Island. When on Maripipi, habal-habal (passenger motorcycle) rides are available to take one to Barangay Ol-og, the jump-off point for Sambawan Island.

Calicoan Island, Eastern Samar

Calicoan Island is part of Guiuan town. To this day, the island still bears scars from the tragedy of super typhoon Yolanda and is on the process of recovery. Despite the vast damage, Calicoan Island remains alluring to intrepid travelers. Those who’d venture would be rewarded with crystal-clear tidal pools, long stretches of white-sand beaches, oceanic swells and intimate coves.

To get there: From Tacloban City, buses or vans take passengers to Guiuan. From there, travelers may take a jeep to Sulangan, from where to take a boat to Calicoan.

Digyo Island,  Southern Leyte

Digyo is part of Cuatro Islas (Four Islands), located off the coast of Inopacan, Southern Leyte. This little island is postcard-perfect, with incredibly clear turquoise waters at beaches lined with swaying coconut trees. Cottages are available for rent for overnight stays. But there are no food stalls on the island, so travelers must bring their own packed food and drinking water.

To get there: From Cebu, there’s a ferry that sails to Baybay, from where the traveler may take a bus to Inopacan. From Inopacan, it’s a 30-minute boat ride to Digyo Island.