Round two: Let’s beat the heat of Summer – Higatangan Island

This is the continuation of our Trip in Naval, Biliran. After our swimming in Tinago falls, we attend at about 6:00 pm the birthday party of Marvie’s aunt. One of the visitors named Mang Rudy whom a close family friend of Marvie’s aunt, invited us to stay overnight at their place in Higatangan island. Because of our curiosity, we interrogate him about the place, and we decided to visit the place on the following morning. Mang Rudy voluntarily provides us a boat and a cottage to rent in an overnight stay.

Before we sleep, we made a plan in going to higatangan Island. And because they did not bring a swimwear outfit, we decided to buy one and include in the lists on what to bring to the island.

On the following morning, we woke up at 5:00 am to buy the necessary things and foods we needed on the island. And at 9:00 am, we directly go to the pier to wait for our boat.

Higatangan Island is one of the many tourist destinations of Naval, Biliran and it is located on the north-west tip of Leyte. The name higatangan came from the Visayan word “atangan”, that means “to waiting for” in English. The island has several white beaches and blessed with mysterious and interesting rock formations. There’s a myth that the place was where the pirates ambushed the approaching ships loaded with goods and also the place where the Moros lay in wait for their enemies going to Sumbul (Naval). It has a 200-meter shifting white sandbar that stretches out like a giant tongue facing the ocean. And because of the sturdy current of water surrounding in the sand bar, some people lost their lives and says their lives were attributed as “alay-buhay”, in English “Offering life” to appease the gods.

ATTRACTIONS OF HIGATANGAN ISLAND

a. The shifting bar – It is a shifting sandbar because the sand forms in the different color depending on the time of the day. The alteration of colors from the bright white sand to the pristine blue waters takes your breath away. The visitors are prohibited to swim in the sandbar because it suddenly shifts and it brings shifting depths that may cause the swimmer to be drowned because of its strong current of water. The sandbar could extend into several meters one day and disperse widely in a few directions the next.

b. The Rock Formations – The rock formations can be found at the back of the Higatangan island, facing the Visayan sea. It is risky in going there because you will meet big and harsh waves along your way. The boat will suddenly be going down and up because of the waves and strong current of water. Never thought in my life, I could encounter such big waves like this. My friends were trained as Water search and rescue (WaSar) but at that point of time, they feel scared of their life. Everyone was silent and pray individually that we were safe in reaching our destination. After we survive the big and harsh waves, all our worries were worn out because of the jaw-dropping panorama of rock formations. The spectacular rock outcrop is crafted by nature’s own hands. It is a result of hundreds of years of the resulting elements of heat, wind, erosion and the crashing waves. A heritage sculpted by time, earth’s gift to us. The captain of our boat told us that these rocks formations are a dwelling place for the supernatural creatures. There were instances that passing boats were rocked and cameras malfunctioned when going near to their home. Tourists are asked to behave when passing by, in order not to invite bad fate. It was also said that there is a secret underwater cave route to Masbate.

c. Hagdan Beach Resort – is a private beach resort located at Brgy. Libertad, Higatangan, Naval, Biliran. This is a perfect place for those visitors who wanted to have privacy. This isolated beautiful beach lies in the sheltered position of the rock formations. There are four elevated rooms with an amazing view of the ocean and the rock formations. It is strictly prohibited to those visitors who would not stay on this beach and you will pay the entrance fee P25.00 per person once you enter their premises.

ISLAND FEE:
Entrance Fee: P25.00/person
Cottage : 500 with open cottage
Rooms : P1,800 (Aircon good for six persons), P1,200 ( Electric fan good for two persons)

How to Get There in Higatangan Island

VIA TACLOBAN CITY – DZR Airport
Tourists can reach Biliran by air travel via Tacloban City. From the airport, you take a tricycle or jeep going to the terminal of buses and vans directly to Naval. Vans cost $3. The travel time from Tacloban to Naval is around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Via Cebu City – Mactan International Airport, Mactan Cebu
From Cebu city fast crafts are available to Ormoc City. Travel time is 3 hours. From there you can take shuttle vans directly to Naval. Travel time 1.5 hour.

From Naval Town Proper to Higatangan Island

Options:

1. Hire a private boat to take you directly to Higatangan Island. For a capacity of 15 persons or more, it will cost Php 5,000 ($100.00) roundtrip Naval-Higatangan-Naval. For a small group of people up to 7 passengers Php 3,000 ($60.00) roundtrip. Prices negotiable

2. Go the local way; catch a ride at one of the ferry boats going to the Higatangan Island. They travel daily, they leave Naval port at 12 Noon and travel back at 7:30 in the morning. There is only one pump boat on Sunday. Be there by 11 am or earlier to secure a seat. Travel time is roughly 45 minutes. The regular fare is Php 50 ($1.00) per passenger.

Traveling Tips

• You should not travel after 5 pm especially when the weather is not good.
• Purchased your supplies needed for the trip (Food, water, SPF Protection and etc.). There is sari-sari store on the island.
• Make sure your camera battery is full
• Bring enough cash
• You can buy fresh fish from the day’s catch.
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring your own swimming gear

Activities

• Kayaking
• Cliff/Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Trekking
• Camping
• Picnic
• Photo op

Getting around

You can ride a motorized banca to tour around the island, the estimated cost for 10 persons is Php 600.00 ($12.00).