DISCOVER PHILIPPINES - CUATRO ISLAS

The Phillipines is blessed with so many beautiful islands and tourist spots to visit. In fact, the country is consisting of than 7,641 islands. There are three (3) major provinces namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The country's rich biodiversity is one of the main tourist attractions with its beaches, mountains, rainforests, islands and diving spots among the most popular tourist destinations. As an archipelago consisting of about 7,500 islands, the Philippines has numerous beaches, caves and other rock formations. Boracay has glaring white sand beaches and was named as the best island in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2012. The Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao, the historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Magellan's Cross in Cebu and the Tubbataha Reef in Visayas are other highlights. The Philippines is also one of the favorite retirement destinations for foreigners due to its warm climate all year round, beaches and low cost of living.
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Since I am from the Visayas, let us discover more of a few paradise hidden here. You do not need to travel far to experience white and powdery sands. We have it here too, undiscovered and not yet populated. Actually, Leyte is underrated for our beaches. But somehow, we are already proving people wrong.

Cuatros Islas (Four Islands) is located at the heart of Inopacan and Hindang, Leyte, Philippines. The three islands of Apid, Digyo and Mahaba are under the municipality of Inopacan while island of Himokilan is in Hindang.

My colleagues and I had agreed to take on a trip to Cuatro Islas on the first holiday of CY 2019. It was fortunate enough that the trip was pushed through. We are residing at Sogod, Southern Leyte which is just quite near to Inopacan, Leyte. We had agreed that we will have a convoy on using or Motor Bikes, one of the mode of transportation in town. But there are available vans that will take you directly from Sogod to Inopacan. Since its more or less than two hours drive, we made an early call time to depart. We agreed to flee the town at 7:00AM.

Our escapade was fit to go on a budget friendly trip. We wanted to enjoy the scenery at a low cost but shall be worth of our time too. So with regards to our food, we just bought some fish and pork to grill when we get to the island. We had prepared to bring along some boiled eggs, bread, fruits (banana and apples) and ordered some Pansit Bihon (Noodles). Of course, we bought some Chichira (chips) to munch on.

Once you reached the center of the municipality of Inopacan, you go directly to the port area. Right there, you will need to register at the Tourism Desk. You will be assigned to a boatmen that will take you back and forth. Yes! It is a round trip ticket! You also have to pay some entry fees. But the payment shall be made once you returned back after the trip.

Boat Rentals

Amount	No. of Pax
₱2,500	up to 10 persons (includes island hopping)
₱3,000	11 to 20 persons (includes island hopping)
₱4,000	21 to 30 persons (includes island hopping)
₱500	overnight surcharge

Entry Fees

Amount	No. of Pax
₱50	maintenance fee (LGU)
₱10	environmental fee (DENR)
₱10	maintenance fee (Barangay)

Cottage Rentals

Amount	No. of Pax
₱500	closed cottage (day use)
₱300	open cottage (day use)
₱200	tent
₱50	overnight surcharge

We paid for the P3,000,00 boat because we were eleven (11) in total and had chosen the open cottage for we weren't planning to go overnight. Actually, we only wanted to take our lunch there while enjoying the fresh air and thre breathtaking ocean view. hahaha..

• That is our sweet ride waiting for us to hop in. We have to walk a little because it was low tide at that time, the boat cannot go near the port side.

• See! It weren't too deep at all. But the water was cold.. bbrrrrrr..

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The boats used are all legit and registered by the LGU and that they mandated to have life jackets as a requirement from the local tourism. That being said, I felt safe. Yessss! I do not know how to swim, I panicked a lot when I know that the waters are too deep.

Onboard the boat, we get to interview our boatmen. The trip we paid has inlcusions on island hopping. Remember there are four (4) Islas here. Unfortunately, due to conlict of boundaries between the two municipalities we cannot however dock at Himokilan Island. But if you really insist on going there, there is an additional hefty charge to pay plus another environment fee. The choice is your to decide.

Our first stop was the Mahaba Island (Long Island). It basically strecthes a long ivory sand beach. The island was inhabitated by people. Swimming and cooking are prohibited there. You are only allowed to roam around and have your unlimited pictures. The boatmen had given us ample time to enjoy the island to ourselves. I suggest that you take the hot long walk around for you may not be able to come back again. Indulge while you still can.

• The island was truly breathtaking! But it was too hot at the same time. You really have to use some sun block for protection.

• Do not miss the chance to strike a pose even if the sun si scorhing hot! It literally gave me sunburn even if I had not gone to swimming.

Kuya (our boatman) told us that we will just pass through the Apid Island for there was nothing much to see there because there are actully communities living there. They even have shool, market and a church established there. We just agreed with him especially we were already hungry.

We are but left to one more Island, the Digyo. Alas, we were not disappointed. The Digyo Island is said to be the smallest among the four islands. It also has its promised white powdery sand that you can see in Boracay or in Palawan. And the water is majestically crystal clear that you can see through from the boat. It was so heavenly blue waters!!! I think I uttered the word WOW!!! too many times. :)

The island has a small sand bar. It was short but beautiful in every angle. You have half a day to explore the island and savor the magnificent super blue beach. There are a few residents in the island where they can cook the food for you with an extra charge.

• This was the open cottage they have. Apart that the table was too short or the chair/bench was too far. We ended up eating standing. hahahaha..

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• Finally, we had our groufie shot. Take as many as you can, memories will forever lingers while you can never turn back time.

• In every Barkada trip, there should always be a jump shot! Its a must.. haha

• Jump shots are difficult to take! hahahaha... In any large group is too hard to syncronize. It is hard to master 1 2 3.. JUMP!
  Never stop trying till you get it perfectly.

• Perfect shot!
  Patience is a virtue.. and the sun is killing me.

We walked to the end of the sand bar and check what is there. We have heard of humors that at the end of every sand bars, there is a danger that you could be sweep in by a strong current. So, we were extra careful going there. The waters were just too enviting.

• I love this shot, it was like they were floating. Gorgeous!

• I told them to lie down, they did! Even it was toooooo hot!

• You should also try the mermaid shot.

• Take a snap too with your boat in the backgorund

• He too was amazed how powdery the sand was! I cant help but take the shot.

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SUMMARY OF EXPENSES:

Amount	Details
₱3,200	Boat rental plus P200 tip for Kuya
₱770	Entry fees
₱1,480	Food
₱200	Cooking Charge
₱350	Drinks
₱500	Cottage
₱6,500	Total Expenses
₱500	cost per pax

We only get to spend P500.00 (approximately $9.61) to get to this untouched paradise.

All pcitures was taken from one DSLR Camera and we took turns taking the shots, but most of the time I was behind the camera.

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That ends our escapade!

It was a moment we will all cheerish. We are too caught up in our individual lives. It was the day when the stars, moon and sun had collided and agreed that we sail for a trip and that nothing will come in between. See you in our next adventure.

Hope you enjoyed our little trip. Stay tune for more places to discover here in my country.

Come visit us!

xoxo
maquemali

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