HINDANG, Leyte- Four small islands located off the towns of Inopacan and this town have been included among the region’s destinations for cruise tourism.
These are the islands of Digyo, Apid, Mahaba part of Inopacan town and Himokilan, this town.
The three islands are collectively known as Cuatro Islas.
At present, the regional Department of Tourism has identified the historic island town of Limasawa, Southern Leyte; Kalanggaman in Palompon, Leyte, and Capul in Northern Samar as cruise destinations of the region .
“Cuatro Islas is ready for tourism because for the past few years every time we attend travel fairs, Cuatro Islas is one of the places with the most inquiries,” Rina Apostol of DOT-8, said.
A cruise ship is expected to arrive in the region this May with a visit to the Cuatro Islas included on its itinerary.
The islands’ pristine waters, white sand and being declared as protected areas are among their come-ons for tourists to come.
Of the four islands, Digyo is considered the smallest occupying 4.5 hectares but is the most popular among tourists.
Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are the activities that can be done in the islands aside from swimming.
Apid, the second biggest, is the farthest island with boat makers and mat weavers among its residents.
Mahaba Island, the second biggest island, is named due to its elongated shape with majestic rock formations dotting it.
But its hidden treasure is a small lagoon about 10 minutes’ walk from the shoreline where rare species of small red shrimp are found.
There is also a cave on the island that is the haven for the furious nut-cracking coco crabs locally known as “tatus” a native crab locally known as “alikway”.
The endangered mangrove species locally called “bantolinao” are found abundantly on the island.
Himokilan is the biggest of the four with 48 hectares land area and is shaped like a large boat floating above blue waters.
It offers the best spot and trails for camping and mountain-trekking, exploring the cave and bats watching.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
