The Cuatro Islas of Leyte

CEBU, Philippines — There’s a lot more to Leyte than the MacArthur landing and super typhoon Yolanda. The island is also the birthplace of the country’s most widely known First Lady. And, if one bothers, Leyte has a lot of hidden treasures to discover.

For example, unknown to many travelers, Leyte has its Cuatro Islas, four islets of sheer natural beauty. The islets are called Mahaba, Digyo, Himokilan and Apid, all belonging to the town of Inopacan.

Mahaba

Most probably called so because of its elongated shape, Mahaba islet is the second largest of the group and covered in lush vegetation but barely inhabited with only a tiny village in the northwest. Beautiful white-sand beaches are found on the eastern and northern sides. The surrounding waters off Mahaba are remarkably clear and glassy. Nice rock formations are noticeable on the eastern side, with a long sandbar parallel to the beach.

The beach has plenty of shade from the trees to allow for beach bumming even if the sun gets rather fierce. The chirping of the birds nesting on the trees blends so well with the sound of the waves, to lull one to slow down and relax. Mahaba is a protected marine sanctuary. Several meters away from shore, there’s a coral reef where the sea bottom drops off suddenly.

Digyo

Digyo is the smallest of the Cuatro Islas, but its beauty stands out among the four islets. A few houses are found there – probably for the caretakers of the islet. There’s no running water; the islanders fetch water from the sea. Digyo is undeveloped, which explains its pristine state. Visitors, though, shall expect rudimentary restrooms facilities at the small rental cottages.

Sand bars have formed at both ends of Digyo, where the sand is white and the waters crystal-clear. It is really an attractive, peaceful islet that’s good to explore on foot.

Himokilan

Himokilan is the second most populated island in Cuatro Islas. The northeastern part has plenty of coral reefs around, while the southwestern part of the island is a marine sanctuary where fishing, snorkeling and diving are all strictly prohibited.

Apid

Apid Island is the most populated of the four islets. Its white-sand beach line is home to a fishing village, and small fishing boats line the whole stretch of the beach. Apid is somewhat the least visited, for now, among the four islets comprising the Cuatro Islas. It is father from the mainland, and offers about the same natural beauty as the other three.

How to get there

The town of Inopacan is the starting point for boat rides to Cuatro Islas. If coming from Ormoc City, the traveler may take a public utility van and get off at the Inopacan municipal hall, where the dock of boats to the islets is right behind. (The pier at Hilongos town, with boats coming directly from Cebu, may also be a good jump-off point.)

Motorized outrigger boats are available at the dock at Inopacan to ferry travelers to Cuatro Islas. The boat ride to most of the islets is about 30 minutes. A regular-size boat can accommodate about10 people; the bigger ones, more. Rental prices range from P2,500 to P3,500 for a day trip, depending on the size of the boat. Travelers may haggle with the boat operator.

The islets charge a minimal fee from visitors, for the maintenance and upkeep of the place. The best time to go Cuatro Islas is early in the morning in order to make the most of the day.