Heading to San Pablo Island: Your Guide to White Sand Beaches and Crystal Clear Waters

San Pablo Island is one of the many beautiful islands that the Philippines has to offer. Located in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, it belongs to the Twin Islands along with its sister island, San Pedro. San Pablo Island is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, making this paradise a top destination for swimming and SCUBA diving.

Are you planning to go to San Pablo Island but don’t know where to start? Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you enjoy your trip to this beautiful place:

Getting to San Pablo Island

San Pablo Island is accessible by a passenger boat from the town of Hinunangan in Southern Leyte. The boat ride will take around 1-2 hours, depending on sea conditions. Hinunangan is accessible by bus from the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte. From Tacloban, the bus ride will take around 4-5 hours while from Ormoc, it will take around 3-4 hours.

When to Visit San Pablo Island

The best time to visit San Pablo Island is during the summer season, which starts from March to May. The weather during these months is dry and sunny, perfect for swimming and island hopping. The rainy season in the Philippines starts from June to November, and it’s best to avoid this season as sea conditions can be rough.

Things to Do in San Pablo Island

San Pablo Island offers a variety of activities that will surely make your stay enjoyable. Here are some of the things to do while you’re on the island:

1. Swim in the crystal clear waters

The island boasts crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming. You can also rent a kayak to explore the island’s coastline.

2. SCUBA Diving

If you want to explore the island's underwater world, then you should try SCUBA diving. The island’s coral reefs offer a unique experience for divers, from colorful fishes to other sea creatures.

3. Island Hopping

San Pablo Island is just one of the beautiful islands in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. You can arrange an island hopping tour and explore the other islands in the area like San Pedro Island and Tulang Island, which also offer stunning white pebble beaches.

4. Snorkeling

If you don't want to try SCUBA diving, you can still explore the island's coral reefs through snorkeling. You can rent snorkeling gear and enjoy the beautiful underwater world.

Where to Stay in San Pablo Island

There are no hotels or resorts on San Pablo Island, but there are several homestays available. The most popular homestays are located in the Barangays of Cagutsan and Binongto-an. Homestays usually offer basic amenities like a bedroom and a shared bathroom. Booking in advance is highly recommended as there are only limited accommodations available on the island.

Where to Eat in San Pablo Island

There are no restaurants or fast food chains in San Pablo Island. However, your homestay or tour operator can arrange meals for you. They usually offer a menu consisting of local dishes like grilled fish and adobo.

Tips for Travelers

1. Bring enough cash

There are no ATMs on San Pablo Island, so it’s essential to bring enough cash for your stay. You can withdraw cash in Hinunangan town before heading to the island.

2. Bring a waterproof bag

To protect your valuables like cameras and phones, it's best to bring a waterproof bag. This is also useful when you’re going on island hopping tours.

3. Respect the island’s rules.

When visiting the island, it's important to follow the island’s rules and regulations. Don’t throw your trash on the beaches or the sea, and don’t disturb the island's natural wildlife.

With its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, San Pablo Island is indeed a piece of paradise that you wouldn't want to miss. So book your trip now and experience the beauty of Southern Leyte!

Dive into the Blue: Exploring the Best of Napantao Marine Sanctuary

Diving and Snorkeling at Napantao Marine Sanctuary in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte

Introduction 

Whenyou hear the word "sanctuary," the first thing that may come to mind is a place of refuge or protection. Well, that's exactly what the Napantao Marine Sanctuary in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte seeks to provide forits marine ecosystem. It is an area where aquatic life can thrive without being disturbed by human activities like fishing and pollution. The sanctuary is open to the public for diving and snorkeling activities, giving visitors a chance to witness the beauty of marine life in this part of the Philippines. 

Location and Access 

The Napantao Marine Sanctuary is located in the municipality of San Francisco in Southern Leyte. The sanctuary is about 20 minutes away from the town proper of Padre Burgos, which is the jump-off point for most visitors. From there, you can hire a habal-habal or a motorbike to take you to the sanctuary. The road to the sanctuary is a bit bumpy, but the view of the surrounding mountains and the bay is breathtaking. 

Entrance Fee and Guidelines 

To visit the sanctuary, you have to pay an entrance fee of Php 100 for adults and Php 50 for kids. The fee goes towards the maintenance and preservation of the sanctuary. Once inside, you have to follow a few guidelines to ensure that you don't harm the marine ecosystem. For instance, you can't use sunscreen, as it can harm the corals. You also can't touch or step on the corals, and you have to keep a safe distance from the marine life. 

Diving 

For diving enthusiasts, Napantao Marine Sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of coral species and fish, including barracudas, tuna, and even whale sharks. Depending on your level of experience, you can choose to dive at different depths, from shallow lagoons to deeper areas where you can encounter larger marine animals. The water temperature is usually warm, ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for diving. 

Snorkeling 

If you're not a certified diver or don't have much experience, snorkeling is a great way to explore the sanctuary's marine life. You can rent snorkeling gear at the sanctuary or bring your own. You'll be amazed by the vibrant colors of the corals and the schools of fish swimming around you. Some areas of the sanctuary are shallow enough for you to stand on the sandy bottom while observing the marine life. 

Other Activities 

Aside from diving and snorkeling, there are other things to do in the Napantao Marine Sanctuary and its surroundings. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to explore the bay and its mangrove forests. You can also go on a trek to the nearby mountains to get a panoramic view of the bay and its islands. If you're lucky, you might even spot some monkeys and birds along the way. 

Where to Stay 

If you want to stay near the Napantao Marine Sanctuary, there are a few accommodations to choose from. You can stay at the nearby town of Padre Burgos, which has several resorts and homestays. Some of the popular ones are the Southern Leyte Divers resort, the Sogod Bay Scuba Resort, and the Peter's Dive Resort. These resorts offer various diving packages and can arrange transfers to the sanctuary. 

Napantao Marine Sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone who loves marine life and wants to experience it up close. Its clear waters, vibrant corals, and diverse marine species make it a perfect destination for diving and snorkeling. Add to that the sanctuary's efforts to preserve and protect its ecosystem, and you have an experience that not only gives you joy but also contributes towards a sustainable future. So, pack your bags, put on your diving gear, and head to Napantao Marine Sanctuary for an adventure of a lifetime.