Cuatro Islas: The Four Scenic Islets of Leyte
Looking for an island hopping in Leyte? Cuatro Islas is for you! These islands may relatively unheard to me until I saw a friend posted a photos of the island in social media. These islands hold a beautiful rock formations and crystal powder sand bar. Situated both in municipality of Inopacan and Hindang in Leyte, this island is composed of four islets namely Mahaba, Digyo and Apid island under the municipality of Inopacan and Himokilan island under the municipality of Hindang.
The first island we docked-in is the Mahaba Island. Travel time from Inopacan mainland to the island is 30 minutes. Traveling to this island is one of a hell ride experience. We were just unlucky because an undesirable weather disturbance happened, the unexpected Habagat. I thought that was the last day of our lives. A strong wind and huge wave hits our boat. I’ve been praying to Him that hopefully we can surpass it and it was an answered prayer. Thank God when we almost near Mahaba Island the rain and wind stops and saw a clear sky after.
Mahaba Island is the second largest of the group. The island is elongated in shape covered in lush nature. This island has a crystal clear water, beautiful white-sand beach and rock formation.
Mahaba Island's cream powdered sand.
Mahaba Island's rock formation.
Summer squad!
A 20 minute ride from Mahaba Island, we reached Digyo Island. This island is the smallest of the four islands but competes with Mahaba for the title of most beautiful among the four. The island has a white sand bar that is comparable to Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte.
Digyo on the background.
Almost there!
Digyo Island's panoramic view.
Chilling in the island. Far behind are Mahaba and Himokilan Island.
Digyo Island's white sand.
On our itinerary, we only visited two islands, the Mahaba and Digyo Island. We decided not to dock our boat in Apid Island. According to our boatmen it was the least appealing and the most populated of the four islands. The island is a home to a fishing village and no beautiful sight to look for, and also in Himokilan Island because it is under the jurisdiction of municipality of Hindang. If you plan to visit the Himokilan Island you have to go to tourism office of Hindang and pay for another fee.
HOW TO GET THERE
Ride a van that goes to Inopacan, Leyte and tell the driver that you intend to go to Cuatro Islas. Travel distance from Ormoc City is roughly 80 kilometers and travel time will take 1 and a half hour. They will drop you at the national highway in front of Inopacan Municipal Hall. Take a walk going to the back side of the municipal hall where boats to the islands are docked. From there you can charter a pump boat that goes to the island. You don't have to worry about the reservations of the pump boat since the tourism office has a plenty of pump boat that can accommodate their visitors.
WHERE TO EAT AND STAY
There were no resorts or fancy accommodations in the island, only huts or small cottages you can rent for the day and or overnight. Better bring packed meals and everything you need such as eating utensils and drinks.
FEES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Environmental Fee – Php50
Cottages – P350 for open cottages and P500 for closed cottages
Tent Fee – P50 for space rent plus Php200 for portable tent/Php300 for camping tent
Motorized Outrigger / Pump Boat
- 10 people and below – Php2000 to Php2500
- 11-22 people – Php3000 to Php3500
- 23-up people – Php4500 to Php5000
