When I was young my family and I always pass by this long stretch of a road in going to Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. This road was, in every part, bumpy. This road was very dusty to the point that one can actually have an asthma attack at the moment. But this road has one thing that other roads in the whole of Region 8, or perhaps the whole Philippines, do not have. Awesome waves, crystal clear waters, fine golden sand, half virgin forests, weird but beautifully shaped shells and corals by the seashore are just a few. So what’s this road anyway?

Tourists call it Calicoan Island. Calicoan Island is actually the main road in going to Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, a famous place among religious devotees. Although it is an underdeveloped road, it is nothing but rich of nature. Just one of the many places of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.  It is beautifully placed looking out to the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side and the Leyte Gulf on the west side. Perfect for the ultimate Pacific adventure yet the place to be on lazy days just watching the waves. The island is famous for its big waves and golden sand. It is not uncommon to see waves of 8 feet or more. On days when the wind is up, it is also not unusual to see people of different nationalities – Americans, British, Australians, Koreans, Filipinos, male and female – riding the waves and soaking up in the sun. On the months between May and October, the island is filled by more than just locals.  Tourists from all over the world flock to the island for the beach, the sun and the waves.

Before the island had resorts, villas and subdivisions to quench tourists’ thirst for a slice of paradise, the island was covered in thick untouched forests with an abundant wildlife. You can expect to see animals like monkeys dangling around trees and watching passers-by. And if you happen to be in Calicoan Island at night, you can see a parade of crabs making their way on the other side of the road especially on a full moon. The island also prides itself with fresh seafood like lobsters, crabs, tuna fish, Blue Marlin and Spanish Mackerel to name a few. Nature lovers will find themselves following the forest’s small trails that lead to caves, rugged cliffs and other unexplored gifts of nature. Near the end of a 3 kilometer beach is a cliff where one can stand on top and fell the spray of the waters as the waves crush the jagged parts of the cliff. Also, don’t forget to climb to the yoga camp and witness the breath-taking view of the whole island bound by the Pacific Ocean and the Leyte Gulf. Continue reading →