Travel Guide: San Pedro Island, Hinunangan, So. Leyte
San Pedro Island is one of the twin
set of islands off the coast of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. Although not as
famous as the other white-sand islands in Leyte like Kalanggaman and
Canigao, San Pedro Island also has its fair share of a beautiful white pebble beach,
crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and picturesque views of sunrise and
sunsets.
How to Get There
Aeroplane from Manila or Cebu
There are passenger flights from Manila to Tacloban, or Cebu to Tacloban, every day. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and fifteen minutes. If you're from Cebu, it takes about forty five (45) minutes. After touchdown, head for the Tacloban City Bus Terminal. You can rent a taxi or a transfer service from the airport.
Tacloban City
At the Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for southbound vans or
buses that are traveling to St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. Make sure that the PUV (Public
Utility Vehicle) traverses through Silago municipality, because some PUVs bound
for St. Bernard, go the other route via Sogod. Travel time to the town of Hinunangan
spans from two (2) hours to two (2) and a half. You'll have to tell the driver
to be dropped off at Brgy. Canipaan, this is the jump-off point to either San
Pedro or San Pablo islands.
The pump boat ride to
San Pedro or San Pablo Islands ranges from 15-25 minutes. You can either rent
the whole boat for a two (2) way service or you can take a one (1) way ride to
the island, but you’ll have to wait until the boat gets to max capacity before
it leaves, and that’ll take a while.
You can rent any boat
service to the island, but I highly suggest you look for Angelo Zoilo
(+63-905-824-2330), not only is their service fast and friendly, but you can
also ask for a discount, on account you make them your “suki”, (Filipino for person/s
you prefer to do transactions with, frequently).
Cebu City via Ormoc City
Assuming that you’re going to Leyte through
boat, you’ll have to board either a fast-craft or a ferry liner via Cebu City
Port. Large ferry ships take about seven (7) hours to get to Ormoc City,
Leyte, but just three (3) hours when you take a trip using fast-crafts. The Bus
Terminal of Ormoc City is just beside the City Port, you can directly board
a bus named Ms. Canipaan bound for Hinunangan,
Southern Leyte, which takes around four (4) hours to travel. |
| Vista Beach Resort |
What to Bring
San Pedro Island, or politically known as Barangay
San Pedro, Hinunangan, has a sustainable community of less than five hundred
(500) people. Because of the influx of tourists, visitors, and for the consumption
of the locals, the island has small convenience stores (Sari-sari stores in
Filipino), that sell items for immediate needs such as canned goods, liquor and
beer, preserved food, rice, soap, shampoo, some other toiletries, and spices if
you want to cook food yourself.
Although there are Sari-sari stores in the island, you
have to remember that these are only limited, so it’s better to bring the
things that you need and buy them from the mainland, and it is relatively
cheaper this way too! They also have cottages that you can rent that have its own Abuhan,
where you can cook food using charcoal or firewood. Down below is the list of
things I’ll advise you to bring.
Food
and Beverages
Do remember that you have to bring food that can
easily be prepared and cooked in the island. This includes marinated meat for
barbecue, seafood, etc. This also means you’ll either have to grill or stew
your food. You can also buy fresh fish from the local fishermen. If you’ll be
cooking food in the island, bring your own cooking utensils such as casseroles,
knives, etc. Bring charcoal and a lighter as well. The usual utensils for
eating must also be present; plates, spoons and forks, glasses, etc. Also bring
at least two (2) liters of potable water per person, per day. To keep your
drinks cold, and your food from getting bad immediately, I suggest you bring a
cooler and fill it with lots of ice.
Clothing
and Toiletries
The amount of clothes you should bring depends on
how frequent you’ll have to change. I
suggest you bring at least three (3) sets of fresh clothes, per day. One for
bathing at the pristine and cool beach, one fresh set after taking a dip, and another in reserve.
I also suggest you double the amount of underwear, just to be sure. Girls,
don’t forget to bring your own napkins or tampons, just in case they don’t sell
it in the island. If you plan to stay at a resort, you can use their toilet and
shower for free. We went to Vista Beach Resort, where they have concrete
cottages and rooms for rent. They also sell toiletries such as soap, etc., in
case you weren’t able to bring any. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a first aid
kit, sunscreen, and mosquito cream.
Camping
Equipment
Like all other nature excursions, you have to at
least bring tent/s. This is to keep your food, clothing, and other items inside
safe, assuming you leave camp and explore the island. I also suggest bringing
picnic mats, and for those who don’t like to stay inside the tent, bring a
sleeping bag. You can also bring rechargeable lights and portable powerbanks
for use at night. Some resorts on the island offer rooms for overnight stays.
The island has limited electricity which is turned on at 6:00 PM and then
turned off at 9:00 PM, you can have your electronic gadgets charged at the
resort or you can rent electric outlets from the residents’ homes. Also keep in
mind that these resorts offer basic accommodations only.
Sports
Gear
San Pedro Island offer medium sized waves good for
skim boarding or surfing, on the Pacific side. They also have good underwater biodiversity
if you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling. If you want to catch fresh fish,
you can bring your fishing equipment. All these water sports activities can be
done, but you’ll have to bring them all yourself as there aren't any on the island.
Budget and Expenses
The most important part of the trip’s planning; BUDGETING!
Tabulated below is list of the expenses you will individually make. This
estimate is supposing that you’re traveling from Tacloban or Ormoc City, you’re
with a group of ten (10) people, and you’re staying overnight.
Specifics
|
Breakdown / Explanation
|
Your Cost
|
Group Cost
|
Bus or Van
|
Php
140.00 for a one (1) way ride
|
P 280.00
|
P 2,800.00
|
Boat Ride
|
Php
1,500.00 for a two (2) way rented service, travels any time you please; or
|
P 150.00
|
P 1,500.00
|
a one
(1) way trip per person, but you’ll have to wait until the boat is on full cap.
|
P 20.00
|
-
|
|
Cottage
|
Cottage
with seating capacity of 10-15 people, with use of makeshift kitchen
|
P 250.00
|
P 250.00
|
Food
|
Php
450.00 per meal for 10 people (Fish: 1 Kilo, Meat: 1 Kilo, Rice: 1 Kilo);
includes lunch & dinner for the 1st day, and breakfast &
lunch for the 2nd
|
P 180.00
|
P 1,800.00
|
Miscellaneous
|
Includes
other necessary items, for personal use, etc.
|
P 140.00
|
P 1,400.00
|
Entrance & Camping Fee
|
They’re
trusting you to leave zero footprint, so don’t litter, don’t
vandalize, and don’t harm local flora or fauna
|
FREE
|
FREE
|
TOTAL
|
P
1,000.00
|
P
7,750.00
|
|
Notes and Reminders
- San Pedro Island community offers the visit to the island for free.
- You can set up camp almost anywhere on the island, but please don't litter.
- They have clean water safe for drinking and/or bathing, but it is only limited.
- Some locals operate Sari-sari stores that sell preserved food, toiletries, and liquor.
- Although they have resorts, they're only basic, so don't expect too much.
- They have limited electricity turned on at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Don't start a fire over the white sand or pebbles because it'll get discolored, you can cover it with some soil that you can get from further inland.
- Some rare birds and wildlife can be seen on the island, they're not doing anything to you, except amaze you, so please don't do anything to them.
- Bring a large garbage bag so you can collect the trash of the whole group and dispose of it properly after you get back to the mainland.
- Don't forget to take pictures!
There you have it! Your travel guide and tips to spending a day or two at the beautiful island of San Pedro, in the town of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte!
6 comments:
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Nice. Thank you. I'm planning to visit the island soon.
We stayed at a wonderful beach resort near San Pablo island in Hinunangan at Tahusan Beach-Dona Marta Beach resort.They now feature a wonderful restaurant called Rosita's by the Bay,we had a lovely time there as resort has all amenities including wifi and best of all they accept credit cards! We will definitely be returning soon and recommend this place highly.www.donamartabeachresort.com
Do you have a contact number fir the resorts?
Thank you for sharing this very informative content. Hope you could visit Ka tunyings, they serve delicious filipino food 🙂
Do they have the presence of PCG for monitoring the CAPABILITY and CAPACITY of the PUMPBOATS operated on that area?
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