WAVES AND CAVE A surfer rides the waves at ABCD Beach on Calicoan Island
GUIUAN, Easter Samanr — With big waves crashing in the Pacific Ocean, a small island at the southern tip of Samar is a surfer’s paradise just waiting to be explored.
Calicoan, one of the islands of Guiuan town in Eastern Samar province, has been getting the thumbs-up from surfing enthusiasts.
“It’s all about the waves, it’s really nice to surf there,” says surfer Frank Reed Andil.
“What makes Calicoan different is its reef break,” says Andil, comparing the island’s wave turbulence with those of Samar’s other surfing “great spots” such as Hernani, Llorente and Maydolong towns in Eastern Samar.
Aside from its waters, Calicoan is blessed with a long stretch of white sand beach, crystal blue waters, lagoons and caves.
Those who prefer to stay in an area with white sandy beaches and calmer waves can head to Sulangan town, 4 kilometers from ABCD Beach.
Breathtaking sight
Just before the bridge leading to the town, a small dirt road ends up on a public beach with powdery white sand and clear waters. The beach is usually empty, but the sight is breathtaking—sky and sea seem to meet in lovely shades of blue.
It is a great spot for snorkeling as schools of multicolored fish are a common sight, and for watching the sunset.
But Calicoan is not all about the beach and the waves. Exploring the caves can be an interesting part of the trip.
A short ride from ABCD Beach is Linao Cave, which is hidden in a tropical forest. According to locals, the cave was so named because of its pool of clear and still water.
Linao Cave
Cave formations
To reach the pool, one must pass through a small, dark, watery tunnel, helped by a guide and equipped with a flashlight and a dry bag.
Be awed by the stone formations inside the cave. One can’t help but close one’s eyes and be swept by serenity.
“Timing was great when we went there because the ray of light coming in was reflecting on the clear waters,” says Elaana Kirsten Balbuena from Cebu. “I enjoyed the experience of free diving in the pool.”
Surfing season in Calicoan is from April to November. Summer months are perfect for beginners, and the latter months, when the waves are bigger, are best for seasoned surfers.
Maria Vanessa Cajigas, a recruitment officer from Tacloban, says she learned in 30 minutes how to stay on the board.
Her instructor, she says, “kept a close watch on us, especially when we were in the water, letting us know what areas were a bit deep and what areas were rocky.”
Surfing lessons are available at ABCD Surf Camp at P500, inclusive of board rental and instructor. A daylong board rental costs P600.
Just across the road from the beach is ABCD Surf Camp.
Island life
Another way to enjoy the island life is to hang out with the locals and listen to their stories.
Accommodations are limited. Across the road from ABCD Beach is ABCD Surf Camp, which has a more Spartan feel.
Visitors can set up hammocks or rent huts good for four people at P500. Bathroom is shared.
The Goat House — a former shelter for the pasture animals before it was transformed into an eatery — is a great place to hang out, meet other surfers and exchange stories.
Tourists also hang out at an eatery called The Goat House
About 15 meters away, or just a walk of a minute or two, is Calicoan Villas, which offers air-conditioned rooms with toilet and bath. Its restaurant has a selection of more dishes than The Goat House.
Sulangan has a beach resort called La Luna.
“Prices are generally affordable and, in some cases, negotiable,” says Reggie Bance, a graduate student of geodetic engineering from Tacloban City.
“But what I love most are the playful waves,” Bance says. “The feeling of being close to nature offers real comfort and a deep sense of pleasure.”
Tidal pools along the shoreline of Calicoan are popular among tourists.
GETTING THERE:
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly daily from Cebu City to Tacloban City in Leyte, where tourists can catch a shuttle van to Guiuan (P150-P170 per person). In Guiuan’s transport terminal near the public market, visitors can take the jeepney to Sulangan (P40 per person) and alight at ABCD Beach after a ride of 30 t0 45 minutes.