In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Canigao Island
A half-day trip from Matalom or a one-night campout: white sand, snorkelling, a lighthouse. Not a multi-day base.
Canigao Island is a small, uninhabited islet off the coast of Matalom, Leyte. Its main draws are a white-sand beach, coral reefs for snorkelling and diving, and a lighthouse. There is no permanent settlement, only basic cottages and camping. Most visitors come on a day trip from Matalom or stay one night for the quiet.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry season)
- Avoid
- Jun–Nov (typhoon season)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱500–1,000 (day trip, own food) · Mid ₱1,500–2,500 (overnight cottage, meals from Matalom) (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- National emergency 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Boat from Matalom, one way | ₱65 |
| Entrance fee (adult) | ₱40 |
| Camping fee | ₱100 |
| Cottage overnight | ₱700–1,500 |
| Bottled water (1 L, Matalom) | ₱20–30 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- TAC · Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban)
- About 2.5 h by road to Matalom
Typical fares
- Boat Matalom → Canigao
- ₱65/person, 15 min (check)
- Entrance fee
- ₱40/adult (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
The island is walkable in 15–20 min. Boat from Matalom port: 15 min, ₱65/person each way (check).
See and do
Known for
- White-sand beach
- Snorkelling and diving on coral reefs
- Lighthouse
- Uninhabited island escape
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Matalom | Boat from Canigao back to Matalom port, 15 min | 15 min |
| Maasin | Jeepney or van from Matalom, about 30 min | 45 min |
| Baybay | Bus from Matalom, about 1 h | 1.25 h |
Sleep
- On the island
- Basic cottages (₱700–1,500/night) or camping (₱100). No electricity or running water in some rentals; bring supplies.
- Matalom town
- A few budget inns and homestays; more options in Maasin or Baybay.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| How much? | Magkano?mag-KA-no |
| Thank you | Salamatsa-LA-mat |
| Where is the boat? | Nasaan ang bangka?na-SA-an ang bang-KA |
| I need water | Kailangan ko ng tubigkai-LA-ngan ko ng TU-big |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- No shops or restaurants on the island: bring food and drinking water.
- The western and northern parts are a protected nature sanctuary; swimming, diving and fishing are restricted there.
- Typhoons can cancel boat crossings; check the weather before heading to Matalom.
- Camping has no facilities; pack out all rubbish.
Canigao is generally safe, but the island has no medical facilities. The main risks are sunburn, dehydration and strong currents in the protected zone. Always wear a life jacket on the boat crossing.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Canigao Island yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- White-sand beach
- Snorkelling and diving on coral reefs
- Lighthouse
- Uninhabited island escape
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Canigao Island, revision 5323069 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5323069
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Canigao Island
Dalhin mo ako sa daungan, pakiusap
Take me to the port, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- National emergency911
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/canigao-island). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.