We made a day trip from Tagbiliran to Cabilao because we couldn’t afford to stay there overnight. This island is quiet and billed as a good place to dive. The dive master we talked to said that there really is no such thing as a sanctuary here because the locals fish it as much as anywhere else, which is unfortunate. The island itself is sparcely populated. We were able to do some snorkeling in one of the better areas and even though it wasn’t spectacular, there was a reef, and some decent fish/coral. The best part of the trip was when Rachel and I layed on a white sandbar, with nobody around, enjoying each other’s company and a beautiful day. It was a great afternoon.

 

Unfortunately, our camera was on the fritz and since we were snorkeling during the better moments, there aren’t a lot of pictures.

What We Learned

 

- Taking a jeepney up to Cabilao is the easiest and cheapest way to get there. Some jeepneys go all the way to the dock that services Cabilao. Ask the locals and they’ll help you out.

 

- Get ready to haggle with the boatmen who make the 15 minute trip over to Cabilao. They will come down drastically in price if you 1. Share the boat. .... 2. Stay patient. .... 3. Find another one.

 

- The coral is not all that the 2006 Lonely Planet cracks it up to be. But it’s an extremely relaxing place.