Have you ever thought of a peaceful vacation away from the stressful life in the city, pressure in the workplace, or any personal problems? This paradise in the north will help you forget your problems and will be a good addition to your bucket list.
Capul is an island located in the northwestern part of the island of Samar. The island is covered with the waters of San Bernardino Strait, connecting the waters of the Samar Sea and the Philippine Sea. It is a small town with 12 barangays with a total population of 12,679 according to the 2015 census. Unlike other municipalities in Northern Samar, Capul has its unique language called "Inabaknon".
Inabaknon is an Austronesian language primarily used by the people of Capul /kapul/ island. Historically, according to oral tradition, the people from Balabac island do not like the religion of the Moros who ruled over them so they decided to flee from Balabac until they reach Capul island. It is said that Inabaknon is the only Sama- Bajaw Language who does not have any Arabic - Islamic influence. (Photo by Maria Andrea Joshua Riño)
"Dayuna Kam si Capul!" (Abaknon at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015)
How to Get to Capul
Travel by Air
The nearest airport to Capul Island is the Calbayog Airport in Western Samar and Catarman Airport in Northern Samar both commercial flights by Philippine Airlines. From Calbayog City Airport, ride a trike going to the city proper. Look for a trip going to Allen, travel time is approximately one and a half hours and would cost 100 pesos. The van would drop you to either Dapdap Port or Balwareco (Looc) Port.
Via Dap-dap Port or Looc Port
From Dapdap port, you can ride a pump boat going to Capul Island, the travel is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the weather. The boat in Dap-dap departs every afternoon during Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Weekends. While the boat in Looc departs at 12 noon on a daily basis while for 50 pesos, travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
Where to Stay in Capul
There are transient houses in Capul that are affordable for tourists. The Bascon Lodging House, Louie Andriario Homestay, the Antique House located in Bgy. San Luis and Alisampan Beach Resort near the port. The natives and Habal- Habal drivers will also recommend other transient houses.
Places to visit while in Capul Island.
Aside from the beautiful scenery of the island, here are the other you must visit in Capul Island.
St Ignatius Loyola church.
St. Ignatius Loyola Church was first established under the Jesuits priests. It was originally made of Nipa. When the Moro came to attacks the island they destroyed the church. The last Jesuits priest Father Juan Isandi who lead the rebuilding of the church now made of stones - built to protect the town from Moros. It was in 1768 when Jesuits left
administering the church and it was Franciscan Missionaries who took over. The Moros destroyed the church again and it was Father Mariano Valera - A Franciscan Missionary who now lead the reconstruction of the third church now with 11-meter high bell tower 1781. Today, Capul church is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Catarman.
Light House Capul.
Capul Lighthouse is located in San Luis on the northern tip of the Island of Capul. Built by Spaniards in 1893 and was finished during the American occupation in 1896.
This 40 feet tower is one of the few remaining functional lighthouses in the Philippines. In 2013, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared it as a National Historical Landmark and in 2018, Capul lighthouse is entitled by the Historical commission as "Parola ng Capul".
(Photo by Jamil Suarez)
Watch Tower located in Poblacion
Aside from the Historical church St. Ignatius Loyola and the Lighthouse in Capul, it is the Watch Tower located in Poblacion which captures my attention. Watch Towers are commonly Military buildings designed for the defense of a territory. This Watchtower
in Capul is built as a warning system and refugee for indigents. The tower serves as a defense of the Moro invaders.
Abak Beach, Oson Capul.
Located in Bgy. Oson Capul, Abak beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the whole island of Capul.
This sandy white long beach is perfect for people who want to relax and just reconnect with nature.
(Photo by Jed Tan Saluib / https://web.facebook.com/jedtansaluib/)
Timon-Timon Rock Formation
Rudder shaped rock formation located in the southernmost point of Capul island.
(Photo by Rhalen Endeno)
Other places you may visit in Capul
The Bigfoot rock formation.
Vito Cave in Bgy. Sawang
Capul Island has a rich history as it showed its architecture, culture, language and the people ways of life. There is so much influence of Pre- Hispanic era, Spanish occupation, and post Hispanic colonial which makes Capul different from other waray waray neighbors. For other people, Capul is a place to escape from the pressure of reality but for me, Capul is a place that gives light to a deeper search of History. It is a place that guides the lost and a place where you can experience the great Filipino Hospitality. Every footstep creates stories, stories that you can tell other people why they should have to visit Capul. Its beauty is undeniably impressive but deeper to that is a precious piece of the past that until now is living to its every citizen. To end this, I hope that you also try to visit Capul, to create more stories of the forgotten historic land.
We would like to thank Dr. Gerald Malabarbas and Mr. Jed Tan Saluib for the information shared with us.
This is the end of our Capul Island Adventure, what is your favorite about the experience in Capul Island? #Explore #Exprience and #Express.