Stories emerge how the majestic island of Kandiwata appeared in the middle of the sea. This beautiful rocky island is considered to be one of the best rock formations in the Eastern Visayas.
The island of Kandiwata is located in the municipality of Daram province of Samar. It is 30 minutes away from the capital city of western Samar - Catbalogan City. It is a small island where it's impossible to live as there's no source of fresh water on the entire island.
(Photo owned by Marjorie Ragrag Aboga)
The story of the Kandiwata in oral tradition is a story of pirates occupying two ferries (boat) who sail at night going to two opposite directions. One of the boats aboard people with their dog pets while the other boat is aboard by people who have cat pets. They played and make fun of these animals making the Supreme God [Ginoo] mad at them. Ginoo, the supreme God struck the ferries with lightning which turns them into two islands now called Miday-Biday and Kandiwata.
The Kandiwata Adventure.
If you are looking for El Nido like experience, you must try Kandiwata, aside from it's easy to go there, Kandiwata is also cheap as entrance free is just 10 pesos. There are also many gateways you can choose making Kandiwata accessible.
How to Get there:
Via Air:
Tacloban City is one of the biggest gateways in all eastern Visayas tourist spots as it caters to the three main airlines in the Philippines - Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia. From Tacloban Airport, you can ride thru a taxi going to the New Tacloban bus terminal for P100.00. From the Terminal, ride a jeep going to Babatngon Leyte for 30 pesos approximately one and a half hours. From Babatngon port, ride a pump boat going to Daram Samar where the island of Kandiwata is located, pump boat cost P2,000.00 and can serve up to 8
(Photo owned by Marjorie Ragrag Aboga)
people [ SEF TV ]. There are also other options like Calbayog Airport and Catbalogan Airport where you can travel going to Daram easily. From Catbalogan Airport, ride a tricycle going to Catbalogan Port and from the port, you can ride a pump boat going to Daram Samar for 30 minutes only approximately P100.00.
Via Land:
One of the departure point of Metro Manila to Samar is the Araneta - Cubao Bus Station, from Cubao there are plenty of bus company offering ride going to Samar, (Photo owned by Marjorie Ragrag Aboga)
There's Pintados Bus Company, DLTB, PP Bus Line, Silverstar, Eagle Star, and other companies that offer a ride going to Samar. From Araneta Cubao, there is plenty of schedules as early as 4:00 am you can go travel to Samar. Travel would cost P1,000.00 - P1,800.00 depending on the bus type and company. Travel is approximately 18 - 21 hours, then you'll reach the City of Catbalogan and from Catbalogan you may ride a pump boat going to Daram Island. If you arrived early, you can wait for the earliest trip, but if you arrived at night, there are so many hotels in Catbalogan that are affordable and near to port.
What to experience in the Island:
There are many activities you may experience in your Kandiwata experience like Island hopping, diving, kayak boating and if you are adventurous, you may try to explore the inside sight of the island which is risky at some people so this is not advisable to everyone. You may visit the nearest beach in Kandiwata which is Monbon beach.
(Photo by Rene Busa Miranda)
Important things to remember when in Kandiwata:
There are things you should remember upon visiting Kandiwata.
Maintain cleanliness in the island
Bring your own food and water as there's no store on the island.
Bring your safety kit.
Leave nothing but memories.
Always pay respect to the locals.
Just like most other tourist destinations, the locals are also welcoming here so it is very important to pay back by helping them maintain the beauty of kandiwata.
(Photo by Rene Busa Miranda)
The beauty of Kandiwata is shaped by years, from the local beliefs to random stories created by the people who visited the island. It is an experience that will surely create memories and that will mark your bucket list. An experience you will surely enjoy and will consider you'll going back again someday.
(Photo by Rene Busa Miranda)
I hope you would also try to visit Daram, to experience the majestic island of Miday-Biday and Kandiwata. A story of cursed two ships now turned into two beautiful islands but above all, are stories of tourists who testify why kandiwata is one of the best rock formations in Samar.
Share your thoughts about Kandiwata? What Eastern Visayas Travels you would want to be feature next?
Reference:
https://www.academia.edu/40065319/Malara_Possessed_at_an_Island_Tourist_Site
Author: Richard Symanski
SEF TV
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