March of 2020, before the entire Cebu Island and other cities in the country goes on lockdown, we went to Sambawan Island to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets ever.
From Cebu City, we head to Tapilon port in Daanbantayan, Cebu where we boarded an outrigger boat that could take us to the Island. It is a 4-hour boat ride and luckily the weather and the sea condition were perfect as we cruise the Cebu – Masbate channel.
Sambawan Island is located of the west coast of Maripipi Island which is a part of Biliran town in Leyte. It has a semi-curved beach and declared as a marine sanctuary. It has soaring rock formations covered with green grass as a backdrop. The island is best for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping, and trekking. It is also surrounded by one of the clearest waters I ever swam in.
The Island offers a mesmerizing sunrise. At its peak, you can get an unobstructed view of the sun rising at the back of the Maripipi Island which can be magical to your eyes.
At Sunset, you can witness it calmly and slowly through the open waters towards Bantayan Island. If you are on the beach, you can see it setting right at the back of the Island itself.
The island is uninhabited, only the Bantay Dagat Personnel who also serves as the caretaker assigned by the Local Government to maintain the cleanliness and the beauty of the Island and of course, take care of their guest who’s staying overnight are around.
The island is very peaceful and calm during the night. It is also perfect for stargazing and even watch the Islands of Maripipi and Biliran light up.
If the long boat ride, camping, sunrise, and sunsets ignites your soul and interest for travel, then this is a perfect island for you.
This was the 2nd time that we’ve been to the island but still I always wanted to go back and experience it again. Hopefully next time with some new friends from Hive fam.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope this blog inspires you. Stay safe, take care and I will see you on my next blog.