Calicoan Island is a lovely part of Eastern Sanmar. You can wander along immaculate beaches, dip your toes into the ocean and even tackle the island’s waves during the surfing season.Â
It’s easy to fall in love with the island: flawless beaches, swirling seas, palm-studded streets and great surfing that imbues the area with a laid-back atmosphere.
Situated in the Eastern Samar province, Calicoan Island is part of the Guiuan municipality, known for its rustic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and excellent surfing opportunities.
How to Go to Calicoan Island
The closest domestic airport to Calicoan Island is Tacloban City Airport (TAC), approximately 150 km away. From there, a 3-4 hour bus journey through rolling green hills and expansive farmland will take you to Guiuan. For the final leg of the trip, you can either arrange a private transfer or rent a scooter for a short 20-minute ride to Calicoan Island.
Things To Do In Calicoan Island
The Stunning Calicoan Beaches
Calicoan, fringed with many postcard-perfect beaches in the south, has much to discover. The island’s charm is its many off-the-beaten-path, footprint-free beaches, backed by jungly hills, arching palm trees and crystalline waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
The vast bank of golden sand, known as ABCD Beach, is the most popular Calicoan beach. Renowned as Calicoan’s primary surf spot, this beach, kissed with surfable waves, swirling seas, soft sand and fiery sunsets that set the sky ablaze with hues of red, has a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors are drawn here during high tide when swimming and surfing are best!Â
Another beloved calicoan beach is the gorgeous stretch of soft blonde sand and turquoise-hued water at Calicoan Surfing Station.Â
Calicoan Island Surf
The island is a surfer’s paradise, with consistent waves during peak season that attract surfers from across the country. The draw of Calicoan is its secluded location, meaning the lineup is rarely crowded!
The most famous surf is at ABCD Beach, where the waves are frequently 3-6 feet high, but there are a few alternative spots to choose from.
Linao Cave
Hidden beneath the luscious green foliage of the island lies a large cavern with an exciting twist.
A short, 15-minute walk through towering palms and among tree ferns brings you to the opening of Linao Cave.
Once inside, the cave unfurls with a large opening in the roof; foliage spills in and iridescent light rays filter into the cave. The highlight is the translucent Gatorade-blue pool in the heart of the cave, surrounded by sheer rock formations.
A swim in the crystalline waters of Linao Cave is an ideal escape from the sticky heat of the island.
Stargazing
Few scenes are as magnificent as a cloudless night sky illuminated by countless incandescent stars. Free from light pollution, Calicoan offers an exceptional stargazing experience.
Spend a magical evening gazing at the pristine night sky, watching stars streak across the heavens and the Milky Way emerge from the darkness.
Picture yourself lying on a pristine Calicoan beach, the gentle sound of waves lapping nearby and the bright stars illuminating the dark sky above! It is the perfect way to end a day of adventure.
Travel Tips for Visiting Calicoan Island
Planning a trip to the Island? Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Best Time to Visit Calicoan Island
The best time to visit depends on your personal preferences. If you are a surfer, you should see the island between October and March when the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) brings powerful and consistent waves.
If surfing doesn’t appeal to you, consider planning your trip during the dry season, which spans from December to May.
The Local Cuisine
Most of the food on the island is local Filipino street food. Test out one of the handful of BBQ stands or Siomai stalls scattered near ABCD beach.Â
Or perhaps head to Guiuan Public Market and buy the ingredients to cook yourself. You can buy freshly caught fish straight from the hands of the fishermen near the main beach.
Guiuan also has various fast food options, markets and restaurants to explore.Â
Calicoan Island Accommodation Options
The island offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses and even campsites.
For a spot of luxury, Balay Pacifico offers modern villas with a private pool, spacious rooms with plumped pillows and 5-star ocean views!
The island also offers comfortable camping – low noise pollution, luminescent starry skies and a refreshing ocean breeze – allowing you to immerse in nature whilst saving money. ABCD Surf Camp is the most popular camping spot, opposite the primary surf. Â
Larger groups can explore the handful of guest houses and private villas listed on Airbnb.
Why Calicoan Island Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
Calicoan Island offers a unique experience that blends natural beauty with authentic provincial charm. Visitors rave about the island’s pristine beaches and lush landscapes, providing breathtaking scenery that feels like a hidden paradise. Combining its unforgettable adventures, from surfing at ABCD Beach to exploring the tranquil coves and swimming in caves, the island is a secluded patch of paradise in the Philippines.
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We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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