Cabilao Island, Bohol, Philippines
Cabilao Island is one of the smaller islands that surround the main island of Bohol, Philippines. It is located on the west side of Bohol Island, basically facing Cebu Island. It is a 7.2 Sq. Km. triangle of an island and can be toured in one day. The boat trip from pier of Mocpoc to Cabilao Island is close to an hour. Take a bus to Tagbilaran City, and then take a jeepney to the small pier. A small boat trip will give you a chance to see nice views of the curious overhanging rock formations of Cabilao’s coastline. This island only has 3,500 in habitants only with fishing, herding goats and raising chickens as their livelihood.
Since this little island is a bit far off from the mainland, the peace and tranquility has been reserved. The only motorized transport is either a tricycle or “habal-habal” motorcycles that will bring you around for a small fee, or just reach areas on foot. The lack of roads also means that every supply is brought in via banka boats. During drought season, even fresh water for drinking and bathing is brought in via these boats, too. Since the island is not connected to the main grid, there is ration of electricity. The electricity is provided from 7:30AM to 11:30PM by a generator in Talisay Village (one of the 5 little villages in Cabilao).
In the center of the island, a solar powered internet café is located. It is amazing how the modern technology has touched this remote place. This has been an initiative project by The Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise, Cebu and the German Development Service. This little internet café is intended for locals to be connected to the internet.
Cabilao Island is one of the international favorites for diving destinations. The main attraction is at its western tip, the town of Pantudlan. Here, there is a lovely lighthouse and a keeper’s cottage along a magnificent stretch of white sand shore. And most of all, Cabilao has many undisturbed reefs that made it a diving paradise. There are 3 resorts that specifically cater to divers, complete with equipment, including gears for snorkeling. The diving area around Cabilao is ideal for wall diving with great chances to spot many pellagics like Barracudas, Dogtooth Tunas and Giant Trevallies. If you plan to stay in one of the resorts, plan a night dive for great underwater macro photography opportunities. From December to June, there is a great chance to spot a school of Hammerhead Sharks. The best time to spot them is just after sunrise of just before sunset.
There is also a bird sanctuary around Patudlan. It is a half-hour stroll from the resorts. You will follow a natural lake that will lead you to nipa-covered huts set up for observation. This island is so serene and with fewer inhabitants, flocks of birds are seen more than you would in Bohol Island.
