CAOHAGAN Is.

© CEBU navi SAKURA ｜ vol.9 May-Jun.2017

Happiness in the Sea Breeze & Waves

A bangka boat rocking on the waves. Climbing aboard feels unsteady but that makes it twice as thrilling. About 40-50 minutes after chartering the boat from the resort area along east Mactan Island, you'll detour around the Olango Reef Flat (shallows), and before you pass by some island, you'll find Caohagan Island. The bangka boat stops off the east coast of the island and you'll take a smaller boat to the shore.
You're welcomed by many children as you climb up the rugged beach. You walk through the residential areas to cross the island. You weave your way between the small houses and as you reach the west side of the island, a grand white beach welcomes you with a smile.
With a view that'll make you want to spontaneously break into a run, this island is popular among people who enjoy island-hopping. It's a little far from Hilutungan Island and Nalusuan Island where people enjoy diving. But the shallows of the beaches give off the illusion you might be able to walk all the way there. It's a perfect place for those who want to relax and take it easy.
You walk towards the sea. With a calm mind and sounds of splashing waves, you continue walking. Then you realize for a moment. There is the sun, the blue skies, the sea breeze, ripples on the water, and you. The strange feeling that you can see roundness of the earth with a 360°panoramic view.

More Fun when You Interact with Islanders!

It's been 30 years since a Japanese man became the island owner, and as you walk around Caohagan Island, there are a few things that you'll notice. Houses have big water jugs, approximately 2-meter in diameter to
collect rainwater and to assure them they have vital fresh water. You'll suddenly see the difference from Japan, where the water supply is well-regulated.
Another thing are chickens. Not poultry chickens but fighting cocks. They assert themselves all over the island. Even if someone approaches them, they won't run away. If these fighters lose, they'll be eaten. Those are the rules of Philippine cockfighting.
On the wide beach of the western coast, there are stores called "hayahay" which sell island-made goods such as kilts, wooden crafts, bags, salts, and coconut oil. Other stores may sell fish or souvenirs bought somewhere else and some people there speak Japanese. Their charming smiles make your conversations all the more fun. You'll feel an affinity for their purity. We really hope that visitors to the island will buy many things to support the islanders".
Many tourists from Taiwan and Manila also come island-hopping to Caohagan Island. This peaceful island has been featured not just on Japanese TV, but also on Manila TV. Everyone loves this island. It's not a very big island but more than 600 people live here, and just like other islands, it's full of children who love singing and dancing. There are children who study music with subsidies of the island.
Caohagan island lets you enjoy delicious seafood while listening to gentle music. The time difference is only 1 hour between here and Japan. This island is abundant with things that make us forget the meaning of time.

Many of the seafood dishes here surprise island-hoppers from around the world with the freshness and the taste.

"Hayahay" souvenir shops on the beach. It's also nice to just sit on a bench and gaze at the sea. Looking out at the shallows, you can see the shadows of Panganan and Olango Islands. Sometimes the birds fly by, heading towards the bird sanctuary on Olango.

There are small lodges for staying overnight on Caohagan Island. Every room is located on the beach-front and you get a sweeping view of the quiet Olango Reef Flat (shallows). There are many surrounding trees that sway in the wind. You can avoid direct sunlight in their shade, it's surprisingly cooler too.

A small room surrounded by trees whose leaves, when smoked, are supposed to ward off mosquitoes. There's no electricity, glass windows, or running water. You can expect to be able to see the big, blue skies during the day, and a captivating, perfectly starry sky at night. Here you can enjoy passing the time leisurely while listening to the ripples of the sea.