Iniyakan Island : A Cantilan Summer Escapade

It's been a month since the last time I escaped my usual lax weekend in my temporary abode in San Miguel Surigao del Sur. Maybe I got depressed during the time when my most precious camera got damaged  the last time I used it during the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon (sigh).

Finally, I got a little push from a friend,Cathe, to crawl out of my cage and  visit their hometown, Cantilan in Surigao del Sur. I'd been to this place before and I found the beaches of  Cantilan peaceful and relaxing.

My agenda was very simple, finish reading a book that had been idle for weeks  at the beach of Baybay, period! This uncomplicated plan was so plain  and I believed with no interruption , it is very much achievable! But coming to the place I have no idea that my plan will be replaced by much better surprises as everything went differently after Cathe tagged me on an island escapade together with some guests  from Manila and as what others call it ,  it was just my lucky day!

Iniyakan Island in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

It Differs on 'Y' and Nobody Cried!

The destination was Iniyakan , pronounced  as "INADYAKAN", where locals pronounce "Y"  as "J". It is an island sitio off coast the mainland Cantilan and very much visible from the coast of Kabito-onan , Brgy. Consuelo. 

Huyamao Island, that looked like Homer Simpson

The island was once inhabited but  for some unconfirmed reasons the settlers of the flourishing community left the paradise island that had been their home for decades.

A motorized boat picked us up at Banug wharf along the Cantilan River . 

The river was a depiction of local's dependence on fishing as the houses stand on stilts with their fishing vessels parked along the riparian shore waiting for the right time to sail the vast ocean off coast the town.

On our way to Inayakan, the famous and iconic Huyamao Island where it resembles to the image of the popular animated cartoon Homer Simpson, revealed in front of us . Just across Huyamao is the much praised Ayoke Island best known for its gigantic barrel type waves suited for extreme surfing.

Chillin' while grilling that fresh yellow fin tuna.

It took us almost an hour reaching the white sand beach of Iniyakan ( Double B).

It was once a resort with cottages for visitors ' use but since the desertion of the people from the island, the amenities were  torn down to pieces naturally.

Upon landing,we excitedly  set our picnic mats on the white coral sand and hanged our hammocks under the Talisay tree  for everyone's relaxation.  

With growling stomachs, we opted to prepare our "baon" for lunch. We had a medium sized tuna and pre marinated pork belly roasted on charcoal in an old grilling station at the beach. While waiting , it gave us some time to pause ,laugh and talk about anything under the sun.

L-R Lovemindanao,Cathe,Tanya, Arnie,Iza and Liam

After a sumptuous lunch we hit the beach of Iniyakan and walked on the stretch of the left side corner of the beach , where we were challenged walking desperately on the rocky shore with knee high water splashing against us. 

A small beach with sugary white coral sand revealed at the end of the coast , accessorized with lush karst forest on the shore . The crystal clear water was so irresistible that made me take off my shirt and hit the cool tropical water .

The breath taking beach in front of the old Iniyakan settlement.

The Memory of the Ruins

Brendo, our local guide, told us that we were just  few meters away from the ruins of the old community of Iniyakan so we decided to walk with him up hill . He pointed to us the  ruins of the Catholic church  or chapel erected near the shore that was once surrounded by hundred of houses, primarily families of fishermen. 

He then divulged to us that he grew up and spent his childhood days and even finished his primary education in the island where his family have dreamt of settling peacefully. But due to "conflicts" or "raids" in the '90's , the whole community decided to flee the area and transferred to the mainland Cantilan and other nearby islands.

Feeling sexy! The water in Iniyakan is just perfect to cool down a little this summer.

The beach fronting  the once flourishing community was a beauty that nobody can't refute. The vast stretch of the beach is littered with thousands of beautiful sea shells  indicating an excellent environmental condition and high biodiversity with  barrier reefs standing not so far from the shore, creating different shapes of barrel typed waves recommendable to some risk takers for water sports like the death defying stunts of surfing.

After few minutes of resting on the sand, we decided to trace back our steps to the other side of the island. But since the tide was already chin high, we let Brendo to get the boat  that was anchored  at the shore of Double B  to fetch us back. And while we were waiting for him , it gave us enough time to enjoy more the cooling effect of the beach.

The sanctuary in General island where Mameng and other giants marine species dwell.

Help! I Think I Just Dropped My Jaw!

We left the island in the late afternoon but before we set sail back to Cantilan proper we passed by a some kind of fish sanctuary currently in repair along the General Island where hundreds of beautiful marine fishes swimming in a semi like pond created along the shore. 

Mameng and other groupers in the pond

In one of the connecting  ponds, we were startled to see giant Mameng fish that made me immediately jumped into the water with out hesitation  to chase and get a little bit closer. Too bad they swim faster than I do! 

Nepenthes alata

At the bottom of the pond were some rescued giant clams growing silently. I was cautioned by the caretaker not to step on it or else I may lose my foot for good.

We even spotted a species of sea turtle (Hawksbill)  swimming at the deep of the bluish green water.

I was even more amazed to discover carnivorous plant known as pitcher plant, growing in  excellent condition at the rocky side of the "resort". Looking at it closely , I was able to identify it as Nepenthes alata, a common species in the Philippines.

After getting tired of chasing these colorful and beautiful creatures , we concluded our trip back to Cantilan proper, tired but very much satisfied.

Getting there

There are multiple route to Cantilan:

• There are flights available daily to Butuan City and Surigao City

• Coming from Butuan City Terminal, take a bus bound for Tandag City. Bus leaves every hour, fare is Php 300.00 for airconditioned bus (Bachelor) with travel time of 5 hours. In Tandag City, there are two options you can take to visit cantilan: (1) to take a bus bound for Surigao City or (2) take a van. Buses have a limited schedule until 2 pm. Fare is Php100.00 with travel time of 2 hours.

• Coming from Surigao City, there are buses and vans in the city terminal bound for Tandag City. Alight in Cantilan, fare is Php 170, then follow the rest of the instructions above.

• Coming from Davao City, there are two direct trips to Tandag City, 6 am and 12 mn. Fare is Php363.00  and travel time is 8 hours. From Tandag City, follow the instruction above.

Accommodation

There are also quite a number of resorts along  Baybay . From the town proper you can take a tricycle for Php 15.00/head going to the coastal community of Baybay.

With our experience we were accommodated in a 2-room resort in Cathe Pacific Cottage by the Beach .You may contact the owner Cathe Duero at +63919.991.4250 for reservation.

Cash Problem

There are ATMs available at Cantilan Bank located at the heart of the town.

Contacts

For surfing and island hopping activity  you may call Brendo Torejos for assistance at  +63921.729.5255 or Cathe Duero at +63919.991.4250

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