I have always been fascinated with Limasawa Island. My grandmother, a public school teacher, used to joke, “Limasawa, lima ka asawa,” meaning five wives. I heard that line for years, but I did not visit until I turned 42.
I needed a break from the online world. As a blogger, I spend most of my time online, but I wanted to reflect on life, past and present.
History and Charm of Limasawa Island
Limasawa Island sits at the southwestern tip of Leyte. The island is shaped like a comma and is famous in Philippine history. It is known as the site of the first Catholic mass on March 31, 1521. Butuan City once disputed this claim, yet the National Historical Commission confirmed the site in 1998.
I arrived at Triana, a small coastal village named after a district in Seville, Spain. Ferdinand Magellan and his wife Beatriz once married there. Triana has no grand churches or old colonial buildings. Instead, I saw pebbly beaches, swaying coconut palms, and simple seaside houses.
Q&A: Traveling to Limasawa Island
Q: Where is Limasawa Island located?
A: Limasawa Island lies off the southwestern coast of Leyte, Philippines. It’s a small, comma-shaped island famous as the site of the first Catholic Mass in 1521.
Q: What are the must-visit spots on Limasawa Island?
A: Top attractions include the Shrine of the First Mass, Magellan’s Cross atop the hill, Dakdak Beach Resort, and the lighthouse area known as the mesa.
Q: How do I reach Limasawa Island?
A: From Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte, take a motorized boat to Triana Port. Once on the island, ride a habal-habal to explore its main attractions.
Q: Where can I stay on Limasawa Island?
A: Dakdak Beach Resort offers seaside accommodations with white sand and ocean views. Simple cottages and homestays are also available around the island.
Q: What makes Limasawa Island special?
A: The island blends historical significance with natural charm. It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers a glimpse of island life untouched by urban noise.
Q: Is Limasawa Island good for diving?
A: Yes. The waters near the Shrine of the First Mass and Dakdak Beach are clear and rich in marine life, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Q: When is the best time to visit Limasawa Island?
A: February to May offers calm seas and clear skies. It’s also when locals prepare for the First Mass anniversary celebration every March 31.
Life by the Sea
For three days, I stayed in a kubo by the sea at a small resort. The waves lulled me to sleep and greeted me each morning. I ate freshly cooked seafood and felt the tropical breeze cool my hot afternoons. At night, the sea sang a quiet lullaby.
The island is small. You can walk across it, but the best way to explore is on a habal-habal, a local motorcycle. These rides carry one to five people and reach the island’s main attractions easily.
Must-Visit Spots on Limasawa Island
The Shrine of the First Mass is a must-see. Guide Sam Espinosa Galvez narrates the island’s history vividly. A hundred steps up the hill beside the shrine leads to the cross where Magellan first planted one. A tall wooden cross now stands there. From the hill, you can see the countryside stretch to the horizon.
If you crave the sea, the waters near the shrine are perfect for diving. Divers from around the world come to explore its depths. Non-divers can relax at Dakdak Beach Resort, which offers white sands and views of Panaon Island.
Adventure and Hidden Gems
For a more adventurous trip, head north to what I call the mesa. The road passes through Triana and rough scrubland, ending at a modern lighthouse. From the edge, follow a steep path down to coral rocks and natural pools. A freshwater spring even flows from a small cave into the sea.
Getting there and where to stay
You can reach Limasawa Island from Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte. Daily motorized boats dock at Triana. Dakdak Beach Resort also provides accommodations. Around the island, habal-habal motorcycles remain the main form of transport.
Final Thoughts on Limasawa Island
Spending a few days on Limasawa Island reminded me that true peace does not need Wi-Fi. The waves, breeze, and quiet island life provide a connection that no screen can replicate.
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