If you have time to spare, head to sleepy Limasawa Island, a place of historical and religious significance in the Philippines. It’s where the Spanish first celebrated mass on 31 March 1521, thereby starting the Christianisation of the country. A five-minute walk to the left from the pier leads to the original mass site . Next to it, a set of 450 steps leads up to the commemorative Magellan's cross .
From here you can gaze at gorgeous views out across the ocean to Mindanao, Bohol and mainland Leyte. The island also has beautiful small coves that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
You can sleep on the island at a homestay or at a guesthouse run by the local government unit near the municipal hall in the island's main barangay, Cabulihan. The two rooms have air-con, but only from 6pm to 1am, after which the island's power cuts off. The Limasawa tourism officer, Remigilda, is the contact.
Three or four big bangkas make the journey to and from Burgos each day (P50, 45 minutes). The last trip from Burgos is at 3.30pm, while the last trip off the island is at 12.30pm. Chartering a bangka will cost between P1000 and P1500 return.
