Riding the Waves: Our Crazy, Risky, and Totally Worth It Family Trip to Limasawa Island
Have you ever risked it all just to make a vacation happen?
It was finally May 30, 2026—the most awaited date of the month. After surviving a mountain of academic stress and sleepless nights, my 4:00 AM alarm didn't feel like a chore; it felt like freedom. I had a major exam waiting for me on June 2, my uncle had work duty, and others had strict school and work schedules. We only had a tight 3-day, 2-night (3D2N) window to make a family vacation happen. It was a "now or never" situation.
Our destination? Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte.
But as we were about to find out, Mother Nature had other plans.
The Journey: From Albuera to the Edge of the Sea
Our trip started at 7:00 AM. Part of the family came from Ormoc City, picked us up in Albuera via a UV Express van, and we headed out.
Pro-Tip for Travelers: If you take a UV Express, make sure to ask the driver before you leave if they can take you directly to Burgos Port. We realized this too late, so we were dropped off at the Maasin Terminal around 9:20 AM and had to catch a local multicab to Burgos Port instead.
When we finally arrived at Burgos Port, our excitement hit a wall.
The Coast Guard had canceled all standard boat trips to Limasawa Island due to severe weather conditions. The sun was shining, but the waves in the channel were massive and dangerous. The port was packed with disappointed families waiting for a miracle. We already had a backup plan to just stay at a mainland resort near Burgos, but we weren't ready to give up on Limasawa just yet.
"Huge Waves and a Banca? How Did You Survive?"
Then came the alternative: local bancas (pumpboats) were willing to brave the waves.
We knew the risks, but since our group consisted entirely of adults with no young children, we decided to take the gamble. To protect our belongings, the boatmen wrapped all our bags in massive plastic sheets and tucked them safely under the deck where the water couldn’t reach.
When the weather is good, you can easily take the official Coast Guard boat from Burgos Port to Limasawa Island, which only costs about ₱250 to ₱350 per head. However, because of the bad weather and the high risk involved in navigating the rough seas, the fare for the local banca jumped up to ₱700 per head. It definitely wasn't budget-friendly, but it was our only shot at making the trip happen.
For the next 30 to 50 minutes, we were in a literal battle with the ocean.
If you’ve ever seen waves that look like they belong in a surfing competition, those were the waves slapping us directly in the face. Gipangtawag na namo ang tanan santo, pati kadtong wala pa gani masanto intawn! (We were calling on every saint, even the ones who haven't been canonized yet!)
For nearly an hour, we fought the sea. We were completely soaked. Our ears were full of ocean water, and the saltwater hit our faces so hard that our noses were running non-stop. But at exactly 1:20 PM, we finally touched down on Limasawa Island.
Paradise Found: Homestays and Island Adjustments
Since we planned this trip last minute, every single hotel and resort on the island was fully booked. Luckily, we managed to secure a local homestay, which ended up being the perfect cozy setup for our family.
Before settling in, we needed food. We bought some meat and fruits at the Burgos Port Public Market beforehand, but we needed more once we landed.
Limasawa Island Budget Note: Expect higher prices on the island. We bought a kilo of pork on Limasawa for ₱390, whereas it typically costs around ₱300 in Ormoc City or Albuera. Because everything has to be shipped port-to-port, local goods carry a premium.
We spent our first afternoon recovering from the chaotic boat ride. The house was filled with the sounds of loud chikas (gossip), non-stop laughter, and shared stories. Late that night, the family set up a bonfire by the beach for snacks, though I was so exhausted from the journey that I opted to sleep through it!
Exploring Limasawa: Sea and Land Tours
May 31 was pure magic. We packed our single full day on the island with two incredible tours.
1. The Sea Tour (Morning)
We rented another pumpboat for a morning of swimming and snorkeling. The waters around Limasawa are pristine. We visited and swam through:
The highlight? We swam alongside three massive sea turtles! They were absolutely huge, but incredibly gentle and cute.
2. The Land Tour (Afternoon)
After lunch, we hopped onto a "chariot" (a modified local tricycle) to explore the island's historical and scenic landmarks:
* The Shrine of Magellan & Magellan’s Cross (The site of the First Christian Mass in the Philippines)
* Little Batanes (Stunning cliffside green vistas)
We chased the sun and stayed out enjoying the island vibes until almost midnight.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
On our final morning, June 1, we squeezed in one last morning swim. The weather had completely cleared up and the sea was calm, making it bittersweet to leave.
While I highly recommend checking the weather forecast and visiting Limasawa Island during good weather conditions—if only to save your money on boat fares and save your nerves from giant waves—I don’t regret a single second.
Despite the rough start, the stress of upcoming exams, and the saltwater in our ears, Limasawa Island absolutely delivered. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best memories are made when you're brave enough to ride out the storm.
