Calayan Island, located in Cagayan Province and part of the Babuyan Group of Islands, offers a fusion of natural beauty and cultural history. Calayan presents a picture-perfect environment for people seeking peace and tranquility with its pristine waters, fine white sand beaches, and lush surroundings.
To tap into this natural purity, the island's tourism industry has been enhancing its capacity to draw in more visitors.
The national government and other national line agencies have pledged support for the seaport's repairs, including major roads and bridges.
Meanwhile, the local government unit has challenged all residents to contribute in some way and support one another to boost tourism on the island.
Empowering the locals
Last year, about 30 tour guides completed the seven-day Community Guides Training in Calayan, which included an integration of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.
The Filipino Brand of Service Excellence project is a Department of Tourism-initiated program designed to promote service excellence in all tourism-related establishments.
The LGU and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Region 2 have also taught locals about handicrafts and souvenir-making, preparing them for the potential of tourists in the region.
Homestay operators and owners also participated in training conducted by the Department of Tourism - Region 2 in April 2023 to ensure the organized and methodical operations of their establishments.
Now widely accessible
In 2019, the island also opened its first ever airport.
Calayan is now accessible by plane every Tuesday and Friday via Sky Pasada, with the airport located on the main island.
Before the usage of airports, inhabitants, and tourists traveled on boats, known locally as lampitaw, which sailed from the villages of Claveria, Aparri, and Santa Ana. Visitors would have to endure an erratic boat voyage ranging from five to nine hours as the waters are extremely rough along the Balintang Channel.
Now, passengers may also reach the island by the passenger vessels of MB Eagle Ferry, MB Ocean Crown, and MB Rosario.
Natural offers
Calayan Island is known for its spectacular rock formations, clean white beaches and coves, water falls, hills overlooking the blue-green sea, caverns, underground water, and beautiful rock formations.This includes its white sand beach Sibang Cove, Nagudungan Hills, Lusok Cave, Nagudungan Lighthouse, Malangsi Falls, among others.
The 19,600-hectare island is also rich in marine resources and has immaculate shorelines.
