calayan island

Calayan Island: Seeking the Calayan Rail (Piding) at Longog Wildlife Sanctuary

Posted on April 13, 2012

Calayan Rail. Photo by ISLA Biodiversity Conservation What propelled remote Calayan Island to national attention a few years back were not its stunning coastlines, but an avian discovery in its thick forested interior. The Calayan Rail (Gallirallus calayanensis), locally known as piding, is an island-endemic species of flightless bird found only in the jungles of Calayan. It was discovered by science during a faunal survey only eight years ago, in 2004.  In search for this very rare bird, we hikedRead More

Calayan Island: Jaw-dropping Chasms of Nagudungan Hill

Posted on April 11, 2012

Nagudungan Hill is one of the most spectacular seascapes in the country! The white-sand coves along the southeast coastline of Calayan Island are fenced in by soaring precipices of volcanic rock. The most stunning cliffs are gouged out by wind and water from Nagudungan Hill stretching out to the sea at the southern end of Caniwara Cove. Casuarina trees sculpted by the harsh weather that frequently pummel the island A narrow pathway leads to its grassy head, where windswept casuarinaRead More

Calayan Island: Caniwara, Sibang & Cababaan Coves

Posted on April 10, 2012

Panorama of Sibang Cove, with Cababaan Cove in the distance Fortunately, the most picturesque beaches of Calayan Island are walkable from the main town, and are situated next to each other. Located in Barangay Dadao, just four kilometers east from the poblacion, are a series of three coves named Caniwara, Sibang and Cababaan that form one of the most spectacular seascapes in the country. It’s a comfortable walk along a hilly trail that leads away from the edge of town.Read More

Calayan Island, Cagayan: A Travel Guide

Posted on April 10, 2012

Small lampitaws dock at the beach fronting the main village of Centro in Calayan Island Located 60 km north of Luzon in the Babuyan Channel, Calayan Island is the seat of the municipality of Calayan, which includes the islands of Camiguin, Dalupiri and Babuyan Claro. The Calayan Islands, plus Fuga Island of the Aparri municipality, forms the Babuyan Island Group between Luzon and Batanes. Calayan Island boasts of stunning seascapes, secluded coves, white-sand beaches and lush rainforests, home to anRead More