12 Jun 2025

The Beaches, Birding and Beauty of Calayan Island

As Heritage Adventurer sailed into the Philippines, guests had three options for spending their time on the rarely-visited tropical paradise of Calayan Island.

Before departing we were fitted with snorkel gear and the Zodiac briefing as this was our first Zodiac landing of the voyage. 

We were the second expedition ship to ever visit Calayan and, in true expedition style, the weather did not stop us and we had a great turn out to welcome us ashore.

On land we split into three groups travelling by trike, moped or on the back of the police truck. The dedicated birders wanting to see the endemic Calayan Rail, a nature walk group into the forest behind the village and a group visiting the nearby beach, Sibang Cove.

As black clouds loomed on the horizon it was only a matter of time before a tropical rainstorm arrived with huts, palm leaves and umbrellas variously used to stay dry during the short burst of rain – on a positive note, it did cool everything down.

The birders reached the virgin forest but with just 2,500 Rail on the Island, luck was not on their side, the nature walkers had the least shelter from the downpour yet enjoyed the dragonflies flitting around and the bird song. Those who visited the Cove described it as one of the most beautiful beaches they had ever seen with most enjoy a swim in the rain. The day’s events were rounded off with speech from the mayor and dances performed by the locals all enjoyed with tasty local treats.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions