LILOAN, Southern Leyte, Philippines – Tired of the bustle of life? Come to this town’s paradise-like island and enjoy the white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather, and warm and crystalline waters that made them. In Molopolo, days can be spent by simply lazing on the beach while nights are for indulging the sunset watching and tropical party lifestyle.
Source: Facebook.com/MunicipalityofLiloanSouthernLeyte
From the gorgeous shorelines to the tall coconut trees along the way, the surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in town. The beach always captivates someone’s heart, making them visit the place over and over again.
The place is within easy reach from Tacloban or Eastern Visayas through riding a van or bus to Himay-angan, then going to Molopolo.
However, it usually takes 4 hours by bus from Maasin City to Himay-angan, followed by a 10-minute motorcycle ride going to the beach.From town proper, a 10-minute motorcycle or tricycle ride can be done to reach the beach site, which is 15 kms away.
Some seven comfortably-made cottages are for rental, which are made of woods and dry coconut leaves. The cottages’ rent ranges from P100-P200 depending on the structure.
A Molopolo beach caretaker, 40-year old Emi Pintuyan said that in her many years of residing in the area, more and more people still visit the place.
More than 500 Liloanons are currently residing in the said village. Also, the area is dotted with small convenient stores for convenience of tourists.
Photo captured by: Job Kasten Saliente -Facebook.com/kastersaliente
The site was discovered and beautified by Molopolo residents 30 to 35 years ago. In the place, another two small islands can be seen.
Tourism officer Eugenio Tahil Jr. said that just this year’s summer, more than 300 people including local tourists have visited the famous beach in town.
Aside from beach bumming and party hopping, several exciting activities can be best done in the place such as sail boating, skimming, fishing, island hopping and swimming.
People who love skim-boarding thrust the skim board onto the fine sand just after the wave breaks, hop on and glide across the foamy water. However, there are no skim-board rentals in the beach. People who love skim boarding bring their own board there.
With natural reefs and perfectly dive site, Molopolo is also good for amazing dive adventures. The underwater world amazes most people by simply diving in deep into the water with a snorkel and mask.
Fishing in the sea can also be done but fishing nets are strictly prohibited by the residents because it is one of their ways to conserve the oceanic creatures.
Watching the beautiful sunset in the beach is also a relaxing way to wind up the day. A breath taking sight to behold, in a place best to spend life’s twilight moments is indeed, a perfect haven for most people.
Most people love the refreshing and peaceful ambiance, making them appreciate the beauty of nature in the place. Calm waters surrounded by the attractively grown trees satisfy most peoples’ stay in the beach. Some only visit the place for picture taking.
The famous beach in town is definitely the perfect place to relax and spend good times with friends and family, for most Liloanons. (Job Kasten Saliente)
Best of Both Worlds 