So you think that Biri Rock Formations is awe-inspiring?
I bet most readers have been to these islands: Boracay, Guimaras and Camiguin. Maybe only a handful of Filipinos has been to Capul Island.
Where's Capul?
Tweet: “Sudden change of plans…will go to Capul island instead, learned that there is a 16th century church there, got me interested.”
It was amusing to know that the name of this island was a shortened ACAPULCO. In the late 16th century the San Bernardino Strait along the northern coast of Samar island was an important part of the Galleon trade route. Acapulco Island (now called Capul Island) was the last stop of the galleon ships from Manila before they head out to Acapulco, Mexico.
The location and proximity of the island to the Pacific Ocean were found to be practically useful during the Galleon Trade. Boats that are about to leave the Philippines (from Manila and Butuan City) would only start the long voyage when the current was flowing outward through the San Bernardino Strait.
The Manila-Acapulco Trade flourished, especially when the Spanish, Mexican and Peruvian households kept a high demand for the abaca, beeswax and agricultural produce from the Philippines.
How Did This Island Got its Name?
According to history, one of the itinerant Spaniards engraved in block letters the word “ACAPULCO”on the rock near the port. Before that, Acapulco was used only to designate the sitio where the engraved rock was located but later on it was applied to the whole island replacing the old name “Abak” to Capul, a shortened from of ACAPULCO.
I told you, it’s forgotten but its historical significance is interesting enough for me to discover.
At the center of the town is a massive 16th century fortress church; the belfry, thick walls and watchtower are still intact but in a ruinous state. It was mix emotions to see the walls being used as firewalls of houses being built around the church.
Capul Church
Capul Church & Plaza
Capul Church Watchtower
Capul Church Wall. Some houses are being built around it
I’m no expert with Catholic Churches but a big church in a small island definitely means that this island served a very important role during the Spanish period.
During my stay, I also learned that they speak a different dialect, Inabaknon or Abaknon. It’s not Waray or Bicolano or Bisaya. I talked about this on my Inabaknon Dialect post.
Capul Island is a tourist destination as you can visit a lot of places here. They boast of a white beach, a lighthouse, an islet and caves used by the Japanese soldiers during the WWII. A historic island such as this could easily be marketed not to mention that they have their own dialect that makes this island interesting.
Abak White Beach
Tweet: “White sand, blue sea, coconut trees… early summer here at Abak Beach, Capul island.”
Abak Beach Resort. Remembering Pinoy Travel Bloggers
Faro de Isla Capul
Capul Lighthouse Hill
Moro Poro Point Island. Where locals have their picnics during weekends
Travel Tip: If you choose to explore the island, be prepared to stay there for a night. Accommodation is available at Php100/night, just ask the boatman when before you leave the boat as the owner of the boat is also the owner of the lodge.
How to get to Capul Island:
From Allen port, look for the big out-rigger boat that goes to Capul Island. There is only one trip per day, which leaves at 12:00nn. Fare: Php 60. Travel time is about an hour.
Going back, you have to be at the port by 6:30am the next day, the boat leaves between 6:45-7:00am for Allen.
Where I stayed in Capul? I stayed inside the Municipal bldg. inside the Tourism Office as I was traveling on a budget. Thank you for your generosity Sir Bords! Until next visit?
Secrets of Northern Samar is a series of blog posts that encourages intrepid travelers to try the out-of-the-usual-tourist-trail. This happened last February 2011, one of the no-plans-whatsoever trips I made. I have a ticket to Catarman and I just said to myself, go and let’s see what’s in it for me… So I found these:
Spectacular Biri Rock Formations / The Forgotten Capul Island / Abaknon: On the Brink of Extinction / Catubig: A Forgotten Heritage / Hammock-Hanging Adventure at UEP White Beach / Summary & Expenses
Sana mapuntahan ko rin Capul via Matnog at makapag-ikot sa Samar. Meron pa rin palang 100 peso-accommodation ngayon, nice find James 🙂
yup, meron ngang ganyang byahe.. thursdays ata ang alis ng bangka Capul-Matnog.
i want to explore pa nga yung iba pang isla and the Balicuatro islands
When I get away from my day job, this blog of yours will be my guide book on traveling around the Philippines. This is another reason why, ma-ala Lonely Planet ka na James ah.
lakas mo mambola marky, hahaha!
more funds to come to us, for more travel! haha
Nakakainggit ka talaga. You have been to so many places that’s been virtually unexplored in the Philippines.
see grace? hahaha im just starting out, marami pang “unexploredd islands” sa pinas.
Not a secret anymore! Thanks for sharing James. 🙂
I wouldn’t know the existence of this island if it weren’t for this post.
oo nga eh, cant keep it a secret for too long…
Hala ka nabunyag na ang secret hehe 😀 kung may mayaya ako, pupunta ako dyan 😀
ayaw mo ng solo travel? haha
meron yan sasama sa PTB, magpost ka ng thread.. plano lang, si gael at dong ho ata, planning to go last year pa
the captivating Capul Lighthouse Hill is enough reason to visit the place… nice new discovery.
you really think so? thepinaysolobackpacker has also a fascination on lighthouses.
bakit kaya noh?
thanks!
would like to know how to do i get to Capul Island?
If I book a flight from MNL to Catarman?
should I rent a Van? how much would it cost?
or ride a Bus? hhow much is a Bus ride?
hi phoenix!
yes, take the plane MNL-Catarman.
just take the jeepney to Allen port. its Php60 to allen port.
this is from the blog:
How to get to Capul Island:
From Allen port, look for the big out-rigger boat that goes to Capul Island. There is only one trip per day, which leaves at 12:00nn. Fare: Php 60. Travel time is about an hour.
Going back, you have to be at the port by 6:30am the next day, the boat leaves between 6:45-7:00am for Allen.
it’s really nice to see blogs about our province 🙂
sana madami pa .. na’miss ko din ‘to, di ako nakauwi last summer 😀
god bless po all of your trips ! 🙂
thank you so much fides!
uwi napo kayo
Lugar yan nga father..at lumaki din ako jaan…its a nice place…Soon uu win ako jan with my family…I miss capul so much…last na punta ko jan, after graduated in college, 1993…Thanks.
wOw… im proud to be a CAPULENO . .one of my favorite places in capul are beto cave and capul light house,oson beach,alisampan beach,and also moro puro..
proud ako kay taga CAPUL ako..
i miss that place!
Grabe .. sobrang idol na talaga kita.. i almost hit this place during my Tikling island stint.. sobrang lapit lang nito dun.. sana.. had it not for work commitments.. pero mararating ko rin to… one of this days,..
thanks for this post James..
yes, you will see this island for sure.
I really miss dis place
time to get back ani 😉
i miss capul,the place i grow….soon ill be back guys!
had a great time there. Thanks, this blog inspired me to visit the island. 🙂
this summer, i will be going home sa samar.. hope to visit this place again.. i got here way back 90’s pa.. summer sa samar.. hehehehe
miss na miss na namin ang capul..Proud 2 b capuleno.
Ask ko lang po, may motorbike rental din ba sa capul island? Kung meron ano po ba ang mga rate, say mga 1 week rent?
wala po ms gwen
Went to Capul year 2011 to observe the seaweed program and stayed with the coastal communities for 2 nights. Capul is really a hidden gem with warm and friendly people. The beach is good and the water is so clean. Enjoyed the hike and the fruits along the way. Sad to say tat I only have my phone as camera. Looking forward to be back there.
lucky for you did visit my birth place. really, you are amazing person. as i read your stories about capul, one thing coming up to my mind for sure i will go back where i belomg. kase ganito ang nangyari, ever since i went to iligan last 1960 november, hindi na ako nakabalik. i am now 62 years old., just then before my life ends, if GODS WILL I will go back….
hope you can visit soon sir! i really like capul
Goodevening Mr. James,
I am Alexis Gene W. Almasco po. A BA Commmunication Arts student in UP Mindanao.
I would like to ask your time lang po to ask some questions regarding Northern Samar. Saw your blog and i think you will be one of my reliable respondents for my study.
BTW, My study is about the destination branding of Northern Samar. Can I ask or interview you sir? This will be all about the province of Northern Samar. I will be looking forward in your kind response. Thank you! God bless.
please contact me through email : xhiezalmasco@yahoo.com
or facebook: Alexis Gene W. Almasco
Respectfully yours,
Alexis Gene W. Almasco
A big thanks to you, at kahit ang capul ay maliit na isla ay narating mo Salamat sa pagbisita mo, kahit ako excited lagi umuwi after my 6 mos contract in a cruise ship, minsan nga na isip ko sana me itinerary din kami sa pinas lalo na sa Samar .
Thanks a lot for visiting our beloved island..indeed i felt proud when i read those comments to your blog.Proud as well to belong in this island…..hope you will have a chance to visit us again…..God bless!