Mystical Island of Lamanoc
Mystical Island of Lamanoc
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4.0
62 reviews
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Reslimpan
Rayong, Thailand3,511 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We took a tricycle from our hotel to this magical island a few km northeast of Anda. We paid our 400 pesos, walked through a mangrove, took a Filipino style kayak to the island where we met our guide. Very entertaining tour guide, which makes up for the fact that aren’t all that much to see. Bring a good pair of shoes, mosquito repellent and water.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charlotteemilymorris
United Arab Emirates27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This really was an unexpected find...a bamboo bridge through the mangroves to a boating area, a short sail across to the mystical island. Our guide was so knowledgeable and entertaining. I loved hearing about the history of all the magical caves.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinay-OnTheGo
171 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
90 minutes by boat from malapascua island, a must hop island on your vacation at malapascua. The island is actually split into 2 areas, but is connected on a beach walk which is truly amazing, because as you walk you are walking on the water waves. Nothing on this island except amazing sea water and great place for snorkeling.
Written September 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iammmattdoran
Manchester, UK551 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
When we're away we like to do things. Near Anda there wasn't a massive amount of things to do but we'd heard about this so thought we'd get a scooter and go check it out
You pay 300 pesos entry and then a boatman takes you across to the island where you join a tour guide as he guides visitors round what seems to be a continuous loop around the spots of interest. These include clam shells, wooden coffins, bones, hematite paintings and caves.
It's incredibly hot on the island so take water. It isn't that interesting if I'm honest and with the boat journey there and back it does take quite a long time (about 2 hours). It's not far from Anda and very easy to find as the ticket office is on the highway.
You pay 300 pesos entry and then a boatman takes you across to the island where you join a tour guide as he guides visitors round what seems to be a continuous loop around the spots of interest. These include clam shells, wooden coffins, bones, hematite paintings and caves.
It's incredibly hot on the island so take water. It isn't that interesting if I'm honest and with the boat journey there and back it does take quite a long time (about 2 hours). It's not far from Anda and very easy to find as the ticket office is on the highway.
Written June 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brnnfrd
Chula Vista, CA52 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Let's start with practicals: if you out "Lamanok Island" into google maps it will basically map you to the side of a road and then show you have to walk to the island and this is correct (I was worried about finding where the tour takes off from). But it's literally a stand on the side of the road, and you get out and pay the woman at the counter (300 PHP), and then walk down a set of stairs. I would suggest you bring water shoes or athletic-type sandals. You will see why! You will not want to wear tennis shoes and take them off and on like we did. Additionally, there are bathrooms on the island but not at the end of the mangrove boardwalk so either go before you arrive or wait until you get to the island.
The tour starts out with a 5-10 minute walk down a bamboo bridge over some mangroves! This is really interesting to watch and the bridge is sturdier than you might think. You then board a small boat and head over to the island. To board the boat you will have to be about foot deep in the water so that's where the footwear comes in the first time.
The ride over to the island has some spectacular views and the cliffs are breathtaking! Upon arrival you'll walk through a bit of water to reach the shore. A tour guide will meet you and walk you around the island on a tour that takes about 45 minutes and shows you 4 or 5 caves. The tour guide we had certainly knew her stuff but when only give us information when I asked what something was, and that was unfortunate. Her English was excellent, I think the problem is just with her presentation skills or maybe understanding that we travelled all this way because we want to learn and didn't want to bombard us with information? Not sure.
At the end if tide is low, which it was when we were there, we had to walk across water with some extremely rough coral (?) with lots of shells, rocks, etc. to get to the boat. Again, having water shoes or GOOD sandals (remember you are climbing around an island for 45 minutes before this!). Then you head back on the boat with the gorgeous views.
Overall I am glad I did this. Hopefully it will be polished over the next few years and it would be a perfect tour! Regardless, it's extremely unique and interesting.
The tour starts out with a 5-10 minute walk down a bamboo bridge over some mangroves! This is really interesting to watch and the bridge is sturdier than you might think. You then board a small boat and head over to the island. To board the boat you will have to be about foot deep in the water so that's where the footwear comes in the first time.
The ride over to the island has some spectacular views and the cliffs are breathtaking! Upon arrival you'll walk through a bit of water to reach the shore. A tour guide will meet you and walk you around the island on a tour that takes about 45 minutes and shows you 4 or 5 caves. The tour guide we had certainly knew her stuff but when only give us information when I asked what something was, and that was unfortunate. Her English was excellent, I think the problem is just with her presentation skills or maybe understanding that we travelled all this way because we want to learn and didn't want to bombard us with information? Not sure.
At the end if tide is low, which it was when we were there, we had to walk across water with some extremely rough coral (?) with lots of shells, rocks, etc. to get to the boat. Again, having water shoes or GOOD sandals (remember you are climbing around an island for 45 minutes before this!). Then you head back on the boat with the gorgeous views.
Overall I am glad I did this. Hopefully it will be polished over the next few years and it would be a perfect tour! Regardless, it's extremely unique and interesting.
Written July 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fred b
Manila, Philippines128 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
The first step to getting here is to cross Bohol island, if you arrived by plane, or catch or hire a boat to the nearest port to Anda. We picked a motorcycle (they're available for rent in the Tacloban and Alona Beach areas), and rode along the coastal road from Alona to Barangay Virgen. It's a beautiful ride and a decent road most of the way, without too much traffic once you get away from Tacloban/Loboc River area. There are small towns along the way where you can stop for gas and food. It's about a 2-3 hour ride, with the last 10km or so being a bumpy cement road.
We stayed the night at Casa Amihan in Brgy Virgen (separate review), then in the morning rode to the launching point for Lamanok Eco Tours. The road quickly turns to dirt. When dry, it's got lots of holes, and when wet, it looks like it would be a mess of mud. We were two people on a small Yamaha 125 bike, so we had to ride slowly to avoid excessive butt ache. It took most of an hour to get there. Along the way, we saw some tourists walking along the road. It's not a short hike, and it gets really hot in the middle of the day. I recommend wheeled transport (car, bike, tricycle). There isn't any water (or food) available anywhere near there, so pick some up on the way. You'll need it.
Getting to the ticket station, we paid our 300 pesos per person, and walked down the stairs to the mangrove swamp below. I understand there are fireflies there at dusk, but we were there in the morning.
On the day we were there, a crew of workers was rebuilding the bamboo walkway that leads through the swamp out to the bay, where we get into the boats. They had dismantled a couple hundred yards of the walkway, and at first our guide told us we would not be able to get through. However, the workers put down a string of big bamboo poles, and held them down for us (by hand) as we balance-beamed our way to the boat dock. Adventure already!
The boats are tiny canoes, each holding one person plus boat-(man/woman). On our day, two women were assigned to the boats. Getting into the boat was a bit scary because of its size; I was afraid of falling out and getting my electronics soaked. Other than that, the bay is calm and shallow, you could probably walk the whole way without getting your hair wet. I was told by a local the the bay sometimes has larger waves in it, and that the small boats aren't the safest in rough water. If you can't swim, bring a life vest - they don't provide one.
The island itself has several caves to visit. There are human bones, burial jars and coffins, cave paintings, bats, and an animal sacrifice cave, among other interesting things to see. Our guide, an older gentleman, was very knowledgeable, and gave us a great tour. This is some of the oldest history still visible in all of the Philippines, and is well worth a visit. The staff donates their time and effort, because they believe in the importance of the history here, and it shows in their work.
A note for new tourists: This is the Philippines. Reward good service with a tip!
I'm not sure this tour is appropriate for younger children, as there are artifacts and places that should not be played with, and kids might get bored with the history lesson.
We stayed the night at Casa Amihan in Brgy Virgen (separate review), then in the morning rode to the launching point for Lamanok Eco Tours. The road quickly turns to dirt. When dry, it's got lots of holes, and when wet, it looks like it would be a mess of mud. We were two people on a small Yamaha 125 bike, so we had to ride slowly to avoid excessive butt ache. It took most of an hour to get there. Along the way, we saw some tourists walking along the road. It's not a short hike, and it gets really hot in the middle of the day. I recommend wheeled transport (car, bike, tricycle). There isn't any water (or food) available anywhere near there, so pick some up on the way. You'll need it.
Getting to the ticket station, we paid our 300 pesos per person, and walked down the stairs to the mangrove swamp below. I understand there are fireflies there at dusk, but we were there in the morning.
On the day we were there, a crew of workers was rebuilding the bamboo walkway that leads through the swamp out to the bay, where we get into the boats. They had dismantled a couple hundred yards of the walkway, and at first our guide told us we would not be able to get through. However, the workers put down a string of big bamboo poles, and held them down for us (by hand) as we balance-beamed our way to the boat dock. Adventure already!
The boats are tiny canoes, each holding one person plus boat-(man/woman). On our day, two women were assigned to the boats. Getting into the boat was a bit scary because of its size; I was afraid of falling out and getting my electronics soaked. Other than that, the bay is calm and shallow, you could probably walk the whole way without getting your hair wet. I was told by a local the the bay sometimes has larger waves in it, and that the small boats aren't the safest in rough water. If you can't swim, bring a life vest - they don't provide one.
The island itself has several caves to visit. There are human bones, burial jars and coffins, cave paintings, bats, and an animal sacrifice cave, among other interesting things to see. Our guide, an older gentleman, was very knowledgeable, and gave us a great tour. This is some of the oldest history still visible in all of the Philippines, and is well worth a visit. The staff donates their time and effort, because they believe in the importance of the history here, and it shows in their work.
A note for new tourists: This is the Philippines. Reward good service with a tip!
I'm not sure this tour is appropriate for younger children, as there are artifacts and places that should not be played with, and kids might get bored with the history lesson.
Written May 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sikhodges
Jackson, WY20 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
It was ok. I liked the canoe ride over and you can snorkel (not great visibility) to see live giant clams which I thought was neat. The island is quite muggy with smelly mud, but it was nice to see the cave drawings and fossils.
Written September 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duhoz
Beroun, Czech Republic7,236 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Around 8 KM from Anda you can find a spiritual place and according to my guide cradle of Phillipino civilization. First, from the main road you have to walk down and cross the bridge over the mangroves, at the reception you pay 300 PHP for the tour. Your guide takes you in a small boat across to the mystic Island. Here, the guide takes you around to show you where even today the local practice offering and shamanism, you will also see the remains of the coffins and bones (the rest is in the national museum), shelters containing prehistoric paintings and a giant fossilized clam embedded in one of the rocks which proves that these formations have rose from the sea in the past. On the total the tour takes around 2 hours.
Written April 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikep_05
Milan, Italy57 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Little to add to other reviews. Got there by motorbike few mins /km from Anda city main road.Entrance fee 300p each,long bamboo bridge then fishermen boats will paddle to the island. It could be a good idea to go with high tide otherwise on the way back you might need to walk a bit in the sea. Water sandals are highly suggested as fit well with rocky paths and sea.Caves are not too bad and guides will drive you through the hiking path whilst telling you scary stories about spirits etc.
Written August 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdmd16
Quezon City, Philippines157 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
There's a fee of Php300. Going down a staircase to the mangroves. The mangroves is beautiful too. You'll walk on this bamboo bridge on stilts, it's safe. You'll ride a small boat going to the Lamanoc Island during high tide. The water is very clear. When you arrive, you'll be with a tour guide.
I got chills in the shaman cave when I was inside. I was in a hurry to go outside. It does not feel right inside. I was near to crying.
I did not feel much in the other parts of the island. Just this part.
If you're third eye is open, this island will be a fun island for you.
It was a nice tour.
Tip: It's a trekking tour. Bring a flashlight.
I got chills in the shaman cave when I was inside. I was in a hurry to go outside. It does not feel right inside. I was near to crying.
I did not feel much in the other parts of the island. Just this part.
If you're third eye is open, this island will be a fun island for you.
It was a nice tour.
Tip: It's a trekking tour. Bring a flashlight.
Written April 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! How long does the tour take?
Written October 29, 2018
are there posted hours for the tours? Is the island open till dusk?
Written June 1, 2018
hello, how do we contact lamanoc tour? we are going there and don't know if somebody is ready to meet and greet :)
Written March 4, 2017
It's a simple :) you want take tricycle (or other transport) and to by Anda provincial road. About 7km after Anda grob right died (if you go from Anda) you will see "cabin" with board "Lamonok island" and steps that go to down. In this placate Tour is begin :) cost of tour 300 peso per pax + transport :)
Drivers at Anda know where "cabin" with point of beginning tour placed.
Written March 4, 2017
We will have a car while in Bohol, how do we get to the office where we start the tour? I am trying to understand the exact location andn ot finding it. Any help would be appreciated!
Written June 26, 2016
Will you be coming from Tagbilaran City? Anda is about 100 kilometers away and will take about two hours to reach. From Anda town (Poblacion), it is about five kilometers to the entrance of the Lamanoc Island Mystic Tour, Barangay Badiang. Also, you can stop to ask a local. Locals are very warm and always willing to help.
Written June 27, 2016
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