Biliran's Higatangan Island Touted as Next Luxury Cruise Stop
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Biliran’s Higatangan Island is being positioned as a future stop for luxury cruise tourism, with the local government of Naval eyeing its inclusion in the 2027–2028 season of French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant. The move follows a site assessment this week led by the company’s director of cruise research and development, Sylvianne De Tracy, alongside representatives from Intercruises, Travel People Ltd., and the Department of Tourism.
The delegation toured Higatangan’s coastal landscapes and cultural sites, noting the island’s pristine environment and authentic character. Naval officials described the visit as a major step toward placing Higatangan on the international cruise map, with the potential to bring global exposure and new tourism opportunities.
The island has already drawn international interest. In December 2025, Australia’s MV Coral Geographer returned with 80 guests for a cultural immersion program, underscoring its appeal to cruise travelers seeking unique destinations.
Local stakeholders remain optimistic that inclusion in Ponant’s itinerary will boost sustainable tourism while safeguarding Higatangan’s heritage. With a population of about 2,000 spread across two villages, the island is known for its shifting sandbar, underwater chapel “Capilla del Mar,” cliff-diving spots, and dive sites—features that could make it a standout attraction in the luxury cruise circuit.
For Naval, the prospect of welcoming high-end cruise passengers is more than a tourism milestone; it is a chance to showcase Biliran’s natural beauty and cultural richness to the world, while ensuring that development remains rooted in sustainability.