KALANGGAMAN ISLAND.
Leyte's Island Paradise and Hidden
Best chapters of my life!
Wandering to places I have never been to; chasing unicorns; making fun memories; and finding solace amidst chaos and challenges.
October 2017 school semestral break. I was stressed from work and I have few days to enjoy before the class starts. As a teacher I want to give myself a "me time" that I need to relax my body and mind. Since I really wanted to have a beach treat for myself I choose to spend my sembreak days at Kalanggaman Island and it was all worth it.
Kalanggaman Island is a small island paradise located in Palampon, Leyte (Philippines). It is famous for its crystal clear waters, lush palm trees, and beautiful sandbars on both ends.
The island is also considered one of the most beautiful island beaches in the Philippines. Its has captivated many Filipino and foreign tourists because of its pristine and untouched beauty.
WELCOME TO KALANGGMAN ISLAND.
Life is too good at the beach.
Shells, sunset, sea and love.
It's so simple to be happy.
Sometimes we need a break, hear the sound of the waves and feel the sea breeze.
Its at these moment that we find magical places.
There's something about the sea and ocean that makes me feel so happy. I like cities but I'd still choose to travel different beaches.❤
Nothing like being at peaceful beach.
This are some realizations during my entire stay at the Kalanghaman Isalnd. After spending time in the Island here are some things I want to share with you.
If you want a cheaper unforgettable vacay of your life.
Estimated Budget: 1500- 2000php
(the more, the cheaper- the lesser the expense)
Here are some tips on how to go to Kalanggaman Island. The island is located in a small town of Palompon, Leyte.
From Tacloban to Palompon
There is an hourly or every 30 mins Van for Hire trips from Tacloban City to Palompon, Leyte.
Mode of Transportation:
Van @ Tacloban New Bus Terminal
Fare/Rate: P160.00
Time of Travel: 3 hours travel
(Tip: Student and Senior Citizen you can bring your ID to avail of the 20% discount)
From Ormoc to Palompon
There is an hourly or every 30 mins Van for Hire trips from Ormoc City to Palompon, Leyte.
Rate: P120.00
ECO- TOURISM FEES:
Day tour
500php (foreign tourist)
150php (regular)
120php (senior citizen)
40- 20php (student)
MOTOR BOATS THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO KALANGGMAN ISLAND
located at the back of the Palompon Eco Tours Office.
⌚Travel time from Palompon to Kalanggaman Island:
By regular pump boats- 1 hour
By speedboat- 39 minutes
⚠ IMPORTANT THINGS TO BRING:
Camping tent (for overnight)
Flashlight/Solar lamps
Powerbank
Foods/ Ice/ Water/Drinks/Beverages
Butane/ camping stove
Mosquito repellent lotion
WHEN IN PALOMPON FRIENDLY & HELFUL TIPS:
Once you are in Palompon, Leyte take a Tricycle ride (pot-pot)to the Tourism office.
Coordinate with the Palompon Ecotours Office for the scheduling of visits to Kalanggaman since limited number of visitors are only allowed in the island, You can also reserve your boat rental ahead of time with Palompon Eco Tours before going there. Then sit back and relax.
Call them again 2-3 days before your trip to make sure your reservation is confirmed
The island can be crowded during summer, holidays & holyweek
Start your trip early in the morning, the sea is calmer & dolphins are most likely visible at this time.
There's no power of electricity in the island
It can be really hot during daytime, bring a lot of water & ice if possible
Basic comfort rooms are available tourists are provided with one water
Pitch your own tent
If planning to stay overnight at the town in Palompon instead at the island, Cham's Inn is an affordable place to stay with basic amenities only, walk-in rate starts at 1000 php good for 2 guests
You can buy your foods & all the things that you need at Palompon market
Butane gas is not allowed in the ferry, you can buy at Palompon market
Practice LEAVE NO TRACE at all times
Amenities and other things to do on Kalanggaman Island
Cottages:
No Cottages (Rent a Table under a tree) - Good for a day tour only. But if you have a tent, you can save money from the rentals. Tents are currently free.
Open Cottages - Good for a day use. But you can rent this one for overnight. There are no wall around this cottage.
Family Size Cottages - Good for one big family and multi-day stay at the island. There are walls around the cottage.
Toilet & Bathrooms:
There are few toilets scattered around the island.
There are functioning showers there but fresh water is scarce.
You can take a bath at the tourism building once you get back from Kalanggaman Island.
Cooking Area / Kitchen:
There are at least two (2) cooking areas on the island. One is located near the front area and the other one at the end.
You have to provide your own firewood / coals and even cookouts. Just ask around, maybe you can rent pots or buy firewood there.
Best is you buy your food & drinks at the mainland.
Shops:
There is one shop found in Kalanggaman Island which sells some of the basic things you need with some extra price.
Recreation:
Beach Volleyball - There is a beach volleyball area near the shop. Ball rentals are in the shop.
Kayak - There are a few kayaks in the island. You can rent it by hours. Ask for the rental price at the shop. They will be happy to assist.
Stand-up-Paddle - Ask for the rental price at the shop. They will be happy to assist.
Snorkeling - Ask for the rental price at the shop. They will be happy to assist.
Scuba Diving - Ask for the rental price at the shop. They will be happy to assist.
Chapel:
For the religious ones there is a small chapel at the Island.
The Other Side:
The other side of Kalanggaman island consists of limestone rocks. Around 50 meters is a dive spot.
The Other Shoreline
This used to be a long stretch but when the island was hit by typhoon Haiyan, it changed.
Boat Docks:
Boats can dock almost anywhere in the island. You can ask the captain which part of the shoreline you will be getting off.
Security:
No problem when it comes to security. There are police patrolling the area 24/7.
Happy traveling and wandering...
leave nothing but footprints and happy memories!
