Virtual Tour Guide: Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

Kalanggaman Island is a small island paradise located in Palampon, Leyte. 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.
According to locals, Kalanggaman (the Visayan word for “bird”) got its name because it resembles a bird if viewed from above, not to mention the island used to be a paradise for migratory birds many years ago.

HOW TO GO TO KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

• From Manila – Fly to Ormoc. From there, ride a van going to Palompon, Leyte (1.5Hrs ; P110). Walk to the tourism office for 10 minutes. Hire a boat going to Kalanggaman Island (1Hr ; P3000/15-20Pax).
• From Tacloban – If you will fly in to Leyte via Tacloban, you can ride a van going to straight to the town of Palompon (3Hrs ; P170). Walk a little to the Tourism Office from the final stop and hire a boat going to Kalanggaman Island
• From Naval – Ride a van to Lemon Junction (1.5Hr ; P80). From there ride another van going to Palompon (1Hr ; P50).
• From Cebu – There are several options from Cebu City going to Kalanggaman Island.
• Via New Maya Port – Ride a Ceres Bus at the North Bus Station going to the Old Maya Port (5Hrs ; P180) then a tricycle to New Maya Port (20Min ; P20). From there, you can rent a boat going to Kalanggaman Islandr (2Hrs ; P3500/20pax/way).
• Via Polambato Port in Bogo – From Cebu City, ride a bus at the North Bus Station going to Bogo (3Hrs ; P140) then a tricycle to Polambato Port (25Min ; P150/tric). In Polambato Port, ride a Super Shuttle Ferry going to Palompon. Please note that there is only one schedule daily at 12PM.
• Cebu via Cokaliong Shipping – From Cebu City, ride a ferry vessel going to Palompon (5Hrs ; P320). Kindly check website for schedule.

Bask in the beauty of the magnanimous Nature.

• Powdery White Sands – This island is charming and beautiful beyond compare but it doesn’t have a stretch of powdery white sand shores. The beach and the long sandbar is a stretch of creamy white sugary sands and rough coral stones. You can’t lay flat on your back or walk barefoot on the beach as it will most likely hurt. White powdery sands are a thing of Boracay and Calaguas Islands but Kalanggaman Island? Nope!

• Food – Food and water is hard to come by in the island. There are no eateries there. There is one store but it doesn’t sell food. Bottled mineral water can be bought in the lone store there so as other beverages like soda and coffee but they are seldom cold. If you don’t want to starve and thirst, bring with you enough food and water before you go to the island. Just make sure to bring your trash back with you when you go home.

• The Beach Water – The waters surrounding Kalanggaman Island has one of the most beautiful shades of blue. From clear turquoise to azure then further away are the darker blues, this stunner prides itself in its pristine and rich waters teeming with life and colors down below.

• Amenities – They have a pavilion intended to be used as tourists lounge

• Accommodation – Some of you might have already seen those wooden cottages shaped like an indian tent. Yes you can rent those for P500/night but that’s just it. You will need to shell out more for renting mattress, pillows and sheets. I’d say bringing a tent and camping at the beach is still the best option for those who are staying for the night.

• Cleansing Water – “Salty air. Salted hair.” A quote all beach lovers like to flaunt in social media along with a beautiful photo of them frolicking under the sun looking at the vast ocean but as we might all be, we hate going to bed with that nasty hair and sticky skin. Unfortunately in Kalanggaman Island, you might need to endure that sticky feeling until you get back in Palompon since there is no fresh water available in the shower so you could clean up.

• Bring enough food and water. You can shop for supplies at the supermarket prior to going to the island.
• Most of the boats there are big and can accommodate up to 20 passengers and priced at P3000 for a roundtrip transfer. If you are travelling alone, you can share with other passengers to save cost.
• Travel to the island are normally prohibited during unfavorable weather and sea condition. It’s best to check the weather prior to travelling to Palompon or better yet check with the local tourism office if travel to the Kalanggaman Island is possible on your preferred date.
• Bring snorkel gears. The beach is great but the real paradise lies underwater. If you don’t have snorkel, you can rent one in the island for a price of P300 for one full day of use.
• Day Tour cottages aren’t free. They are to be rented for P500/day which comes with a table and four chairs. If you are staying overnight, bring with you tents and camping gears.
• There is no electricity in the island so better get your gadgets charged to full battery before going there.
• Some tour/boat operators in Palompon offer a combined tour to Kalanggaman and Malapascua Islands. For this, prior arrangements must be made to ensure smooth and hassle free travel.