Kalanggaman Island is not only a fantastic beach, but it is also incredibly secluded and untouched. It has everything you want from places like Maya Beach in Thailand or Cancun in Mexico. Yes, these sites are beautiful such as Maya Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, but the overabundance of visitors degrades the natural beauty.
Palompon, a municipality west of Ormoc City, contains Kalanggaman Island. Kalanggaman did not appear suddenly from the seabed to confront the Panglaos and Calaguases of the Philippines’ beach aristocracy. Of course, this secluded treasure located some twenty kilometers west of Leyte has always been there. The recent rise in interest, however, can be attributed in part to the local government’s attempts to promote the island, which coincides with the province’s renewed emphasis on tourism.
HOW TO GET TO THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
Take a flight to Ormoc City. The city of Ormoc serves as the entryway to western Leyte, and flying is the most convenient mode of transportation. The city has its own domestic airport, although there are currently no flights to or from Manila. Cebu Pacific Air is the sole airline that operates flights to Ormoc. Cebgo operates the flight. Those traveling from Manila or elsewhere must first schedule a journey to Cebu City, then connect to a Cebu Pacific flight to Ormoc. There are alternative routes, which we will detail below.
- Travel to Palompon by bus or vehicle. Proceed from the airport to the Ormoc van and bus terminal, which is located right below the port across Ormoc City Park. Depending on your route and means of transportation, the trip from Ormoc to Palompon normally takes an hour and a half. The van costs between PHP 100 and PHP 150. Bus fares are slightly lower: PHP 50-60, but because buses stop in various towns, your travel time will be substantially longer. When you arrive in Palompon, your final destination should be the Town Ecotourism office.
- Fees must be paid at the Ecotourism Office. It’s in Freedom Park, just next to the Municipal Town Hall. The island charges an admission fee, which is used to fund conservation initiatives on the island. The cost varies. The Ecotourism office accepts payment for all fees.
- Purchase a boat. Aside from the conservation fee, there is also the option to rent a boat. Rental costs for 15-seaters range from PHP 3000 to PHP 4000 for larger 30-capacity motorboats. Those traveling in large groups get more value. You can rent an entire boat or wait for other people to fill it.
- The Visayan Sea is a bustling waterway with many vessels passing through it, including fast craft liners, fishing boats, and big interisland freight ships. After about an hour of nothing but blue and the sound of the boat’s motor, you will see the island.
KALANGGAMAN ISLAND, THINGS TO DO
Kalanggaman Island is a spectacle that everyone should see. Not only will you be surrounded by calm waters, but you will also have a fantastic summer getaway experience. You must enjoy the activities on Kalanggaman Island to truly immerse yourself in the island experience!
Try wandering on their lovely twin sandbars that allow you to take in the views if you want to get some fresh air. Just remember to layer on the sunblock and shades to keep yourself protected from the sun.
Water activities on Kalanggaman Island will surely win the hearts of sea lovers everywhere. Swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and aqua biking are some of the most popular tourist activities on Kalanggaman Island.
In their overnight camping activity, you can also camp out under the stars. This is only a glimpse of the amazing things Kalanggaman Island has in store for you.
Because there is no electricity on the island, you may spend more time with your friends and family! The island also provides a variety of delectable meals through its cafés and restaurants.
If you want to be one with the beach, sun, and ocean, travel to Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte! Just remember to bring all of the necessary items, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and water!
KALANGGAMAN ISLAND TOUR RATES
Non-locals and foreign tourists pay more, while students get the greatest deals. Here’s how it works:
REGULAR DAY FEES
Senior citizens > PHP 120
Non-local high school student > PHP 30
Non-local elementary student > PHP 20
Foreign tourists > PHP 500
Non-local tourist > PHP 150
Non-local college student > PHP 40
Following are the rates if you want to spend the night on this island.
Senior citizens > PHP 180
Non-local tourist > PHP 225
Non-local college student > PHP 60
Foreign tourists > PHP 750
Non-local high school student > PHP 45
Non-local elementary student > PHP 30
WHAT TO EAT
Kalanggaman Island has sari-sari stores that provide short-order cuisine for tourists. You may also purchase fresh seafood from the local market and use the grilling stations and wooden tables set up for tourists.
WHERE TO STAY
Kalanggaman Island has no resorts or suitable hotels. If you intend to spend the night here, your only alternative is to go camping. You can bring your own tent and pay for the overnight camping cost if you bring it. You can also hire a tent for PHP 400.
TRAVEL TIPS
- If you enjoy pleasant sailing, you should start your boat journey as early as 6 a.m.
- If you want to avoid a bumpy boat journey, avoid traveling between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- There are Tipi Huts for rent on the island, but they are quite limited; instead, if you wish to remain overnight, you can bring your own tent or hire one.
- On the island, you can rent huts, Tippi Houses, and cottages.
- Visitors are permitted to bring their own meals to the island.
- On the island, there are clean restrooms and showers, but water is scarce.
- Smart has the most powerful cell phone signal on the island.
- ATM machines can only be found in Palompon town.
- Bring plenty of drinking water; the island has no drinkable water.
- Bring power banks for your gadgets and phones; the island has no electricity.
- The Palompon Tourism Office has showers with plenty of water.
- Be a responsible traveler and return the debris to the mainland.
