"learn! reinvent! fear nothing! paddle for glorious experience at your own pace! you are the captain of your kayak... steer forward!
WHERE IS KALANGGAMAN ISLAND LOCATED?
One of the most sought out tourist destination in Eastern Visayas due to its crystal clear blue waters, white powdery sand manifested by the long stretch of sandbar. Kalanggaman Island is located in the municipality of Palompon in the Leyte Province. This island is famous for weekend getaway to be stress free from work and studies or just to be alone with nature.
Kalanggaman Island Sandbar
The Long Stretch of Kalanggaman Island Sandbar
Kalanggaman Island has been one of the most in demand destinations in the Visayas, photographs posted online and tour packages has been circulating in the social media platforms. The island propelled to popularity and became one of the travel bucket list for backpackers after MV Europa Cruise Line stopped over in the island and stayed for a couple of hours way back in 2013. After the images of the tourists propagated online, both local and international tourists were in awe and sprouted like mushrooms with the desire to visit the coveted idyllic island.
NOTE:
To be able to stay overnight in the island, it is important to call first and make arrangements with the Palompon Ecotourism Office which can be reached through these numbers: Landline - (053)338-2094; Mobile - 09173037267 or 09173037269. One can also visit their official website at www.palomponleyte.gov.ph for they only allow limited tourists to about 500 persons per day in order to preserve the beauty of the island.
- Kalanggaman Island got its name from the shape and form of the island which resembles a bird stretching its wings in an aerial perspective. The Cebuano word, "langgam," means "bird" and that's how the island got its name.
- Cebuano dialect is extensively spoken by the local people in the island, but you may hear a few who speak Waray-waray.
- It is a perfect site for kayaking, scuba diving, free diving and snorkeling.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Distinguishing Symbol of the Island
There are daily flights to Tacloban City, Ormoc City or to Cebu City from any of your local airline of choice.
From Ormoc City
Cebu Pacific serves a direct flight from Cebu to Ormoc City daily which takes about forty-five minutes only.
Alternatively, one
can take a fast craft or slow vessels from Cebu City to Ormoc City. Roble Shipping and Lite Shipping Corporation are few of the more popular low budget vessels. But if you want to take a faster option, one can take the Ocean Jet or SuperCat by 2Go Travel which is also more expensive. Just visit their
websites for more information.
From Tacloban City
From the bus/passenger van terminal of Tacloban City, one can take a van or v-hire going to Palompon, Leyte. From Tacloban City, it would usually take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and would cost around 120-160 pesos.
From Cebu City to Palompon Leyte
One can take a passenger vessel going to Palompon Leyte. Cokaliong Shipping Lines, which takes about five to six hours of travel caters a direct route from Cebu City to the town of Palompon in Leyte. Check out Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Incorporated's official website for their latest schedules, rates and other relevant information. While on the passenger vessel, take the opportunity to be mesmerized by the enchanting city lights of Cebu City, Mandaue City and Mactan Island. You can also savor the architectural beauty of Marcelo Fernan Bridge connecting the island of Cebu and Mactan.
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| The Rear View of the Passenger Vessel to Palompon, Leyte |
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| The Marcelo Fernan Bridge at the Background |
There are tour packages in Malapascua Island that caters a day trip to Kalanggaman Island for only 800 to 1,000 pesos per person. It usually takes about one and a half hour to two hours utilizing a passenger boat to reach the Island of Kalanggaman.
From Bogo City, Cebu to Palompon Leyte
MV Shuttle Ferry 16 departs from Bogo City at 4 in the morning, 12 noon and 8 in the evening daily to the town of Palompon. The ferry ride usuallys takes around 2 and a half hours. From Palompon to the municipality of Bogo, Cebu, the shuttle ferry departs at 7:30 in the morning, 4 in the afternoon and 12 midnight daily. It usually cost around 250 pesos.
WELCOME TO PALOMPON LEYTE!
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| The Palompon Town Welcoming Signage |
Once local or international tourists arrive in the town of Palompon, Leyte, it is mandatory for the tourist/s to register first at the Palompon Ecotourism Office. The office is located in front of Liberty Park near the Municipal Hall of Palompon, Leyte.
The registration process would include the payment of day use entrance fees and environmental fees that would cost 500 pesos for international tourists and 150 pesos for local tourists that are not resident of Palompon, Leyte. Senior Citizens are only required to pay 120 pesos. While, students also enjoy a discounted rate. For college students, 40 pesos is charged, while for high school Students, 30 pesos is required and for elementary students, 20 pesos is needed for them to enter the island of Kalanggaman.
However, staying overnight would entail additional fees. Overnight rates for international tourists would cost 750 pesos. Local tourists not residing in Palompon are required to pay 225 pesos. Senior Citizens are charged 180 pesos for an overnight stay. College students, high school students and elementary students are charged 60 pesos, 45 pesos and 30 pesos, respectively.
After paying the required fees from the local government, the next step is to secure a motorized boat tht would take you from Palompon Port to Kalanggaman Island. For small groups of 10-15 persons, it would usually cost 3,000 pesos. For 20-25 persons, it would cost 3,500 pesos for a bigger boat. And for 30 passengers, it would cost 4,000 pesos for the largest passenger boat available.
The registration process would include the payment of day use entrance fees and environmental fees that would cost 500 pesos for international tourists and 150 pesos for local tourists that are not resident of Palompon, Leyte. Senior Citizens are only required to pay 120 pesos. While, students also enjoy a discounted rate. For college students, 40 pesos is charged, while for high school Students, 30 pesos is required and for elementary students, 20 pesos is needed for them to enter the island of Kalanggaman.
However, staying overnight would entail additional fees. Overnight rates for international tourists would cost 750 pesos. Local tourists not residing in Palompon are required to pay 225 pesos. Senior Citizens are charged 180 pesos for an overnight stay. College students, high school students and elementary students are charged 60 pesos, 45 pesos and 30 pesos, respectively.
After paying the required fees from the local government, the next step is to secure a motorized boat tht would take you from Palompon Port to Kalanggaman Island. For small groups of 10-15 persons, it would usually cost 3,000 pesos. For 20-25 persons, it would cost 3,500 pesos for a bigger boat. And for 30 passengers, it would cost 4,000 pesos for the largest passenger boat available.
If you are traveling alone or in smaller groups, one can join other travelers in order to lessen your boat rental cost. The cost of the boat rental would be divided per passenger. The friendlier you are, the greater your chance of paying less. 😎
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On Our Way to the Pristine Island of Kalanggaman
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Je Suis Venu, J'ai Vu, J'ai Vaincu
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The earliest boat trip to Kalanggaman Island leaves Palompon Port at six in the morning and the last trip will leave at around 4:30 in the afternoon.
THINGS TO DO IN KALANGGAMAN ISLAND
SWIMMING
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| Inviting, Isn't It? |
Don't you just love to swim in crystal clear blue waters? Take a dip and enjoy the serenity of the cool water and the refreshing Visayan sea breeze. Aside from that, you can also enjoy the exfoliating feeling of the sugary sand on your feet. The place is yours relish!
KAYAKING and SNORKELING
Explore the beauty of the island using a kayak, which is a narrow watercraft. You can rent a kayak for only 150 pesos per hour. Kayaking can be your way of working out for a day, you enjoy the view of the island and at the same time, you are building your core. Wander through the island using this watercraft and be sure to have a sense of great balance and coordination to avoid being turned over by the waves. Be safe if you are not confident with your swimming skills.
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Kayaking the Blue Waters Surrounding the Island
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Wear a life vest if you must, since at some point, you might battle with the waves, for the weather in the island is unpredictable. You can go snorkeling in between, venture the hidden gem under the pristine waters and if you are lucky enough, you can see marine diversity in the island. However, there are specific sites for snorkeling and swimming. One must be very careful because there are small portions of the island where swimming and snorkeling are prohibited due to strong riptide.
CAMPING
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| Pitching a Tent for an Overnight Stay in the Island
You
can bring your own tent and set it up on the beachfront for an
overnight use. You can choose a perfect spot and pitch your tent. However, be careful in setting up your tent because coconut trees are very abundant around the island, your tent might be hit by a falling adult coconut. 😎
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| Fostering Team Work and Camaraderie |
If you are traveling in a group, setting up your tent can become a useful way of building your team. Every member of your team should take part and
contribute in setting up your booth for the overnight shelter. Try to experience
a night away from the comfort of your bedroom. Camping is an amazing experience. At times, it revives memories from your childhood, be it in boy/girl scout camp or a family event.
TREK AROUND THE ISLAND
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| Trekking the Rocky Waters on the Posterior Part of the Island
You
can roam around the island for half an hour or less. Take some
postcard memories, enjoy the white sandy beach and the turquoise water
of the island. Walk the entire length of the island and mingle with other
tourists for this is one way of exchanging travel experiences so that you can
plan your next travel destination.
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| The Rejuvenating Experience of the Powdery Sand on Your Feet |
The long stretch of powdery white sand will definitely make you forget your worries and tribulations. The sand on your feet will take you into a relaxing sanctuary, away from the busy and crowded city. Unquestionably, a holiday haven away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
BARBECUE PARTY
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| The Kalanggaman Island Foodfest |
 The Beach Feast
Cook
your own food in the island and share a meal with your companions in order to make your stay in the island a memorable one. It is a one-of-a-kind
outdoor experience barbecuing pork and grilling fish for a holiday banquet. The Kalanggaman adventure would not be complete without the smell of grilled pork. The moment you
smell the aroma of freshly cooked meat, the noisier your stomach rumbles and growls for food.
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The Kalanggaman Island Dusk
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The sun is fading and darkness starts invading the view of Kalanggaman Island; love story remains in the dusky sky waiting for the stars to glitter and maintain its luminescence.
Stay cool and young under the dashing and fading light of the sun. Savor the moment when the total darkness envelopes the sky, when the darkness bids the setting sun goodbye. As the glistening stars appear, find your constellation and claim it as your own. Stars are within reach at night time where you can lay down on the beach line and contemplate the wonders of nature nurtured by the Creator. Be romantic under the countless stars, the lullaby of the strong waves blinded by the soft wind will certainly bring you a tranquil night close to your dearly beloved.
SIDE TRIP IN PALOMPON TOWN PROPER
Visit the Palompon Town Signage in the Liberty Park
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| Palompon Paradise |
You can take a pose at the colorful town signage while enjoying the view of the Palompon Bay. Relative to this, you can also go strolling around the town's Liberty Park and mingle with the friendly local people. It is also essential to try the town's delicacies and explore the town's marketplace to look for some souvenirs.
Visit their Church Edifice
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| Palompon Town Catholic Church |
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier is considered one of the oldest churches in Leyte. The church takes you back to the Spanish colonial era and brings you a sense of patriotism, history and piety.
Sunset Watching at Lantaw Viewdeck
Lantaw is a small hill located in the south-end of the town of Palompon. The word "lantaw" in Cebuano means "to view" which is manifested by the awesome spectacle where you can see the entire town as it embraces the sea. One can also order food for dinner and have a bottle of beer while enjoying the place with your companions.
Before I end this blog, I would like to thank my previous colleagues in health care for making this trip a memorable one. It was an amazing experience with you guys: Sir Zach, Ma'am Charlotte, Sir Buddy, Diane and Janksy. I hope to travel with you guys again soon!
A trip to Kalanggaman Island is truly a holiday haven for anyone who loves the serenity of nature.
See you on my next post. I will take you on another adventure.
Guess where? Post it on the comments section.
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