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Kalanggaman Island is undeniably a must-go destination in the Philippines, no wonder why it is probably in everyone's bucket list. Long sandbars that stretch from both ends of the island with white and powdery sand and crystal clear water...perfect summer getaway or soul searching, barkada bonding and family holiday place.
It is said to have gained international exposure last 2013 when MV Europa Cruise Line stopped over in the Island and brought around 400 passengers and stayed there for a couple of hours. Since then, different pictures of Kalanggaman Island circulated around the internet which makes it one of the top destinations in Eastern Visayas.
If you're planning to go to Kalanggaman Island and personally witness its picturesque view, I hope this travel guide, tips and other good to know information will help you.
How to get to Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman Island is located off the shore of Palompon in the western part of Leyte. From Palompon, it is around 45 minutes to an hour boat ride. You can reach Palompon either from Tacloban or Ormoc.
From Manila: There are daily flights from Manila to Tacloban or Ormoc, both are in Leyte.
If you are coming from Tacloban Airport (like what we did, we didn't realize that Ormoc is much nearer to Palompon than from Tacloban)
- Ride a jeep from the airport going to the new bus terminal, the driver will drop you off exactly at the new bus terminal.
- Take either a van or a bus bound to Palompon.
- Jeepney Fare: 50 pesos per person
- Van Fare: 150 per person
- Travel Time (to Palompon): 3 hours
If you are coming from Ormoc Airport
- Go to Ormoc City Bus/Jeepney/Van Terminal (just ask the airport staff on how to go to the terminal)
- Ride a van to Palompon
- Fare: 110 per person
- Travel Time: 1-2 hours
From Cebu: Take a boat or a fastcraft to Ormoc City. You can also go to Kalanggamana Island directly from Malapascua Cebu.
NOTE!! All tourists are required to register at the Palompon Tourism Office. It is located in front of the Liberty Park, walking distance from the Market and Terminal.
Rental and Entrance Fees
Boat Rental Fees
- Php3000 - 15 Pax Maximum Capacity
- Php3500 - 25 Pax Maximum Capacity
- Php4000 - 30 Pax Maximum Capacity
- Php5000 - 40 Pax Maximum Capacity
TIP: You can save money if you are travelling in a group, you can divide the boat rental fee depending on how many you are in a group. However, if you are a solo traveler or a group of 2 or 3, you can inform the tourism officer that you would like to share a boat with other tourists so they can arrange it for you. You can also talk to other tourists and share a boat with them. The same boat will fetch you back to Palompon so don't forget to ask the boatman for the return trip time.
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| On the boat to Kalanggaman |
In our case since we were only 3, we asked the officer that we would like to share a boat ride with other tourists. We shared with a group of students from Tacloban, they were around more or less 20 pax so we only paid Php500 (500/3=167 each,rounded off).
Entrance Fees (Day Tour)
- Php500 - International Tourists
- Php150 - Local Tourists
- Php40 - College Students
- Php30 - High school Students
- Php20 - Elementary Pupils
- Php120 - Senior Citizens
Entrance Fees (Overnight)
- Php750 - International Tourists
- Php225 - Local Tourists
- Php60 - College Students
- Php40 - High school Students
- Php30 - Elementary Pupils
- Php180 - Senior Citizens
Cottages
- Php250 - 15 Pax Maximum Capacity
- Php500 - 25 Pax Maximum Capacity
- Pho700 - 30 Pax Maximum Capacity
TIP: Palompon limits the number of guest in the island so if you want to have a smooth travel, prior reservation is required. However, walk-ins are allowed but be there as early as possible (when the Tourism Office opens) to secure a slot. According to what I have read they only allow 100 tourists in Kalanggaman Island. I forgot to asked the officer about this. I will update this info as soon as i will be able to confirm the allowed number of guests with Palompon Tourism Office. Anyways, just be there early (wink emoji).
We tried to contact Palompon Tourism Office for reservation and we called multiple numbers we got from different bogs but all seemed to be not working. Luckily, we were able to obtain one working number and we were able to reserve a slot. You can try to contact this number: 0926-816-4005.
Where to stay in the island?
There is no resort in the island so your gonna have to either rent a cottage or a tent. You can also bring your own tent if you have one. Tent rentals are available in the Tourism Office. We rented a tent good for 5 pax for Php350. Tent rentals are also available in the island but to be sure just rent one from PalomponTourism Office.
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| Our humble maroon tent! ^_^ |
Update: There were ongoing constructions in the island. There were construction guys in the area and they were building a convention hall. We also found out that they are building small cottages for those who wants to stay overnight and other infrastructures in the island. It is somehow a good thing as it'll provide comfort and convenience for the tourists but I hope the local government would not go beyond that and over commercialized the area. I love how it is right now, plain natural and simple.
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| These are the cottages that they are building. |
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| Tree House under construction |
Where to eat?
There is no restaurants, karenderya or sari-sari store in Kalanggaman so make sure to bring enough food for a day or overnight stay. Grilling stations are available in the island in case you want to grill some fish, meat or hotdog.
No. There is no potable water in the island so you're gonna have to bring your own drinking water. Bring plenty of water as you can. You don't wanna ran out of water in the middle of an island so bring enough water that you can consume.
Yes. There are restrooms and dressing rooms in the island. But don't expect too much, the facilities are very basic, just enough to serve your needs. There are no faucet so you're gonna have to fetch yourself a water, using a pail, from a big water container / water pump ( tubig poso ). By the way, the water from the water pump is from the sea, no fresh water (wink emoji).
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| Grilling Station |
Is there a potable water in the island?
No. There is no potable water in the island so you're gonna have to bring your own drinking water. Bring plenty of water as you can. You don't wanna ran out of water in the middle of an island so bring enough water that you can consume.
Is there a CR or dressing room in the island?
Yes. There are restrooms and dressing rooms in the island. But don't expect too much, the facilities are very basic, just enough to serve your needs. There are no faucet so you're gonna have to fetch yourself a water, using a pail, from a big water container / water pump ( tubig poso ). By the way, the water from the water pump is from the sea, no fresh water (wink emoji).
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| Dressing Room |
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| Water Pump "tubig poso" just right outside the comfort room |
Activities in Kalanggaman Island
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- Camping
Friendly Reminders and Good to Know Information
- Bring sunblock, shades, cap, umbrella or anything that can protect your skin from the direct heat of the sun.
- Bring an insect repellent.
- There is no electricity in the island so make sure all your electronic gadgets (cellphones, cameras even power banks) are fully charged. Bring an extra battery or a solar power bank if you have one. You might see a couple of light there at night but that's for the care taker/island personnel and it's powered through solar panel.
- There is a police station in the island for the safety of the tourists.
- The boatman provides a container of fresh water to the tourists, but it's just enough for freshening up.
- Two trash bags will be provided to each tourists/group, one will be for the biodegradable trash and the other one is for non-biodegradable trash. The boatman will collect the two trash bags upon your return trip to Palompon.
- Start your boat-trip early in the morning if you want to have a smooth sailing. Also, dolphins sometimes show up in the morning.
- Do not travel during bad whether conditions.
- Bonfire is not allowed in the island.
- Swimming at the sandbar area is prohibited due to the rip current which is very dangerous.
- Swimming on the other part of the island (rocky part) is not allowed.
Where to stay in Palompon
PACCI House
Address: Rizal Street (walking distance from the Market and Tourism Office)
Amenities: Function Hall, Telephone Service, Internet
Contact Number: (053) 338-2880
We stayed here for 1 night. All regular rooms were fully booked so we stayed in there dormitory type room with 3 double-deck beds, en-suit CR and air condition. There were no TV and the Wi-Fi can also be used best at the lobby. Good thing smart has a strong reception in the area so updating your social media posts isn't gonna be a problem :).
Whispering Beach Mini Hotel
Address: P. Del Rosario Ext. Brgy. Guiwan I
Amenities: Function Hall, Telephone Service, hot & cold shower, Catering services
Contacts Numbers: (053) 338-2135/555-8045
Hutton Lodge
Address: Cor. San Francisco St. & Evangelista St.
Amenities: Internet Café, Telephone Service
Contact Number: (053) 338-3098
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Nevertheless it was still successful and memorable. We survived a 3-day DIY Leyte
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