A Heavenly Paradise: Kalanggaman travel tips and ideas 🏖️

To beach lovers like me, its pretty much a goal to visit this island. I mean who would not! Even for those who are not "mermaids", the turquoise, luculent water and the captivating white sand bar can definitely awe you!

Kalanggaman is one of Leyte's hidden treasure. The island is shaped like a bird which is why its got its name derived from the local word "langgam" which means bird. This jaw dropping island is not even a hit until recently when amazing photos of the pristine shores, cerulean sky and the invigorating water is all over the internet. I mean, I have seen awesome beaches and i must say, when i saw the photos sent by friends and family who have actually got the chance to see its exquisite beach, i went totally gaga!! like totally! :))

Its famous for its stretches of white sand bar, palm trees, a perfect getaway island that has 753m of length and only a quarter of it are developed to cater the tourist needs. It used to be uninhabited but over time, it has been one of the famous tourist spot in the Philippines so the government has established a tourist friendly environment where they can assure people visiting will have a pleasant, fun, memorable island getaway.

Enough with the babbling! :) And before you get your swimmies ready, please bear in mind that the island as mentioned above is no glamping destination. Overall, its still one of my top 5.

HOW TO GET TO KALANGGAMAN ISLAND?

Kalanggaman Island via Google Map

From Manila:

You can get daily Flights to Tacloban City, Ormoc City or to Cebu City.

From Tacloban:

It is a three-hour journey by van from Tacloban Airport to Palompon town. The vans fare is P160 per person (price may change). You can find these vans waiting for you at the Tacloban New Bus Terminal, Brgy, Abucay. You may also take buses to Palompon town which is a cheaper option.

From Ormoc:

It usually takes an 1 1/2 to 2 hours to reach Palompon Leyte from Ormoc City. You may take a Van or Bus right near the Ormoc City Park for P120.00 (price may change)

From Cebu:

By Bus:

From Cebu North Bus Terminal, take a bus to Pulangbato Port in Bogo City. There is only one Ro-Ro boat bound for Palompon daily at 12 noon for P350/P550 (price may change)

By Boat:

You can choose to get boat or a fast craft to Ormoc City, or you can get boat ride from Cebu-Palompon. https://schedule.ph/boat/from/Cebu/to/Palompon

Now i have checked all these options and considered thoroughly until i have found out the easiest and most convenient way to visit the Kalanggaman is from Malapascua Island. It was a blessing in disguise to be honest as i thought going to that island is quite a work. When I was in Malapascua, I've over heard group tour offers from locals in the island. It’s a 1 1/2 hour to a two-hour boat ride for 800/head. And mind you, this includes lunch already so why not! :)

To Malapascua:

From Cebu North Bus Terminal, take a Ceres bus to New Maya Port In Daanbantayan (5 hours) P200 per person. From Maya port, take a boat ride to Malapascua Island for P100. If you are in large group, you can also hire a boat from Maya port that will take you directly to Kalanggaman Island.

When reaching the island, there will be an Eco fee.

To sum it up:

• Fly to Ormoc or Tacloban City or Cebu City

• From Cebu, get a boat ride to Ormoc/Tacloban

• Travel to Palompon Leyte by Bus or Van

• Register and pay Fees at Palompon Ecotours Office

• Get or hire your own Boat

Reminder:

It is mandatory for tourists to register first at Palompon Ecotours Office once you arrived in Palompon.

or From Cebu via Malapascua

• Get a bus ride to Maya Port Daanbantayan

• From Maya Port, get a boat ticket to Malapascua

• Look for locals that offer Kalanggaman day tour (they usually leave 8-9am)

• Pay the Eco fee P150/P500

• Enjoy the island with free lunch!

BEAUTY AT ITS FINEST

I have expected so much on this island and oh boy i was not dismayed. Its what i have pictured, even more!! Honestly i have not seen so exceptional beauty until were approaching the island. But i have to say though, it isn't perfect of course. This is not some 10 Star resort (if there is) but the best part for me (in my opinion) was when seeing it the first time while where moving towards it. It was just a perfect scenery Mother Nature has to offer. I was swept off my feet.

I felt like a little girl who's handed with bunch of candies and chocolates when we were about to dock. Containing myself with excitement! My heart indeed belongs to the beach. :)

We were on a big boat with 20 other tourist, 3 boatmen and a captain. I must say, it wasn't as pleasant specially if some people your with on that tour are impolite thinking they are entitled to be anything because they are tourist. I know this isn't something I should include in this blog but to all the readers, regardless if your a local tourist or a foreigner, it doesn't cost anything to be nice to people. 😉

And here we are...

Welcome to KALANGGAMAN ISLAND!!!

I am very pleased and delighted how the local government kept it minimal. Very impressed! The feels is closer to just enjoying this promised land and not commercialized. It truly is a heaven on earth!

👍🏼 Store Huts 👍🏼

Yep! Only few stores and they offer meals, drinks, snacks that are surprisingly just about the same price inland. Nothing beats drinks, food, book and good music by the beach. There are no corkage or other payment on this island so you can bring anything as you want. You can bring your own tent, chairs, tables, etc. For joining group tour like me, i suggest you rent the beach lounge chairs and guess what, its just P50. If you go there with group and rented your own boat, might as well get a cottage. Price range from P250-P700.

Took the day tour but definitely you can stay overnight. You can bring your own tent or you can rent one on the island.

• 300 / night (4-Person Tent), 250 / night (2-person Tent)

Tipi House

You may also consider renting a room/Tipi house.We were suppose to stay overnight but decided to cancel and the staff were so accommodating to our request.The last time i checked, price was P1,000 including breakfast. Price may have changed. For more details, click on the link to be routed to their official Facebook page. 😉

Keep in mind that all boats leave the island before sunset, and won’t return until the next day. If you’re staying for the night, make sure you’ve made your pick-up times clear to the boatman.

Dont judge! Im not alcoholic 🤣 😅

There is no electricity and barely any signal which will make you stay away from any social media and just RELAX! This island is staying true to its promise.. a peaceful, cordial weekend getaway.

THINGS YOU CAN DO IN THE ISLAND:

• Snorkel

• Swimming

• Kayak

• Stand up Paddle

and most importantly,

• Chill

• Aura 🤣

You can also do diving but you have to arrange it in advance.

I have not got the chance to snorkel (though we have the snorkeling gear) because time was limited. That is why hiring a boat would be best if you want to savor the moment more. Our tour arrived at 10:30 am and lunch at 12:00 noon then boat leaves at 2:30pm. I'd rather just enjoy the crystal clear water, chill on the sand, smell the breeze, capture its undeniably stunning picturesque view. And yes, until this day, i still long for more. 😍

A picture-perfect white Sandbar

My words wont even do justice in describing this little paradise. It could be better if its not too crowded with tourist however, its charm will still astound you.

FUN FACT:

• Discovery:

The island started to gain international exposure after MV Europa Cruise Line stopped over in the island and brought almost 400 passengers who stayed on the island for a couple of hours.

• Powdery White Sand:

Yes there are parts of the island has that refine sand however, the long stretch of white sand, its not what you think it is. I know its lovely to think going on a stroll through that spotless sandbar barefoot. Well, think again! Id still suggest to wear slippers or beach shoes. Up close, the sandbar is mostly shells and skeletons of dead corals as what all sandbars are.

👙 Mermaid on the move 👙

The end of the sandbar. YAY! 🙌

Sauntering through the sandbar isn't like a walk in the park to be honest. Though its highlighting a walkable narrow path to paradise, foot wear and a hat is a must for sure. Its not that close as it looks like and its extremely hot but all worth it!!!

• Swimming

The turquoise colored waters surround the sandbar has one of the most beautiful shades of blue which is very much irresistible, calling you to just jump right through it. You wouldn't mind the heat as your feet touches the salt water. You can swim and snorkel but not allowed at the tip of the sandbar. The water there is quite deep since the edge of the sand bar follows a steep incline and notoriously high current but despite that, Kalanggaman island is relatively safe. They have a 24/7 local police outpost and a small medical team on standby for your medical needs.

it was a windy day too 😅

The Island prides itself in its pristine and rich waters teeming with life and colors down below. It has an amazing marine life that I cant even imagine how this very small island has any beach lover desires. It will surely give you a big smile on your face like it did to me. 😍

• Best time to Visit:

Just like other beaches, if you detest a crowded one, avoid visiting the island during summer, national holidays, holy week and long weekends. The best time to visit the island is during the summer season of course and that's March to May. Just make sure to avoid the rainy and typhoon season which is from the months of July to October. Best to check the weather updates for your safety. I was there end of November. 😉

• Other side of the Island:

Kalanggaman is famous from its sand bar which is the most visible and most photographed. Unexpectedly, if you explore the other side, you'd be surprise! You will see a rock formation and also have that perfect quality of white sand. Fewer tourist, more aura and great photos you can take and if you're lucky the elusive sandbar will reveal its beauty before your eyes. Its not as long strip like the ones we see upfront of the island since the typhoon Yolanda but its still as beautiful.

AMENITIES:

Since the island has become so popular and tourist come and go everyday, the local government build up amenities for everyone's comfort.

• Shower Room - Please bear in mind that the island itself doesn't have direct access of fresh water so its very limited. If you plan to stay overnight, might as well bring big gallons.

• Toilet & Bathrooms - There are few toilets scattered around the island and as stated above, fresh water is scarce.

• Grilling Station - for those who want to prepare barbecue, a concrete barbecue grill is provided, but bring your own charcoal.

• Change Rooms - there are small changing rooms within the island so if shower room is packed and just wanted to do a quick change, you definitely can.

• Medical Station - It isnt much but they have medical station where you feel at ease in case of emergency

• Security - There are police patrolling the area 24/7.

TRAVEL TIPS:

• Bring water and food- If your on a day trip, you can just buy water at the store but if you plan to stay overnight, bring enough (big gallon) that you can use for shower as water in the island is scarce. Tourist are allowed to bring food. You can also buy it from the stores in the island. For overnighters, you can bring hand carry stove so you can cook. :)

• Power Bank - for your gadgets and gobile phones, there’s no electricity on the island so if your planning to drain your battery, this is your best friend.

• Network - Smart has the strongest signal on the island.

• Sunblock - No kidding. It gets really hot there. If you plan to scroll and take good photos under the sun on the sand bar, dont forget to wear sunscreen!

• Sunglasses/Cap/Hat - Yes. A must. It can help you enjoy the view trust me.

• Trip - Start it early to avoid sailing in rough seas. You will crossing an open water to get to Kalanggaman Island so large waves are expected.

LEAVE NO TRACE. Be a responsible traveler, bring your own trash back to the mainland.

In most cases, we take so much photos that we forget to actually enjoy the place. I am guilty with too much Auras 😂 🤣 but i still find time to just relish the moment. Kalanggaman Island has been one of the best feels I've had beach wise. If your thinking of going and is still having doubts, DONT. Its definitely WORTH IT!

Let me know what you think and leave a comment! I'd sure be glad to answer your queries as far as i can recall. See yah! 💋