Kalanggaman Island, Philippines

🏝️ Kalanggaman Island: A Pristine Sandbar Paradise in Leyte

📍 Overview:

Nestled between Leyte and Cebu, Kalanggaman Island is renowned for its powdery white sandbars stretching into turquoise waters. This uninhabited island offers a tranquil escape, ideal for day trips or overnight camping.


🌟 Highlights:

  • Stunning Sandbars: The island boasts long stretches of white sandbars on both ends, perfect for sunbathing and photography.

  • Crystal-Clear Waters: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

  • Eco-Friendly Camping: While there are no large accommodations, visitors can camp overnight, embracing the island's natural beauty.


🚐 How to Get There:

✈️ From Manila:

  1. Fly to Tacloban or Ormoc City:

    • Flights from Manila to Tacloban or Ormoc take approximately 1 hour.

  2. Land Transfer to Palompon:

    • From Tacloban: Van ride (~3 hours, PHP 150-200).

    • From Ormoc: Van ride (~1.5 hours, PHP 100-150).

  3. Boat to Kalanggaman Island:

    • From Palompon, hire a boat to the island (1-hour ride).

    • Boat rental costs:

      • PHP 3,000 for up to 15 persons.

      • PHP 3,500 for up to 25 persons.

      • PHP 4,000 for up to 30 persons.

⛴️ From Cebu:

  1. Ferry to Ormoc:

    • Fast craft or ferry (~3 hours, PHP 700-1,000).

  2. Land Transfer to Palompon:

    • Van ride (~1.5 hours, PHP 100-150).

  3. Boat to Kalanggaman Island:

    • Same as above.


🏕️ Accommodation:

  • Camping: Visitors can camp on the island. Tent rentals for 2-4 persons are available.

  • Nearby Lodging: For those preferring comfort, accommodations are available in Palompon town.


🍽️ Food and Essentials:

  • Bring Your Own: It's advisable to bring your own food and drinking water.

  • Cooking Facilities: Grilling stations are available on the island.

  • Small Stores: Sari-sari stores offer basic supplies.


💡 Travel Tips:

  • Electricity: The island lacks electricity; bring power banks or solar chargers.

  • Waste Management: Practice "Leave No Trace" principles; bring trash bags and dispose of waste properly.

  • Weather: Best visited during the dry season (November to May).

Ratings:

Category Rating (out of 10) Notes
Natural Beauty 10 Breathtaking sandbars and clear waters.
Accessibility 7 Requires multiple transfers but manageable.
Facilities 6 Basic amenities; ideal for rustic experiences.
Activities 8 Swimming, snorkeling, and camping.
Overall Experience 9

A serene and picturesque getaway.