*Foreword: I am from Leyte particularly in Ormoc City and we just visited Kalanggaman Island last February 9, 2017. And I am writing this to give relevant information to all travelers who are planning to visit the island anytime soon. Enjoy! :)
Kalanggaman Island is now one of the most famous travel destinations in Leyte. Why? Because of its whitesand beach, picturesque sandbars, relaxing surroundings, and crystal clear waters. The island is really, really good for family picnics, overnight camps, and group gatherings.
Kalanggaman Island is located off the coast of the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte. The island got its name from "langgam" which in the Visayan language means "bird." Hence, the island of birds. The municipality of Palompon is also stepping up in its preservation of the ecology of the island as the influx of tourists is steadily growing.
If you want to explore a stunning island destination in Leyte, visit Kalanggaman Island now!
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How to book your Kalanggaman Island tour?
You need to book in advance because the municipality is limiting the number of tourists per day and there are lots of people going there especially during the summer, weekends, and holidays. You can call directly the Palompon Municipal Eco-Tourism Council at (053) 555-9731, (+63) 926-816-4005, (+63) 926-816-4007, (+63) 998-555-1421. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LGUPalompon. Information is also available at www.facebook.com/KalanggamanBookingSchedule.
When you arrive in Palompon, go directly to the Tourism Office near the pier area and municipal hall. Go to the information desk, mention your booking, and register your names there.
How much are the fees?
> Round trip boat rental for 15 pax is P3,000 / for 20 pax is P3,500 / for 30 pax is P4,000 / for 40 pax is P5,000.
> Day tour fee is P500 for international tourists and P150 for locals tourists.
> Overnight fee is P750 for international tourists and P225 for local tourists.
> You can rent tents at the outdoor shop near the Tourism Office for overnight camping or you can bring your own tents. P250-300 per tent.
> There are also some cottages that you can rent at the island.
> Cottage fee for day tour trip is P250.
When is the best time to go to Kalanggaman Island?
The best time is during the summer season from March-May. You can still visit the island whole year round but you need to book in advance and avoid rainy seasons, northeast monsoons (amihan), and southwest monsoons (habagat).
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How to get to Kalanggaman Island?
From Manila:
> You can take daily flights from Manila to Tacloban or Manila to Cebu.
From Tacloban:
> You can take a van at the New Bus Terminal in Abucay. The first trip is at 7:30AM. But be sure to be there earlier. (Note: Vans to Palompon are not many). The trip from Tacloban to Palompon will take approximately 3 hours. Fare is P150.
From Cebu:
> You can take the boat from Cebu to Palompon. The trip is usually at 9PM. Get your tickets at Pier 3. Fare is P200-300. Arrival time in Palompon is around 4AM.
> You can also take the boat from Cebu to Ormoc. Trips are at 11AM and 10PM. Get your tickets at Pier 1 and Pier 3. Fare is P400-500. Arrival time in Ormoc is at 5PM and 4AM.
> You can also take the fastcraft from Cebu to Ormoc. There are many trips throughout the day. Get your tickets at Pier 1. Fare is P500-700. Travel time is 2-3 hours.
From Malapascua Island:
> If you are at Malapascua Island, you can take a boat to Kalanggaman Island. You need to negotiate for your fare. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
From Ormoc:
> You can take the van from Ormoc to Palompon at the van terminal near the pier area. The first trip is at 5-6AM. Fare is P110. Travel time is 2 hours.
From Palompon:
> You can take the boat assigned to you by the Tourism staff. Travel time to the island is 1.5-2 hours.
How to get back to Tacloban, Ormoc, or Cebu from Palompon?
To Tacloban: Take the van at the terminal near the pier area. The last trip is at 10-11AM.
To Ormoc: Take the van at the terminal near the pier area. The last trip is at 4PM.
To Cebu: Take the van to Ormoc at the terminal near the pier area. In Ormoc, take the boat or fastcraft back to Cebu.
What to do in Kalanggaman Island?
1. Enjoy the beach. Swim, snorkel, or chill and lie down at the sand.
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Kalanggaman Island is now one of the most famous travel destinations in Leyte. Why? Because of its whitesand beach, picturesque sandbars, relaxing surroundings, and crystal clear waters. The island is really, really good for family picnics, overnight camps, and group gatherings.
Kalanggaman Island is located off the coast of the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte. The island got its name from "langgam" which in the Visayan language means "bird." Hence, the island of birds. The municipality of Palompon is also stepping up in its preservation of the ecology of the island as the influx of tourists is steadily growing.
If you want to explore a stunning island destination in Leyte, visit Kalanggaman Island now!
How to book your Kalanggaman Island tour?
You need to book in advance because the municipality is limiting the number of tourists per day and there are lots of people going there especially during the summer, weekends, and holidays. You can call directly the Palompon Municipal Eco-Tourism Council at (053) 555-9731, (+63) 926-816-4005, (+63) 926-816-4007, (+63) 998-555-1421. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LGUPalompon. Information is also available at www.facebook.com/KalanggamanBookingSchedule.
When you arrive in Palompon, go directly to the Tourism Office near the pier area and municipal hall. Go to the information desk, mention your booking, and register your names there.
How much are the fees?
> Round trip boat rental for 15 pax is P3,000 / for 20 pax is P3,500 / for 30 pax is P4,000 / for 40 pax is P5,000.
> Day tour fee is P500 for international tourists and P150 for locals tourists.
> Overnight fee is P750 for international tourists and P225 for local tourists.
> You can rent tents at the outdoor shop near the Tourism Office for overnight camping or you can bring your own tents. P250-300 per tent.
> There are also some cottages that you can rent at the island.
> Cottage fee for day tour trip is P250.
When is the best time to go to Kalanggaman Island?
The best time is during the summer season from March-May. You can still visit the island whole year round but you need to book in advance and avoid rainy seasons, northeast monsoons (amihan), and southwest monsoons (habagat).
How to get to Kalanggaman Island?
From Manila:
> You can take daily flights from Manila to Tacloban or Manila to Cebu.
From Tacloban:
> You can take a van at the New Bus Terminal in Abucay. The first trip is at 7:30AM. But be sure to be there earlier. (Note: Vans to Palompon are not many). The trip from Tacloban to Palompon will take approximately 3 hours. Fare is P150.
From Cebu:
> You can take the boat from Cebu to Palompon. The trip is usually at 9PM. Get your tickets at Pier 3. Fare is P200-300. Arrival time in Palompon is around 4AM.
> You can also take the boat from Cebu to Ormoc. Trips are at 11AM and 10PM. Get your tickets at Pier 1 and Pier 3. Fare is P400-500. Arrival time in Ormoc is at 5PM and 4AM.
> You can also take the fastcraft from Cebu to Ormoc. There are many trips throughout the day. Get your tickets at Pier 1. Fare is P500-700. Travel time is 2-3 hours.
From Malapascua Island:
> If you are at Malapascua Island, you can take a boat to Kalanggaman Island. You need to negotiate for your fare. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
From Ormoc:
> You can take the van from Ormoc to Palompon at the van terminal near the pier area. The first trip is at 5-6AM. Fare is P110. Travel time is 2 hours.
From Palompon:
> You can take the boat assigned to you by the Tourism staff. Travel time to the island is 1.5-2 hours.
How to get back to Tacloban, Ormoc, or Cebu from Palompon?
To Tacloban: Take the van at the terminal near the pier area. The last trip is at 10-11AM.
To Ormoc: Take the van at the terminal near the pier area. The last trip is at 4PM.
To Cebu: Take the van to Ormoc at the terminal near the pier area. In Ormoc, take the boat or fastcraft back to Cebu.
What to do in Kalanggaman Island?
1. Enjoy the beach. Swim, snorkel, or chill and lie down at the sand.
2. Take a stroll around the island.
3. Take a lot of pictures. Fly your drone if you have one.
4. Go camping. Bring your tents, mats, sleeping bags, portable stove, and food.
5. Watch the sunset.
6. Enjoy your company may it be family and friends.
7. Reconnect with God.
More tips!
> Day tour trips start at 6AM until 10AM. Be there early.
> Day tour trips end in the afternoon. It is better to go back to the mainland by 12NN to 2PM because of the strong winds and waves usually in the afternoon.
> Overnight trips start at 11AM. Until all day tour trips have been taken cared of, then overnight trips will follow. Overnight trips are good for 24 hours so you still have the morning of the next day to enjoy the island.
> You can bring food and water in the island.
> There are restrooms and bathrooms in the island.
> At the Tourism Office, there are also restrooms and bathrooms.
> Charge all your gadgets before going to the island and bring your powerbanks.
> Payment of the entrance fee will be at the Tourism Office.
> Payment of the boat rental will be given directly to the boatmen the moment you arrive back in Palompon.
> Don't throw your garbage anywhere. You will be given two garbage bags to segregate your waste.
> Put all your things and gadgets in a dry bag.
*For me, I used the Hull & Stern Adventure Bag, the world's most traveled dry bag. It was really dependable and so perfect for my adventures there. Try it for yourself too! You can check out their dry bags at www.hullstern.com and www.facebook.com/hull.stern.
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| That's me using the Hull & Stern adventure bag in Kalanggaman Island. |
Where to stay in Palompon?
In case you need to find a place to stay in Palompon, you can stay at PACCI Hotel. And for cheaper accommodations, you can go to San Juan Beach Resort or Lantaw Palompon.
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| Sunset at the overview in Lantaw Palompon. We looked up because we were flying our drone. |
I hope this travel guide is helpful as you plan your trip to Kalanggaman Island!
You can also read my previous posts about Leyte:
> 18 Exciting Things to Do in Leyte
>8 Exciting Things to Do in Tacloban City, Leyte
>8 Exciting Things to Do in Ormoc City, Leyte
> Quick Guide to Canigao Island in Leyte
> Photo of the Week: Digyo Island in Leyte
>8 Exciting Things to Do in Tacloban City, Leyte
>8 Exciting Things to Do in Ormoc City, Leyte
> Quick Guide to Canigao Island in Leyte
> Photo of the Week: Digyo Island in Leyte
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This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for January 2017
with the theme "Best Upcoming Destinations for 2017"
with the theme "Best Upcoming Destinations for 2017"
hosted by Gretchen Filart Dublin of Filipina Explorer.