KALANGGAMAN ISLAND: Budget Travel Guide + Itinerary & Why It’s More Than Just The Sandbar

Kalanggaman Island is Palompon Leyte’s hidden treasure and a secret haven to the more adventurous of spirits. It was for the longest time unknown to many until late 2015 when stunning photos of it surfaced the internet. This probably made everyone in the traveling world going gaga about it. By gaga, I meant went totally crazy over it and it was justified in an instant. Barely a week from the time I first got a glimpse of it online followed hundreds or even a thousand more photos of people looking so satisfied posing next to the infamous sandbar of this sensational island. Oh, how I wished I have the luxury of time and money to snag me a plane ticket right then and there to see this island but heck no! I had to keep drooling over it for more than a year. Yup. That’s how long I’ve waited to get the opportunity to see this stunner with my very eyes and I gotta say, it was all worth it.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, I really gotta commend you for putting up with my blabbing! Haha, But seriously what I’m trying to say is you probably have come across my Leyte & Biliran Travel Guide and read how underrated these two provinces are. More often than not, travelers overlook Leyte and Biliran in favor of their more famous neighbors like Cebu and Bohol but little do they know that there is a myriad of reasons why these two should be on their bucket list. Kalanggaman Island happens to be one of the countless treasures hidden in the beautiful island province of Leyte. To some, This island is just another patch of sand typical to the Philippines but for me, it is more than just that.

HOW TO GO TO KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

• From Manila – Fly to Ormoc. From there, ride a van going to Palompon, Leyte (1.5Hrs ; P110). Walk to the tourism office for 10 minutes. Hire a boat going to the island (1Hr ; P3000/15-20Pax).
• From Tacloban – If you will fly into Leyte via Tacloban, you can ride a van going to straight to the town of Palompon (3Hrs ; P170). Walk a little to the Tourism Office from the final stop and hire a boat going to the island
• From Naval – Ride a van to Lemon Junction (1.5Hr ; P80). From there ride another van going to Palompon (1Hr ; P50).
• From Cebu – There are several options from Cebu City going to the island.
  • Via New Maya Port – Ride a Ceres Bus at the North Bus Station going to the Old Maya Port (5Hrs ; P180) then a tricycle to New Maya Port (20Min ; P20). From there, you can rent a boat going to the island (2Hrs ; P3500/20pax/way).
  • Via Polambato Port in Bogo – From Cebu City, ride a bus at the North Bus Station going to Bogo (3Hrs ; P140) then a tricycle to Polambato Port (25Min ; P150/tric). In Polambato Port, ride a Super Shuttle Ferry going to Palompon. Please note that there is only one scheduled daily at 12PM.
  • Cebu via Cokaliong Shipping – From Cebu City, ride a ferry vessel going to Palompon (5Hrs ; P320). Kindly check website for schedule.

EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY

I read one article by a blogger depicting Kalanggaman Island as overrated and a complete waste of time, energy and money. Now I’d like to set the record straight for the benefit of those still planning to go to the island but are having second thoughts. Let me shed light on some areas which might catch up to you by surprise.

• Powdery White Sands – This is one of the biggest blunders surrounding this beautiful island. It is charming and beautiful beyond compare but it doesn’t have a stretch of powdery white sand shores. The beach and the long sandbar is a stretch of creamy white sugary sands and rough coral stones. You can’t lay flat on your back or walk barefoot on the beach as it will most likely hurt. I tell you. White powdery sands are a thing of Boracay and Calaguas Islands but Kalanggaman Island? Nope!
• Food – Food and water are hard to come by on the island. There are no eateries there. There is one store but it doesn’t sell food. Bottled mineral water can be bought in the lone store there so as other beverages like soda and coffee but they are seldom cold. If you don’t want to starve and thirst, bring with you enough food and water before you go to the island. Just make sure to bring your trash back with you when you go home.

• The Beach Water – The waters surrounding the island has one of the most beautiful shades of blue. From clear turquoise to azure then further away are the darker blues, this stunner prides itself in its pristine and rich waters teeming with life and colors down below.
• Amenities – The municipality of Palompon is doing its best to provide a satisfactory experience to tourists visiting the island. In fact, a pavilion intended to be used as a tourist lounge was under construction during my visit. It was an eyesore for me actually as I’m more into preserving the natural beauty of the island but despite the on-going developments, the island still lacks the amenities typical to a beach resort. Toilet and bathrooms are poorly maintained and they stink! (I’m cringing to the thought) Although they have newly build ones. Some day tour cottages were not in a very good state and they looked as if they are about to fall apart.

• Accommodation – Some of you might have already seen those wooden cottages shaped like an Indian tent. Yes you can rent those for P500/night but that’s just it. You will need to shell out more for renting mattresses, pillows and sheets. I’d say bringing a tent and camping at the beach is still the best option for those who are staying for the night.
• Cleansing Water – “Salty air. Salted hair.” A quote all beach lovers like to flaunt in social media along with a beautiful photo of them frolicking under the sun looking at the vast ocean but as we might all be, we hate going to bed with that nasty hair and sticky skin. Unfortunately in Kalanggaman Island, you might need to endure that sticky feeling until you get back in Palompon since there is no fresh water available in the shower so you could clean up.

USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS TO KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

• Bring enough food and water. You can shop for supplies at the supermarket prior to going to the island.
• Most of the boats there are big and can accommodate up to 20 passengers and priced at P3000 for a roundtrip transfer. If you are traveling alone, you can share with other passengers to save costs.
• Travel to the island is normally prohibited during unfavorable weather and sea condition. It’s best to check the weather prior to traveling to Palompon.  Also, it’s better to check with the local tourism office if travel to the island is possible on your preferred date.
• Bring snorkel gears. The beach is great but the real paradise lies underwater. If you don’t have a snorkel, you can rent one on the island for a price of P300 for one full day of use.
• Day Tour cottages aren’t free. They are to be rented for P500/day which comes with a table and four chairs. If you are staying overnight, bring with your tents and camping gear.
• There is no electricity in the island so better get your gadgets charged to a full battery before going there.
• Some tour/boat operators in Palompon offer a combined tour to Kalanggaman and Malapascua Islands. For this, prior arrangements must be made to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel.

WHERE CAN YOU STAY NEAR KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

If you don’t want to spend the night in on the island but missed the trip to your next destination, you can stay in these budget accommodations. Please bear in mind that the municipality of Palompon is pretty small.  The choices of places to stay at for the night are also very limited.

BUDGET & OTHER ESSENTIALS

My visit to this island was part of my Leyte- Biliran Adventure. Check out the full travel guide to learn how I was able to unravel the secrets of both these provinces during my visit.

FUN MEMORIES IN PARADISE

There you have it lovelies! Let me know what you think of this island paradise. Leave me your comments and let’s have a chat. Until next time. Ciao

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