KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

 

Kalanggaman Island is shaped like a bird, reason why its name is derived from the local word "langgam" that means bird. This sandbar off the coast of Palompon, Leyte has gained popularity in recent years, but it has long been a local secret. Kalanggaman is hemmed in by palm-studded, cream sand and lapped by swirling, turquoise sea. 

Unknown to many tourists, Kalanggaman  Island's real gem is hidden underneath. this famous sandbar is actually a marine sanctuary oozing with gorgeous marine life and corals. In fact, it is a famous dive spots for divers coming from Malapascua Island, which is about 2 hours away by boat. If you don't know how to dive, you can snorkel in the reef drop-off near its shore. Here's in Kalanggaman Island Travel Guide with itinerary and budget to help you plan your trip.

The Sandbar at Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman is not a large island and it did not take long for us to reach the opposite end. Here the ravages wrought by Yolanda were more apparent. Remains of structures blown away by the super typhoon are still visible, although much had been removed and cleaned. The sandbar was nowhere to be found but the waters are crystal-clear and the sand a dazzling white as with the rest of the island. We took some time imagining how the area could have looked like before Yolanda. The locals also say that this sandbar was even more beautiful than the remaining one. After a few moments of solitude we made the trek back to our rented hut.

Kalanggaman is a place where one can relax and just enjoy the view but there are too many activities to pass up. Swimming and snorkeling are of course right up there on the list. There are also equipment available on the island for kayaking. While resting after lunch we noticed that two large dive boats have docked at the island. These were dive boats from Malapascua the famous island for thresher shark diving in northern Cebu. Since, Malapascua is just two hours away by boat, tour operators have included a trip to Kalanggaman as part of their itinerary.

Dive boat from Malapascua at Kalanggaman

Things to Do in Kalanggaman Island

Swimming 

Diving - Dive guide (Local Tourist): Php 800. Diving gears(International Tourists): Php 1000.

Banana boat - Php 500 good for 5 persons

Kayaking - Php 150 per hour

Snorkeling - Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from your boatman for about Php 100 - Php 150.

The following are the rates for the Kalanggaman day tour

International tourist :

Regular rate - Php 500 , Overnight rate - Php 750

Non-Palompon tourist:

Regular rate - Php 150 , Overnight rate - Php 225

Non-Palompon college student:

Regular rate - Php 40 , Overnight rate - Php 60

Non-Palompon high school student:

Regular rate - Php 30 , Overnight rate - Php 45

Non-Palompon elementary student:

Regular rate - Php  20 , Overnight rate - Php 30

Non-Palompon senior citizen:

Regular rate -Php 120 ,  Overnight rate - Php 180

How to Get There?

From Manila, book na flight to Ormoc or Tacloban City. Upon arrival at the Ormoc airport, go to Ormoc van and bus terminal found across Ormoc City Park and head to necessary fees. Then, rent a boat to the island.

From Tacloban, you'll have to take 3 hours to ride a van going to Palompon. From Palompon to Kalanggaman, ride a boat that'll take avout 1.5 hours.

"IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE ISLAND, MAKE THE ISLAND COME TO YOU"

and it is the time to visit this beautiful island