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Kalanggaman Island: DIY Travel Guide + Itinerary

I must admit that I had a second thought on going to Kalanggaman Island after reading some negative reviews about it – that the water in the island smells bad… that one could not walk on the sand barefoot because it’s not powdery like that of Boracay, among others. But since I had my plane ticket and I had filed a vacation leave already, I finally decided to give it a go. It turned out, those issues they were talking about were, well, to me, not an issue at all. Those who made negative reviews about the island either: (1) had set their expectations so high or (2) they just failed to see the real beauty of the island, for some reason.

Damn! I had a piece of heaven on earth when I visited the island, guys… (Note: that judgement’s based on my own standards)


KALANGGAMAN IN A NUTSHELL


Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

Kalanggaman is a small island that lies about 15 kilometers off the shore of the (main) Palompon, a municipality located in the northwestern part of the Province of Leyte (about 30 kms west of Ormoc City). My own estimate says it’s about 5 to 7 hectares in size; it’s elongated in form, stretching like a bird when viewed from above, hence the island’s name. (“langgam” means bird in Cebuano language)

With its smallness, it is understandable that ground water is scarce in the island; it has just enough of it to allow some greens, including coconut and talisay trees to grow… but not enough to be able to draw some fresh drinking water for people.

There is also no electricity in the island; visitors have just the moon and the stars as their source of light in the night, apart from, of course, their portable light devices that they bring into the island.

Indeed, to some extent, the island can be considered off the grid. But because of its natural allure, it continues to attract many tourists, local and foreign alike. No surprise there. Who can say NO to its awesome sandbar? Who can resist its crystal clear water? Who cannot give in to the tranquility and the sense of peace the island brings? 😀


THINGS TO DO IN KALANGGAMAN ISLAND


  • Camping – You can bring your own tent and set it up anywhere you want in the island; please note that there is a designated area for cooking, so you cannot just make fire anywhere.
  • Take a walk on its sandbar – There is a wide stretch of sandbar in the island; you can walk anytime you want, take some photos, and savor the moment of serenity it brings.

Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

  • Snorkeling – You can bring your own or just rent a snorkeling gear in the island; there are also available at Eco-Tourism Office in Palompon.
  • Scuba diving – There are designated scuba diving sites that you can try, particularly on the side of the island facing north.
  • Sunbathing – There are plastic lounges available for rent. At 50 pesos, you can have it used to sunbathe by the shore (other use it as a sleeping lounge under the shades)

Sunbathing at Kalanggaman Island

  • Or just take a dip in and enjoy its turquoise, crystal clear water.

And a whole lot more. You just need to be creative to make memorable moments in the island. But of course, in everything you do, follow the imposed rules.


AMENITIES


Amenities in the island are pretty basic, which is not surprising considering how small it is. Take a look at some of the photos below.


HOW TO GET TO KALANGGAMAN ISLAND


Leading local airlines have direct flights from major Philippine cities, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao to the Province of Leyte.

Via Tacloban City. Fly to Tacloban Airport and then ride a public transport to Tacloban Terminal, which is located in front of Robinson’s Mall. From there, hop on a bus (or shuttle van) to Palompon, and then disembark at the terminal. After that, head straight to Eco-Tourism Office, which is just a walking-distance away, to register and arrange a boat that can ferry you to the island.

Via Ormoc City. Fly to Ormoc Airport via Mactan-Cebu International Airport and then ride a public transport (bus, van) from the city to Palompon. Disembark at the Palompon Terminal, and then head straight to Eco-Tourism Office to register and arrange a boat that can ferry you to the island. (Note: As of this posting, only Cebu Pacific has direct flights to Ormoc City, and only from Cebu aiport)

Via Cebu. From Cebu City, get to the North Bus Terminal and take a bus ride bound for Polambato Ferry Terminal. From there, take a ferry ride to Palompon Proper. Then, head to Eco-Tourism Office to register and arrange a boat that can ferry you to the island.

If you are travelling to Cebu for vacation, going to Kalanggaman Island could be part of your Cebu tour. For instance, if you are visiting Malapascua Island, might as well visit Kalanggaman, which is just about 2 hours by boat from Malapascua. Please note than this could be more expensive than going there via Palompon.


WHERE TO STAY (ACCOMMODATION)


If you are going to Kalanggaman Island early in the morning, chances are that you will be staying the night before so that you will not lag behind your schedules. Now, the question you might have in mind is – where to stay? The municipality of Palompon offers a number of budget accommodations for visiting tourists and some of the most popular are the following:


KALANGGAMAN TOUR RATES AND FEES


Kalanggaman Island Entrance/Coservation Fee

Regular Rate (Day Tour)

International Tourist = PHP 500
Non-Palompon Tourist = PHP 150
Non-Palompon College Student = PHP 40
Non-Palompon High School Student = PHP 30
Non-Palompon Elem. Pupil = PHP 20
Non-Palompon Senior Citizen = PHP 120

Overnight Rate

International Tourist = PHP 500
Non-Palompon Tourist = PHP 225
Non-Palompon College Student = PHP 60
Non-Palompon High School Student = PHP 45
Non-Palompon Elem. Pupil = PHP 30
Non-Palompon Senior Citizen = PHP 180

Private Pumpboat Rate

PHP 3000 = 15 Persons and below capacity
PHP 3500 = 16-25 Persons capacity
PHP 4000 = 26-30 Persons capacity

Cottage Rental Fee
PHP 250
PHP 500
PHP 700

Plastic Lounge Rental Fee = PHP 50

Source: Palompon Eco-Tourism Office

For inquiries and reservations, please call: (053) 555-9731 / 09268164005 / 09268164007 / 09985551421


SAMPLE ITINERARY


DAY 1

1:00 PM – ETA to Tacloban Airport
2:00 PM – ETD from Tacloban Transport Terminal to Palompon
5:30 PM – ETA to Palompon
6:00 PM – Check in at your chosen accommodation
7:00 PM – Roam around Palompon Proper (have dinner, visit church, buy groceries for the tour)
9:30 PM – Back to your hotel
10:00 PM – Lights out, rest

DAY 2

5:00 AM – Wake up and prepare
5:30 AM – Head to Eco-Tourism Office
6:30 AM – ETD to Kalanggaman Island
8:00 AM – Start of Kalanggaman Day Tour
2:00 PM – End of tour / Head back to Palompon Proper
4:00 PM – Wash up at the tourism office
5:00 PM – Early dinner
600 PM – head back to Tacloban Airport to catch your flight
Note: As trip to Tacloban from Palompon is seldom in the late afternoon, the best option you can have is to take a ride to Limbongao. Just disembark at Limbongao-Ormoc junction. From there, catch a ride to Tacloban.

SAMPLE BUDGET – DAY TOUR (Airfare not included)


*For Non-Palompon local tourists

Public transport (250 x 2) = 500
Accommodation in Palompon (You need to be in Palompon the day before your scheduled Kalanggaman tour) = 700
Kalangganan Conservation Fee / Registration Fee = 150
Boat Fee (joiner) = 300
Plastic lounge rental fee (optional) = 50
Food, drinks, and other personal items = 500
TOTAL: PHP 2,200

SOME TIPS FOR YOUR KALANGGAMAN TOUR


Tip # 1: As mentioned, it is recommended to be in Palompon the day before your scheduled Kalanggaman tour. This is so that you can make the most out of your travel (you can roam around the municipality the day before) However, the main reason is #2 below.

Tip # 2: Be early. The first boat leaves at 6AM so make sure you are at the tourism office before that. Going there as early as 5:30 in the morning gives you better chances to secure a joiner tour since most tourists go there that early as well. Plus, you can make the most out of your day tour; you’ll have more time in the island before your boat heads back to Palompon Proper.

Tip # 3: Necessities in the island are scarce, so make sure you buy your food, drinking water, and other personal items in Palompon Proper. Make sure you bring at least 4 liters of drinking water so that you have enough to stay hydrated.

Tip # 4:There are rules and regulations strictly implemented in the island (e.g. you are not allowed to leave your trash on the island); take time to read them and follow religiously.


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16 Comments

  1. Hi, I’ll go to Kalanggaman in October. I will arrive to Palompon Pier at 10 am aprox. so I want to take the boat there whit overnight in the Island. Do you know if its the same price? And next day what can i know the time to take the last boat to return to Palompon? Thanks a lot!!

    1. Hi, overnight stay has a different price… please refer to this section (of the post): KALANGGAMAN TOUR RATES AND FEES to check out the overnight fees. As to the boat for your return to Palompon, no worries, you will be informed by the boatmen about the time the boat is leaving back to Palompon the following day. I would suggest that you go to the Tourism Office of Palompon the moment after you have arrived at the Port so that things will be settled as early as possible.

      Thanks,
      Roy

  2. Hello,
    Would you happen to know the last trips from Tacloban to Palompon and v.v.? I’ll arrive in Tacloban between 5pm-6pm.

    BTW, your blogs are really helpful, better than the other mainstream travel bloggers! I love the details and tips. Thanks!

    1. Hi Marcel,

      Thanks for visiting my blog…my experience was – I arrived at Tacloban terminal (after visiting the San Juanico bridge) at around 4pm and did not catch the last trip to Palompon… what I did was..I took a shuttle van ride (same terminal) bound for Ormoc and just alighted at Libungao (Ormoc road and Palompon road intersection)…from there, I took another van ride for Palompon..

      From Palompon to Tacloban, I would suggest that you be there at the terminal at around 3:30pm..again, same experience at Tacloban terminal…was not able to catch the last bus..so I took a van ride bound for Libungao and from there, took another van ride bound for Tacloban.

      Hope that helps..

      Thanks,
      Roy

      1. When you get off at Libungao, is that a travel hub center? How frequent are the vans from Libungao to Tacloban in the pm? Costs?

        1. It is just a typical intersection (going to Ormoc and going to Polompon)..there is no terminal in the area…based on my experience, you can see passenger vans passing like in 20 minutes interval. I am sorry about the cost,,, I forgot…but it was above 100 – from Limungao to Tacloban.

          Hope that helps.

  3. Hi! Nice blog about the Kalanggaman. Would just like to ask how’s the boat ride going back and forth the island. Are the waves strong or what. Thanks!

    1. The water is generally calm, most especially during the morning.. no worries…no big waves I experienced…perhaps because it’s an inner water, not an open sea. 😀 Thanks for visiting my blog.

  4. KATHERINE DUGTONGsays:

    May I ask for Kalanggaman Day Tour Package that you can recommend as Solo Backpacker. It’s too pricey for me if I will rent a private pumpboat ride. Thank you

    1. Hi, you can just go there as a joiner…be sure that you are in Palompon tourism office as early as 5:30 am so that the staff there can arrange your schedule for a joiner ride. You do not need to pay for the entire boat…just go with the other passengers going to Kalanggaman and back.

      I went there DIY way, so I cannot recommend a tour package.

      Hope that helps.

  5. Hi,

    Need to know the schedule time of boat and van from Tacloban to Palompon vice versa? This is for my itinerary.

    Thank you!

    1. You can still find a van at Tacloban Terminal at around 3pm, beyond that time, van rides become rare…Chances are that you are going to do van transfer from Ormoc-Palompon junction.

      As for the boat, as early as 6:30 am…but you can still ride a boat in the afternoon; however, you might be paying higher boat fee as there are fewer tourists in the afternoon to whom you can divide the boat fee with. The surge of tourists is in the early morning of a given day.

      Hope that helps.

      – Roy

  6. Hi Roy, thanks for this amazing post about Kalanggaman island. This guide of yours is very helpful and informative. Thanks for taking your time on making this one. Kudos!

  7. Hi this is great info. I still have a question:
    Is there a way to get from Palompon to Kalanggaman one-way and then head on further to Malapascua?
    Thank you for your help, Mark

    1. I am not sure about that…What I know is that you can get a tour package that includes both kalanggaman to malapascua…as to diy-ing malapascua after kalanggaman, I am not sure if it is possible, except, perhaps, if you have a prior booking.

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