KALANGGAMAN ISLAND: A Sparkling Beauty in Palompon (Leyte)

I have read in several blogs that in order to have an unforgettable Kalanggaman experience, one must be in Palompon early in the day. Since the island is starting to gain popularity among non-locals, it is advised that you call the Municipal Tourism Office first to check if there are available boats. (NOTE: Tourism staff are a bit strict with schedule.)

Since we spent the night at TJ's Lodge in Naval, the trip to Palompon would only take 3 hours via Ormoc. The first van bound for Ormoc leaves at 5:00AM -- if there are at least 7 passengers, it leaves even before then. We're lucky there was a bakery right across the street and the hot pandesal satisfied our rumbling stomach.

We reached Ormoc around 7:30AM because passengers were being picked up along the way. The final stop is at the terminal where you will also find the vans going to several destinations, including Palompon. An hour and a half after, we are finally at the Local Tourism Office where guests headed to Kalanggaman need to register and pay the necessary fees. (Please see image below.)

the Local Tourism Office & Lounge Area

Here are the fees/rates as of April 1, 2015. You can also find the contact details

of the Tourism Office. We paid P220 because we are staying overnight on the island and 

we are non-Palompon residents.

My friends and I were resolved to rent the boat (exclusive to us) so we can hit the island really early. But on second thought, there's no harm in waiting for walk-in guests whom we can split the bill with. Fortunately, a young couple arrived and asked if they can share the boat with us. We found out that they tried to go the day before we got here but then no boat was available for them. After buying food and water in the nearby market, the 5 of us are set to go and we shall be in Kalanggaman within an hour.

Do you see the long sandbar? 

Here we are. Welcome to Kalanggaman Island!

This is gonna be our home for the night. You can stay at this cottage 

for only P500 (good for 24 hrs.)

What to remember in Kalanggaman:

1. Buy your supplies in the mainland. There is a market beside the tourism office.
2. Chips and a few 'drinks' are sold in the island.
3. There is a central grilling area. Bring your own charcoal.
4. Segregate your waste using the black and white plastic bags provided to you at the tourism office.
5. There is a restroom which uses saltwater. Freshwater (in gallons) are provided by the boatman. Ask for it as soon as you arrive in Kalanggaman.
6. Based on personal experience, there are no mosquitoes. 
7. Globe has better reception here. My Smart-powered phone could not even send/receive a message the entire time.
8. If you are staying overnight and do not have a tent, make sure your clothes are thick enough to keep you warm. A pair of socks and a light jacket would be really helpful.
9. Solar-powered lamp posts provide sufficient light at night. There is no place to charge your gadgets here so have your power banks charged 100% before going to the island.

a beautiful sunrise...It's like people are walking up to the sun.

Luvin' the sandbar...

That obligatory shot...

EXPENSES
Hot pandesal - P20
Van to Ormoc - P130
Van to Palompon - P110
Food & water - P268 (P805 / 3 pax - including red wine and fruits)
Boat to Kalanggaman Island - P600 (P3,000 divided by 5)
Overnight Entrance Fee - P220
Cottage good for 24 hrs - P167 (P500 divided by 3)
Reclining beach chair - P50
Additional chips and drinks - P83 (P250 divided by 3)
==================================

TOTAL - P1,648