KALANGGAMAN ISLAND
Five
years ago, I set foot on the powdery white sand surrounded by a mix of cerulean
and turquoise waters of Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte. It is a hidden sanctuary, a bird sanctuary as
they say, thus, the name Kalanggaman (langgam
means bird in Cebuano). Privileged
as we were, the whole island was left to our group, to bask and simply enjoy.
Fast
forward to 2016, the island now appears a picnic area with a number of cottages
and pitched colorful tents that sprout from every corner. Despite the inevitable, the island retains its
natural beauty, with the long stretch of the famed sandbar continuously
mesmerizing the visitors.
There
are two equally panoramic sandbars/shoal situated at both ends of the island. The crystal clear waters may have submerged a
portion of it but the same is still visible.
With the strong and unpredictable underwater current on these sides, it
remains off-limits for swimming.
From
the Palompon port, the island is visible.
It appears near but actually it takes 45 minutes to reach the island
over open and at times undulated seas.
Unlike
before where a plastic chair and a long table was set up at the port, there is
now a concrete Tourism Office where registration and payment of appropriate
fees is imposed for all visitors. Tours are now organized and boat rentals are
arranged by the Tourism Office. It is
advisable to make reservations beforehand.
Upon
reaching the island, we secured our spot near the docking area of the pump
boats and the famed sandbar. A number of
coconut trees now served as the perfect shade unlike before where finding trees
to hide from the direct sunlight was elusive.
The sunblock lotion remains a necessity though.
The
sea breeze was so refreshing that with a bottle of beer and instant feast, we
could be on deep slumber. But we have
limited time to explore and so we have to get going and move. The whole island (islet) can be explored in
less than a day and even an hour. As we
walked to the other end of the island where it has less visitors, I can’t help
but smile as I recall the 3-day memories I had in the island back then. Although this time is actually no different
since I was with my favorite travel buddies as well. It is really true that no two experiences are
the same in one destination.
It
is advisable to bring sufficient food supplies, sunblock, flashlight and tents
if you intend to do an overnight stay.
There is a nearby market near the Palompon port and a small sari-sari store in the island itself but
of course rates are excessive.
In
complete contrast to the most photographed side of the island, the
non-commercialized area is still an option for loitering. With a sort of landscaped pathway where a
mini-chapel stands on one side overlooking the open sea and where tourists go on
kayak, we were lead to the other side of the island where rocks and corals
serve as floor and where a few coconut trees stand. From a distance is a shoal that adds an
incontestable natural landscape worthy of visit.
If
there were no time constraints, I am sure we could have stayed at the island
for more days – simply wandering and drinking bottles of beer.
I
can’t help but compare how Kalanggaman Island was when it was unknown to many,
but we have to accept its natural course of fate that even with increasing
number of tourists at the island, its natural beauty is still apparent.
It
is impossible to have the island now all by yourself. But sharing the experience with a number will
surely raise awareness on eco-tourism conservation.
HOW TO GET THERE ON COMMUTE
From Metro Manila
The
gateway will be Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport of Tacloban City on flight. From Tacloban City, go to the Tacloban New
Bus Terminal in Abucay and there are vans (estimated fare of PhP150.00) bound
for Palompon in a 3-hr estimated travel time.
From Metro Cebu
There
are shipping lines that travel direct to Palompon, Leyte from Cebu. The entry point would either be Bogo, Cebu or
Cebu City.
Bogo, Cebu –
Palompon, Leyte via the Super Shuttle Ferry
Bogo
to Palompon at 12:00PM daily
Palompon
to Bogo at 7:30PM daily
Cebu City –
Palompon, Leyte via Cokaliong Shipping Line
Pier
1 of Cebu City to Palompon at 8:00PM (Mon, Fri)
Pier
1 of Cebu City to Palompon at 12:00 NN (Sun)
Palompon
to Cebu City Pier 1 at 8:00 AM (Tues, Fri)
Palompon
to Cebu City Pier 1 at 10:00 PM (Sun)
From Palompon to Kalanggaman
Island
Once
at Palompon, proceed to Palompon’s Ecotours Office for registration and for the
boat rentals arranged by their Office as well.
The last boat allowed by MARINA to depart for an overnight stay is at
5PM.
CONTACT DETAILS AND FEES
For
inquiry and reservations contact Eco-Tourism Office (053) 555-9731/
0917-3037269/ 09173037267/ 0998-5550572.
Entrance/Conservation Fee
Regular
Rate (Day Tour)
|
Overnight
Rate
|
|
International
Tourist
|
PhP500.00
|
PhP750.00
|
Non-Palompon
Tourist
|
PhP150.00
|
PhP225.00
|
Non-Palompon
College Student
|
PhP40.00
|
PhP60.00
|
Non-Palompon
High School Student
|
PhP30.00
|
PhP45.00
|
Non-Palompon
Elem. Pupil
|
PhP20.00
|
PhP30.00
|
Non-Palomponganon
Senior Citizen
|
PhP120.00
|
PhP180.00
|
Private Pumpboat
PhP3,000.00
– 15 capacity below
PhP3,500.00
– 25 capacity below
PhP4,000.00
– 30 capacity below
2 comments
Very cool. And it can be explored in an hour?! I hope it doesn't get too commercialized and I hope it stays preserved. Where were the birds?
ReplyDeleteWill be visiting Kalanggaman this weekend and this post excites me more! Can't wait! :D
ReplyDelete