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. It was already past summer when we visited, but this scruffy sandbar remained stunningly beautiful and blissfully devoid of luxury trappings. It’s a little crowded due to the holiday, but we still managed to snag a spot
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 my Kalanggaman Island Travel Guide with itinerary and budget to help you plan your trip.
KALANGGAMAN PRE-TRIP PLANNING
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KALANGGAMAN ISLAND :
The best time to visit Kalanggaman Island is during the summer season, from March to May. You may also travel to Kalanggaman from November to February but try to avoid the months of June to October due to the rainy season and possible storms. Best to check the weather updates for your safety.
WHAT TO BRING IN KALANGGAMAN ISLAND:
Bring food and drinks. There’s no restaurant in the island, only 1 store.
Bring power bank as there is no electricity in Kalanggaman Island.
Bring coral-friendly sunblock and wear aqua shoes.
If you want to stay overnight, you can bring your tent or rent a tent forPHP 400/USD 7/EURO 6/SGD 10/MYR 30 per tent.
If you plan to snorkel, you can bring your snorkel gears or rent one from the boat operator or touts. Fee is PHP 100/USD 2/EURO 2/SGD 3/MYR 8 – PHP 150/USD 3/EURO 2/SGD 4/MYR 11.
HOW TO GET TO KALANGGAMAN
MANILA to KALANGGAMAN ISLAND
Tacloban to Kalanggaman Island
- From Manila, fly to Tacloban, Leyte. You can SEARCH CHEAP FLIGHTS HERE.
- In Tacloban, go to Duptours or Van Vans Terminal.
You can go there by tricycle if you are already in Tacloban.
But if you are coming from Tacloban Airport since it’s quite far from the city center, you can take a tricycle to the van terminal (Duptours or Van Vans) for roughly PHP 150/USD 3/EURO 2/SGD 4/MYR 11. Alternatively, you may also take a taxi for roughly PHP 300/USD 6/EURO 5/SGD 8/MYR 23. The cheapest way to Tacloban Airport is by multi-cab to downtown Tacloban.
3. At Duptours or Van Vans Terminal, ride a van to Palompon, Leyte. Fare is aboutPHP 154/USD 3/EURO 2/SGD 4/MYR 12. Travel time is 3.5 hours.
4. Get off at Palompon, Leyte.
5. Walk or ride a pedicab to the nearby Palompon Tourism Office located in the Freedom Park beside the Palompon Municipal Town Hall.
6. Register and hire a boat to Kalanggaman Island. Boat rental from Palompon to Kalanggaman Island:
- PHP 3,000/USD 56/EURO 48/SGD 77/MYR 228 – good for 15 persons
- PHP 3,500/USD 66/EURO 56/SGD 89/MYR 266 – good for 25 persons
- PPHP 4,000/USD 75/EURO 64/SGD 102/MYR 304 – good for 30 persons
See other Kalanggaman Fees on the table below.
IMPORTANT: Last trip of vans from Palompon, Leyte is at 4:30 PM. So, if you want to stay overnight in Palompon or Tacloban, make sure you are already at the van terminal at least by 4:00 PM so you won’t miss the last trip.
CEBU to KALANGGAMAN ISLAND
Cebu City to Kalanggaman
1.From Cebu City, go to Pier 1 Cokaliong office and purchase a ticket to Palompon, Leyte.
2. Ride the ferry from Cebu City to Palompon, Leyte. Travel time is about 5.5 hours. Fare starts at PHP 310/USD 6/EURO 5/SGD 8/MYR 24.
3. At Palompon, Leyte, walk or take a pedicab to Palompon Eco-Tourism Office.
4. Register, rent boat and pay entrance fees.
5. Ride pump boat to Kalanggaman Island.
Total Fare (one-way): PHP 310/USD 6/EURO 5/SGD 8/MYR 24
Total travel time: Approximately 5.5 hours + 1 hour boat ride to Kalanggaman
THINGS TO DO IN KALANGGAMAN
SWIMMING – Do not swim near the sandbar. Ask your boatman about the safe area for swimming.
SNORKELING – Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent one form your boatman for about PHP 100- PHP 150
BANANA BOAT –PHP 500/USD 9/EURO 8/SGD 13/MYR 38 (good for 5 persons)
KAYAKING – PHP 150/USD 3/EURO 2/SGD 4/MYR 11 per hour
DIVING – Dive Guide PHP 800/USD 15/EURO 13/SGD 20/MYR 61
Dive Gears (International Tourists) : PHP 1000/USD 19/EURO 16/SGD 26/MYR 76
(Local Tourists): PHP 800/USD 15/EURO 13/SGD 20/MYR 61
Have a nice and safe trip! Enjoy!
Aventurier 