KALANGGAMAN ISLAND - THE PARADISE OF LEYTE

The widest and the longest sandbar of the island

Palompon is the 4^th district of Leyte. It is established in 1620 with 50 barangays and total population of approximately 59,000.

Well, you might think that this province is far from the concept of being modern or city. It’s true that the place is more of a countryside, laid-back, and antiquated. In the contrary, the municipality has its ongoing projects. During our visit, we saw the construction of a gymnasium beside the public market, and reconstruction of some roads. In addition, the city has made stricter rules in tourism to entirely protect Kalanggaman Island from sudden flock of tourists and inexorable exploitation. 

The unfeigned commitment of the government is seen on how serious it implements the municipal ordinance among local and foreign tourists, service boat owners,and crew. Then the staff in Eco-Tourism’s office ensures the tourists that the boats are safe and never overloaded. The island is secured by few cops who intended not to be in uniform. 

Also, before the boat starts its journey, the police officer will conduct a brief orientation about the island. Afterwards, one Eco-Tourism staff will explain important reminders for those who will stay in the island. These are the important things you have to bear in mind:

1. Collecting sand, corals, stones, and other seashells, and fishing are prohibited under the law.

2. All tourists or guests must maintain the cleanliness of the entire island. Hence, people are given 2 kinds of big plastic bag: black for non-biodegradable materials and one transparent for trash made of biodegradable materials. One should bring these bags with all the rubbish collected back to Palompon.

3. Swimming along the sand bars are not allowed due to accident that ripcurl causes.

4. Water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or paddle boarding must be done along the main shore of the island.

5. If in case, something bad might happen, don’t hesitate to call for help or assistance from some of the staff in the island or the authority.

Kalanggaman Island is a true paradise- untouched and very distant from the congestion of people and establishments such as private resorts, bars, and restaurants that are commonly seen in among other islands in the Philippines. Apparently, the quality of water is as clear as distilled water compared to Boracay Island with a presence of slimy algae along its shoreline. Perhaps, you might expect its sand as fine as in Boracay. It may not have a powdery quality, but it’s still white and pristine. One may think that it’s arduous to stay in the island overnight due to absence of electricity, water supply, and markets or stores to buy your food. Actually, it may be challenging or impossible for others, but in our case, we were able to endure those inconveniences. You just need to plan ahead and prepare yourself to at least once in your life, you won’t have the things that you can’t live without. I suggest you to prepare and bring the following:

1. Cooked food that don’t get spoiled easily even if you don’t put it in a cold container. For instance, you can bring adobo, boiled eggs, fried hotdog or pork. Avoid bringing food with soup or too much sauce.

Our lunch- Pork adobo with boiled egg & fried hot dog

and desserts like mangoes and oranges

2. Buy mineral water available in the nearest water station located in Palompon. For one blue container, it costs only P 40 with a deposit of P 150. This deposit can be refunded upon returning the container. 

You badly need this water for drinking, boiling water if you have coffee or instant food, then for bathing. Yes, for bathing. Deep well water is available in the island but it’s still salty, so I suggest to use mineral water for your last rinse when bathing.

Mineral water

3. If you want the thrill or sense of adventure, you can bring your own tent to save money as well, or you can rent one available in the area.

Our tent

Rate

Capacity                     Rate

Good for 2 people       500 per night

Good for 4 people       1000 per night

Contact Information

        Jeter Tent

        Kalanggaman Island

Mobile #:

        +63917-587-4984 (Globe)

4. Initially, bringing a portable butane gas stove is dispensible, but I was wrong. It was really useful because we were able to boil water and cook rice.

5. Instant food! Some will think having instant food is very unhealthy. Well for me, you’ll just consume them for a very short time and it’s for your own convenience.

6. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear. Definitely, they must be in your things-to-bring list. These days, travelers who engage in water activities, might it be simply swimming or snorkeling, you really need something to protect your skin under the scorching heat of the sun. Just imagine, how very damaging the UV rays will be without any protection resulting to irreversible impact to your skin.

Here are the essentials you need to keep in mind for a worry-free stay in the island.

a. Rashguard- preferably with long sleeves

b. Swimwear- ankle length.

c. Goggles- to see the beauty that lies beneath the water of Kalanggaman Island.

d. Snorkeler- sharing it with someone is unhygienic, so you must have your own.

7. Rechargeable equipment or gadgets- remember, there’s no electrical supply in the island round the clock. Please take note of these essentials:

a. Flashlight or small lamp- actually, I used the light from my Iphone 5s, it just that I needed to save its battery for other uses.

b. Powerbank-  a capacity of 10,000 Amp is enough. It can charge an Iphone, and a portable speaker.

c. Small or portable  bluetooth speaker- it’s optional, but if you want to chill and have fun in the island, it’s good to bring it.

8. Disposables- Since there is scarcity of water in the area, it’s not a good idea to wash your utensils. This will save your space and lessen the burden of bringing things back to Tacloban. 

a. Paper plate and bowls

b. Paper cups

c. Plastic spoon and fork

d. Wet tissues

9. Liquids- Everything you bring when you travel must be in liquid and can be consumed easily.

a. Shampoo and conditioner

b. Liquid soap instead of bar soap

c. Hand sanitizer

d. Body lotion and sunscreen lotion in small plastic canisters

e. small tubes of toothpaste and foldable toothbrush to save space

10. Comfortable clothing- it’s better to wear tank top or shirts with thinner fabric because the weather will be hotter at times.

These are basically, the things you need to bring in the island. Pack light and you’re ready to go for this adventure.

Kalanggaman Island at dusk

The municipality of Palompon built a few structures that guests can use free of charge while the natural beauty of the island is still preserved. You can use the toilets and the dressing or changing rooms. Both for men and women are available. There is also deep well beside the toilets where you can get the water. It was just disheartening to see some people who don’t have the concern or care for the place. You can find styropore, plastic materials, and empty cans and bottles at the shore or even underwater. Putting toilets and changing rooms is a brilliant idea but maintaining their cleanliness is very disappointing. I couldn’t believe my eyes to have discovered sanitary napkin inside one of the changing rooms and sachets of shampoo and used tissues in most of the toilets. I can feel that the municipality is doing its best to protect the biodiversity of the island, but it’s we, the people, who must have the initiative to fulfill its vision. We just have to remember that we are all visitors of the island, who by no means, have the rights to devastate its beauty. Undoubtedly, Kalanggaman Island has bigger potential to be acknowledged locally and internationally in the long run. And there is no doubt that it can be the number island in the world.

The weather in the island is unpredictable. It might be windy and dry today but hot and humid the next day. We were lucky to have windy but overcast weather during our stay there. I just lain my back on the bench the entire noon and read my an inspirational book. What a perfect way to unload yourself from stress and calm your body and soul.

If you are lucky enough to depart Palompon in the morning, you can have a good chance of witnessing dolphins swimming along your way to the island. An additional attraction that everyone is excited to look forward to. And don’t forget the picturesque view of the sunrise and sunset from the shore.

The island at dusk

It’s more mesmerizing if you’ll spend your morning along the 2 sandbars. 

A breath-taking view at sunrise

Nothing compares the inner peace and joy that the view brings you. The place is tranquil and undeniably relaxing. What a good way to start my summer.

On the lighter note, with this kind of place, you can no longer ask for more; comfort and convenience are merely secondary. 

Here are some of the photos taken and these remind me of my adventure in the island. 

Next Topic: Palompon - The Gateway to a Paradise

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.