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Travel Guide: Kalanggaman Island in Palompon Leyte
Kalanggaman Island Travel Guide
Kalanggaman Island is a beautiful beach destination located in the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte. Kalanggaman is famous for its crystal clear water, white powdery sand and long sand bars stretching on both sides of the island. The surrounding of the beach is really calm, safe and truly relaxing thats why its suitable for family holidays or for short weekend trip.
Kalanggaman Island / Islet in Leyte (photos courtesy of palompon-leyte.gov.ph)
In 2013, the island started to gain international exposure after MV Europa Cruise Line stopped over in the island and brought almost 400 passengers who stayed in the island for couple of hours.
There are no privately owned resorts in the island but overnight camping is allowed. To preserve the beauty of the place, the local tourism office only allows maximum of 500 tourist per day.
Overnight Camping in Kalanggaman (photos courtesy of Gerry Ruiz / palompon-leyte.gov.ph)
To provide comfort and security to the tourists, the local government built basic facilities and made the island secured by Tourist Police who are stationed in the island.
Native Huts in Kalanggaman (photos courtesy of palompon-leyte.gov.ph)
If you are dreaming for a weekend getaway in a postcard-perfect virgin island, Kalanggaman is definitely the place to go. In this island, tourists enjoy activities like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving.
Kalanggaman Island Travel Guide
How to get to Kalanggaman Island
From Manila: Daily flights to Tacloban City, Ormoc City (both in Leyte) or to Cebu City.
From Cebu: Travel by boat or a fascraft to Ormoc City, or you can travel by land to Bogo City then take a boat ride to eithe to Palompon or you can go straight to Kalanggaman Island Philippines. There are daily boat trips plying the Cebu City-Palompon route by Super Shuttle Ferry Pier 8 Private Pier Terminal in North Reclamation Area, Cebu City (Telephone: (032) 232-3150, (032) 231-0639, (032) 234-4121, (032) 345-5581).
From Malapascua Island: Its a 1 1/2 hour to two-hour boat ride to the island.
From Tacloban : The town proper of Palompon can be reached by a three-hour travel by van from Tacloban City. From Polompon Leyte, Kalanggaman Island is an-hour ride by regular boat and 39 minutes by a speed boat.
Important Reminders
Once you arrived in Palompon, it is mandatory for tourists to register first at Palompon Ecotours Office. The office is located in front of Liberty Park near the Municipal Hall of Palompon. Palompon Ecotours Office (053-338-2094) Mobile (0917 303 7267) (0917 303 7269) or visit their website (www.palompon-leyte.gov.ph)
How much is the round trip boat rental? (as of February 20, 2016)
P3,000 – for 15 pax maximum
P3,500 – for 25 pax maximum
P4,000 – for 30 pax maximum
Day Tour Rates (as of February 20, 2016)
International Tourists – P500
Local Tourists – P150
College Student Tourists – P40
High-school Student Tourists – P30
Elementary Student Tourists – P20
Senior Citizen Tourists – P120
Overnight Camping Rates (as of February 20, 2016)
International Tourists – P750
Local Tourists – P225
College Student Tourists – P60
High-school Student Tourists – P45
Elementary Students – P30
Senior Citizens – P180
Best Time to visit the Island of Kalanggaman
The best time to visit the island is during summer season from February to May but you can still visit the island from October to June. Avoid the rainy and typhoon season which is from the months of July to September.
Things to do in Kalanggaman Island
Swimming
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Aqua-biking
Scuba diving
Camping
Beautiful Island destination in Leyte (photo courtesy of Ludette Virtucio Ruiz)
Where to Eat
There are no restaurants in Kalanggaman Island but you can buy fresh catch from local fishermen. There are grilling stations and wooden tables that are available for tourists.
Sunset in Kalanggaman Island (photo courtesy of Ludette Ruiz)
Where to stay in Palompon Leyte
PACCI HOUSE
Rizal Street
Available Amenities : Function Hall, Internet, Telephone Services
Room Types : Air-conditioned Rooms/Dormitories
Contact number: (053) 338-2880
Whispering Beach Mini Hotel
P. Del Rosario Ext. Brgy. Guiwan I
Available Amenities: Function Hall, Telephone Services, hot & cold water, Catering services
Room Types: air-conditioned Rooms/suite
Contacts numbers: (053) 338-2135/555-8045
Hutton Lodge
Cor. San Francisco St. & Evangelista St.
Available Amenities: Internet Café, Telephone Service
Room Types: Air-conditioned Rooms
Contact number: (053) 338-3098
Tent for Rent
Since theres no hotel in the island, you need to rent a tent if you are planning to stay overnight on Kalanggaman Island. you can rent at Hinablayan Outdoor Shop.
Rate: 300 / night (4-Person Tent), 250 / night (2-person Tent)
Deposit: valid ID + 200
Hinablayan Outdoor Shop is located in Rizal St. right in front of Palompon Tourism Office. You can also call 0922 722 8218.
Travel Tips
It is recommended to start your boat trip as early as 6am if you prefer smooth sailing.
There are no resorts in the island but you can bring your own tent if you want to stay overnight
Do not travel between 12 noon to 3 pm if you want to avoid rocky boat ride
Clean Restrooms and Shower Areas are available in the island
Bring enough drinking water, there is no potable water in the island
Bring Power Banks for your Gadgets and Mobile phones, theres no electricity in the Island
Smart has the strongest Mobile Phone signal in the island
Kalanggaman Beach by Gerry Ruiz
Also Read: Overnight Camping in Kalanggaman
Travel and Tours
Ludette Ruiz of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours
Address: 39 Independencia St, c/o calle Zaragosa, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines
Telephone: (63) (53) 321-7966
Telefax: (63) (53) 523-7966
email: leytegulf@callezaragosa.com
Do you have anything to add or suggest in this Kalanggaman Island Travel Guide? Please feel free to comment or email us to keep this guide updated!
Published: Feb 6, 2014
Updated: October, 24, 2016
Travel Blog Topics:
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Travel Guide: Kalanggaman Island in Palompon Leyte
Melo Villareal