Thirteenth Stop: Finally, Kalanggaman Island

A year ago was my first visit in Palompon, Leyte. Part of the itinerary was to visit Kalanggaman Island, but Sheena’s relatives opposed the plan to my dismay. So, to makeup for the failed plan, we checked out Tabuk Marine and Wildlife Sanctuary in Palompon and Baybayon ni Agalon in Albuera, Leyte. It was not a bad substitute, but I was still craving for Kalanggaman Island.

A year after, we were presented with another opportunity to visit Palompon for the College graduation of Sheena’s sister. Our plan was to visit Kalanggaman Island, then Quatro Islas in Inopacan, Leyte, then Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte.

So there , we were trying to convince friends, colleagues and fellow bloggers to join us in our trip so that we can share the expenses of the trip. Some showed interest but had to bail out before the day of the trip.

We were still determined to push through with the plan, so we headed out to Palompon’s tourism office. An outrigger boat to Kalanggaman Island from Palompon will cost 2500Php – 3000Php. If there were no other options, we would dole out that much money just for Kalanggaman. The angels may been on our side as the Tourism Officer gave us a great deal that saved us a lot of moolah. A group of Bantay Dagat Officers and Crews will be heading to Kalanggaman the next day and we could hop in for free, and that we just need to pay the island’s entrance fee.

Then another problem occured. The day before our trip to Kalanggaman Island, it was raining the whole day and weather reports showed that there was a low pressure area in Southern Leyte.

We slept early and hoped for the best weather the next day. Lucky enough, the rain has stopped and the Bantay Dagat team is pushing through with their visit to Kalanggaman. It was not the best weather that I have hoped for as it was slightlt gloomy but it was better than having to cancel the trip again.

After roughly an hour going through rough waves, a big smile was plastered in my face seeing the water and sand up close in Kalanggaman while we were docking. Upon docking, I wanted to take a dive in the water and lay in the sand with all my gears on. That is how enticing it was. As explorra states it, its one of the islands in the Philippines with the whitest sand. It is paradise as a modest description.

Surrounded by crystal clear waters, the team assigned by the government of Palompon are currently surveying the beauty underwater so that they can market the island as a dive spot.Bare. Unspoiled. Beautiful. Beautiful. If you plan to stay overnight on the island, make sure you have your provisions ready. There are no restuarants and stores on the island and there are only open cottages and no rooms for overnight stay. So, if you don’t want mosquitoes and other bugs to feast on you, bring a tent with you. There are battery-powered lights at night and no electricity so if you are bringing gadgets with you, have them fully charged before the trip.

You can just go around and explore and explore the island in 30 minutes but be careful traversing those rocks exposed by the monsson wind as they may be slippery. Shade is not a problem while exploring the island as coconut trees are all over and it will be safer to follow the pathway to and from the other end of the island. We did not follow the pathway on our first walk and opted to traverse through the rocks by the edge of the island the second time. We tried to explore Kalanggaman on a very unsafe way.

By afternoon, the clouds could not hold it anymore for us. So it drizzled. That still did not stop us from enjoying the crystal clear water of Kalanggaman as this was 1-year overdue.If you plan to visit Kalanggaman, opt for a big outrigger boat because waves will be rough and that roughness is just normal on any given day. Bigger outrigger boats or pumpboats can withstand the beating of the rough sea and you will be able to save your “Our Fathers” and “Hail Maries” for later.

By 6pm, the team’s work on the island was done so we had to go to. It was also righgt on queue as we have consumed all our provisions. And we want to be able to survive for the night. To top it all off, we had an unexpected chance to watch dolphins swimming with the pumpboat we were in on our way home. I failed to take pictures though as I was too caught-up in the moment of seeing those dolphins.

Kalanggaman Island is a must-go and you should definitely go and visit Kalanggaman Island now!