Kalanggaman Island 2020: Travel Guide To Your Next Sea Escapade

6 min read By eCompareMo on January 9, 2020

Since the Philippines is blessed with an abundance of unspoiled beaches filled with white sands and turquoise waters, how can you ever run out of local tourist spots to tick-off of your bucket list? And one of the trendiest, most sought-after beach destinations in the country today is Kalanggaman Island.

1. Kalanggaman sandbar
2. How to get to Kalanggaman Island
3. When is the best time to visit Kalanggaman Island
4. Kalanggaman Island day tour
5. Kalanggaman Island overnight rates
6. Where to stay in Kalanggaman Island
7. Things to do in Kalanggaman
8. Kalanggaman Island DIY itinerary
9. Kalanggaman budget
10. Kalanggaman travel tips

The island of Kalanggaman in Leyte is gaining popularity among local and foreign travelers alike, thanks in a large part to the breathtaking panoramic view of its sandbar.

This pristine paradise is a near perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Get all the details you need here so you can gear up for your next trip to paradise.

Kalanggaman sandbar

Situated in the small municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte, Kalanggaman is known for its wide stretch of sand bar, an unspoiled beach, and crystal blue waters.

The name Kalanggaman was derived from the word “langgam,” (“bird” in Cebuano) since the two arched sandbars are reminiscent of a bird’s wings in flight.

How to get to Kalanggaman Island

From Manila:

From Manila, you can book a direct flight to Tacloban City or Ormoc City. The travel time will be around one hour.

From Cebu:

By air: You can book a flight to Tacloban City directly from Cebu. The travel time will be approximately 50 minutes.

By sea:

You can ride a ferry from Cebu to Palompon via Super Shuttle Ferry or Cokaliang Shipping Lines that provide daily schedules. The travel time is approximately five to six hours.

From Malapascua Island:

Many tour operators offer Kalanggaman and Malapascua island-hopping packages that includes the boat rental and food. The travel time is between one and a half hours to two hours.

From Tacloban:

Coming directly from Tacloban, you can go to the Tacloban New Bus Terminal and ride a van that goes to the town of Palompon. The travel time is around three to four hours.

From Palompon town:

Ride a pump boat that’s anchored near the tourism office. The travel time is one hour. Make sure to book a boat in advance, since the tourism office limits the number of tourists on the island per day.

When is the best time to visit Kalanggaman Island

The best time to visit Kalanggaman is during the dry season, which starts from November until May. However, this is the period where many tourists flock on the island. So, ensure that you book everything in advance since the Tourism Office limits the guests to only 500 per day.

Kalanggaman Island day tour

Many tourists include Kalanggaman as a day trip in their Leyte travel itinerary or Malapascua Island tour package. If you are visiting Kalanggaman just for a day, here are the day tour rates and fees that you need to know.

1. Entrance/conservation fee

• Local: P150
• Foreigner: P500

2. Cottage rentals

• 15 capacity – P250
• 25 capacity – P500
• 30 capacity – P750

3. Roundtrip boat rental

• 15 capacity – P3,000
• 25 capacity – P3,500
• 30 capacity – P4,000

4. Water activities

• Kayaking – P150/hour
• Stand-up boarding – P200/hour
• Banana boat – P500/ride (5pax)
• Snorkeling gears – P200 per two hours

Kalanggaman Island overnight rates

To fully enjoy this paradise, you may opt to stay overnight in Kalanggaman. Take note of these overnight fees that you will need to settle.

1. Entrance/conservation fee

• Local: P225
• Foreigner: P750

2. Tent rental

• 2-person tent – P250
• 4-person tent – P300

3. Kalanggaman tipi house

• Private room with breakfast – P1000 (2 pax)

Note: Prices may change without prior notice.

Where to stay in Kalanggaman Island

As of this writing, there’s a resort that offers accommodation in Kalanggaman through a tipi house. It’s a private room with a shared bathroom, which is good for 2 people at P1,000 per night. You can book this in advance through Airbnb.

On the other hand, you can also bring your own tent, or you can rent one. Tent rental starts at P200 per night for a 2-person tent and P300 for a 4-person tent. You can inquire about tent rental at Hinablayan Outdoor Shop located in front of the Palompon Tourism Office. You need to deposit P200 and present one valid ID.

Even though there are no glamorous hotels on the island, restrooms and shower areas are available to make it more convenient for visitors. Tables and chairs are also available, so travelers can laze over their lunch comfortably. To complete that beach-outing feel, there is a grilling area where visitors can cook up a storm.

Furthermore, there are security officers stationed on the island to ensure the safety of tourists.

Things to do in Kalanggaman

• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddleboarding – you can pre-book this at the Habagat office
• Beach volleyball
• Snorkeling
• Cooking– grilling area is provided
• Camping
• Sunrise and sunset viewing
• Stargazing

Kalanggaman Island DIY itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

You may also opt to stay overnight in Palompon the day before, so you can go to Kalanggaman early in the morning. There are several affordable beach resorts around Palompon that you can go to.

After enjoying the island, you may want to see the other popular Leyte tourist spots like Lake Danao National Park and McArthur Landing Memorial National Park.

Kalanggaman budget

This sample budget is only an estimation of the possible expenses. It can vary depending on the transportation you choose, where you are coming from, and preferred activities.

Note: This budget assumes that the traveler comes from Tacloban and traveling with at least 15 people. Airfare was not included in the calculation as well. Score a promo fare to lessen your airfare expense.

Kalanggaman travel tips

• To preserve the beauty of the island, the local tourism office maintains a maximum of 500 tourists per day. Make sure to book your trip in advance to reserve your slot, especially if you are planning to go during peak season.
• Take note that there is no electricity on the island. Bring a power bank so you can charge your mobile phones and cameras.
• Bring your flashlight, especially if you are planning on staying late.
• There is a small store in Kalanggaman that has limited supplies. So, if you are planning to have an overnight stay, make sure to bring enough food and water.
• To experience a smooth ride on calm waters, book your boat trip as early as 6 AM.
• Opt for an overnight stay to witness majestic views of both the sunrise and sunset.
• Take note that swimming in the area near the sandbar is prohibited since the current is too strong to handle.
• There are tents and rooms for rent for those who prefer to stay overnight. However, you can also bring your own so you can save money on rental fees.
• If your squad does not meet the maximum pax per boat, you can share with other tourists so you can lessen your expenses.
• Be a responsible traveler. Practice the “Leave No Trace” policy and bring your trash when you return to the mainland, to keep this paradise as pristine as possible.

(This article was written on August 10, 2017, and updated on January 10, 2020)