Day Trip To Kalanggaman Island: The Philippines
Nestled in the Visayan Sea, Kalanggaman Island has become a sought-after destination for both local and international tourists seeking a slice of paradise. Located a short boat ride away from the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte, this pristine island boasts long sandbars, crystal-clear waters, and a mesmerising white sand beach. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through a day trip to Kalanggaman Island, covering everything from travel logistics to the breathtaking sights that await eager travellers. So welcome to this blog on a ‘day trip To Kalanggaman Island: The Philippines’.
Getting There:
For those starting their journey in Cebu City, the adventure to Kalanggaman Island begins with a flight to Tacloban City. From Tacloban, it’s a scenic drive to the municipality of Palompon, where the Palompon Tourism Office is your gateway to this beautiful island. Alternatively, those coming from Ormoc City can also make their way to Palompon, making it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the region.
Upon arrival at the Palompon Tourism Office, visitors are required to pay a small entrance fee. This fee helps support the local government’s efforts to maintain the island’s pristine condition and provide necessary facilities for tourists.
I went with a tour company to make the whole journey easier and this I think is the best way to go about things as otherwise, it would be very difficult to get there. My itinerary was as follows:
- 04:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel in Cebu
- 06:00 AM – ETA Maya Port / Transfer to Malapascua Island
- 07:00 AM – ETA Malapascua Island / Breakfast Own Account
- 09:00 AM – Depart to Kalanggaman
- 10:30 AM – ETA Kalanggaman Island / Swimming
- 12:00 NN – Lunch (included)
- 02:30 PM – Back to Malapascua Island
- 04:00 PM – ETA Malapascua Island / Depart to Maya Port
- 05:00 PM – ETA Maya Port
- 08:00 PM – ETA Cebu Hotel
In terms of pricing, there was a separate fee for locals vs foreigners, and with the foreigners fee, it was cheaper the more people you had in the group, so best to book altogether as a group (for the company I went with, it is currently 5350 pesos for 3 of us, which is around £76/96 USD, whereas if you went solo, it was 9350 pesos, which was around £132/166 USD). Again, this includes pick-up from the hotel to drop off and return to the hotel. It also includes a tour guide who will be with you all day and they will provide lunch (but not breakfast). I think back when I when I went, the price of this was lower, so this may reflect the popularity of the day trips, but I would say it was definitely worth going there once because it is a beautiful island with an epic sandbank to relax, swim, and take pictures of.
So, if you are planning a day trip here, it is definitely worth going, but you will need to get up early to enjoy as much time on the island, so I recommend getting an early night in beforehand and grabbing some food for the journey. I would say that arriving at Maya port was a bit sketchy at first as it was a small port with one boat but a few other tourists were joining us so it was actually fine. The journey through the sea to get to Malapascua island was fun, and I felt such freedom being on a boat in the middle of nowhere, which was nerve-racking at first but exciting at the same time.
When you got to Malapascua island, we were greeted by some of the owners of our tour company, who were lovely and gave us a plan for the trip to Kalanggaman island. Malapscua island was the first stop to get to Kalangamman Island and had the faster boats. Malapscua island itself had its own restaurants and toilets and places to eat in case you needed to freshen up before leaving (we had to buy our own breakfast, hence why buying food the day before might be helpful) as some of the restaurants were okay but not great.
You’ll have a couple of hours to stay and explore Malapscua Island before being debriefed again and getting on the next boat to Kalanggaman Island. You do get offered lunch meals once you arrive on Kalanggaman island with our company, which is nice.
The Journey
The boat ride to Kalanggaman Island is an adventure in itself. A large outrigger boat, often filled with excited travellers, takes you on an approximately one-hour journey through the Visayan Sea. As the boat glides over the inviting turquoise waters, passengers can catch glimpses of the surrounding islands and appreciate the beauty of the Eastern Visayas region.
The Arrival:
As you approach Kalanggaman Island, the first sight that captures your attention is the stunning sandbar stretching across the azure sea. The boat docks on one side of the island offer a breathtaking view of the long sandbars and the white powdery sand that make Kalanggaman truly unique.
Exploring the Island:
Upon stepping onto the island, the unobstructed view of the sky and the clear waters surrounding Kalanggaman welcomes you. The island’s small size makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of both sides of the island. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for a day of relaxation.
Kalanggaman Island is equipped with grilling stations, comfort rooms, and dressing rooms, providing essential amenities for a comfortable day trip. The island’s tourism officer and tour guides are also readily available to assist and share interesting facts about the island’s history and natural wonders.
Water Activities:
The pristine waters surrounding Kalanggaman Island offer an array of water activities for adventure enthusiasts. Snorkelling gear is available for rent, or visitors can bring their own for a more personalised experience. The coral reefs around the island are teeming with marine life, providing an excellent opportunity for a memorable dive trip.
During high tide, the entire sandbar area is submerged, offering a unique experience as the island transforms with the changing water levels. In contrast, low tide reveals an expansive sandbar, providing ample space for beachgoers to enjoy the sun and sea.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Kalanggaman Island is during the dry season, typically from November to April. The summer season offers ideal weather conditions, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable day trip. It’s advisable to check weather forecasts before planning your visit to avoid any inconvenience caused by unexpected changes in weather conditions.
Avoiding Crowds:
In recent years, Kalanggaman Island has gained popularity among both local and international tourists. To enjoy the island’s beauty without large crowds, consider planning your visit on weekdays or arriving early in the morning. Additionally, visiting during the off-peak season can provide a more peaceful and intimate experience.
Overnight Stay:
While day trips are popular, some visitors opt for an overnight stay to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of Kalanggaman Island. Camping is allowed, and visitors can bring their own tents. However, it’s essential to make arrangements in advance and adhere to the rules set by the local government to ensure a responsible and enjoyable stay.
Responsible Tourism:
As with any natural wonder, it’s crucial for visitors to practice responsible tourism. Bring your own trash bags to dispose of waste properly, respect the local environment, and follow the guidelines provided by the tourism office. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of Kalanggaman Island’s pristine beauty for future generations to enjoy.
Other Tips:
Avoid crowds on weekends and the Philippines holiday
Bring extra clothes, a towel, extra water, suncream and an underwater camera if available
Buy food/drinks and snacks as some tour companies won’t offer breakfast as part of the day tour, and you may not feel hungry in the morning at 4 AM, but you will be later! It is essential to keep well hydrated on sunny days when there is prolonged sun exposure on boat journeys without much shade.
A day trip to Kalanggaman Island is a journey into paradise, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and a serene atmosphere. Whether you’re a local explorer or an international tourist, the allure of this tiny island in the Visayan Sea is undeniable. As you soak up the sun on the white sand beach or snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs, Kalanggaman Island promises an unforgettable experience, leaving you with memories of a day well spent in this tropical haven.
If you enjoyed reading this post on a ‘day trip to Kalanggaman Island: The Philippines’, for further info, check out my other blogs at https://www.mymemoriesabroad.com/category/blog/ or head to my Pinterest profile to have a look at travel photos, which will hopefully inspire you to book your holiday to remember at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mymemoriesabroad/. I hope this blog was helpful and that your journey to the Philippines is an unforgettable memory. Safe journey!