happened on Aug. 22, 2016
We joined a group tour for Php800.00/person inclusive of round trip boat ride and lunch. It's a big boat that can accommodate up to 40 passengers.
How can I ever describe this island? I'm simply speechless and still in awe with its beauty till this time. What more if I'll see you during the summer? I'm sure you are more stunning. Till now, I can't get you out of my mind. I'm just so in love with you.
There are two ways to reach this amazing island:
1. 1.5 to 2 hours boat ride from Malapascua Island (which we did)
2. from Tacloban, ride a van going to Ormoc (1.5 to 2 hrs), travel to Palompon (1 hr), then rent a boat going to Kalanggaman Island (another 1 hr)
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| please take me back |
1. 1.5 to 2 hours boat ride from Malapascua Island (which we did)
2. from Tacloban, ride a van going to Ormoc (1.5 to 2 hrs), travel to Palompon (1 hr), then rent a boat going to Kalanggaman Island (another 1 hr)
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| our ride |
Amidst the crazy weather, our trip pushed through. We were picked up by motorcycles from our hotel and took us to the port. I thought we were already late when we arrived but we still have waited for some "pasaway" guests. We were able to leave the port past 9:30AM.
The journey is a nerve wrecking one as we sailed against big waves. TG! our boat is quite big that it was able to sway with these waves. I was praying all throughout our journey while thinking of my kids back home.
The journey is a nerve wrecking one as we sailed against big waves. TG! our boat is quite big that it was able to sway with these waves. I was praying all throughout our journey while thinking of my kids back home.
After two hours, we safely arrived in this awesome island. From afar, you can already marvel at its stunning beauty (to think it's still typhoon season by this time).
You have to pay additional P150.00 (for locals) and Php500.00 for foreigners for the environmental and entrance fees. We gladly obliged with this since the local government is doing a great job in preserving this island. In fact, it's being closed for a week for maintenance purpose. There are only 90 people allowed to enter per day.
It has two sand bars (both ends). The sand is pristine white and water is aquamarine to deep blue. It is still unexploited and with controlled number of crowds.
You have to pay additional P150.00 (for locals) and Php500.00 for foreigners for the environmental and entrance fees. We gladly obliged with this since the local government is doing a great job in preserving this island. In fact, it's being closed for a week for maintenance purpose. There are only 90 people allowed to enter per day.
It has two sand bars (both ends). The sand is pristine white and water is aquamarine to deep blue. It is still unexploited and with controlled number of crowds.
While the boatmen are cooking our lunch, we were given the liberty of time to roam around and cam whoring. We wasted no time in enjoying this tiny island since we will need to leave after two hours due to the erractic weather conditions or else we need to stay overnight which is not a choice for us since we are leaving for Manila the next day.
Please take note that it does not offer any comfortable accommodations as there are only cottages here. I've seen some bigger tents but they are I think for the maintenance people and tourist police statione here. If you want to stay for an overnight, it's highly recommended to bring tents and basic needs. There are clean toilets but I didn't see any store where you can buy supplies. Obviously, there is also no electricity here.
We started our tour with the sand bar. It's pisturesque. I love walking on its sand while watching how the waves meet or rather collide.
The main part have some coconut trees and umbrella trees. If you are coming from Malapascua, the cottages are free for usage. I didn't ask why, I just assumed that it's the government of Malapascua that provided these.
Then it's lunch time. Honestly, I'm disappointed with lunch because I'm expecting it to be like the ones being offered in Palawan island hopping. It's so ironic that they don't have much seafood here. They only served us grilled pork, chicken and a big fish. Ok, it's acceptable.
After lunch, we only have a few minutes for swimming. There are not many fishes around. The shore is full of stone slabs, just like in Balicasag. The other side is much better with sand only but the waves are quite dangerous. It's better to be safe that sorry so we stick with the side with stone slabs.
If you enjoy picking up dead corals, then you will love it here.
Before we knew it, it's time to return to Malapascua. We were dropped off at the hotels area so we just stayed for dinner there and wait for the sunset.
Tips for your Kalanggaman Trip:
1. Join a group tour for this instead of renting an exclusive boat so you can save some money. Just ask help in your hotel for the booking and coordination.
2. It's better to leave early morning to have more leisure time in this tiny island as last schedule of departure is always at 2:30PM as waves tend to get bigger beyond that time.
3. Put all your things in a dry bag and put on your swimwear as it's 100% expected to get wet during the journey.
4. It's a safe way to wear aqua shoes as there are sharp stones on the beach.
5. Bring an underwater camera.
6. Bring lots of water and food. There are no stores in the tiny island.
7. Don't forget to apply sunblock and bring a lipbalm.
8. It's helpful to have a sarong, towel or anything to cover you from the mighty sun and you can use as picnic mat.
9. Bring your music gadgets for lazing around. Listening to regae music is highly recommended.
10. Don't forget your power banks.
11. There are cellular signals but weak data signals. Just take photos and upload when you return to your hotel.
12. Last but not the least, please don't litter. Bring your garbage back with you. Let's keep this tiny island clean and pretty.
I still think that it's just a dream. I can vividly remember how amazing the color of the water and sand are and the feeling of being a cast away for a few moment. Definitely, it's one island that should be in any traveler's bucket list. So, a big check for me!
Please take note that it does not offer any comfortable accommodations as there are only cottages here. I've seen some bigger tents but they are I think for the maintenance people and tourist police statione here. If you want to stay for an overnight, it's highly recommended to bring tents and basic needs. There are clean toilets but I didn't see any store where you can buy supplies. Obviously, there is also no electricity here.
We started our tour with the sand bar. It's pisturesque. I love walking on its sand while watching how the waves meet or rather collide.
The main part have some coconut trees and umbrella trees. If you are coming from Malapascua, the cottages are free for usage. I didn't ask why, I just assumed that it's the government of Malapascua that provided these.
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| the clean comfort rooms |
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| a Yolanda survivor |
After lunch, we only have a few minutes for swimming. There are not many fishes around. The shore is full of stone slabs, just like in Balicasag. The other side is much better with sand only but the waves are quite dangerous. It's better to be safe that sorry so we stick with the side with stone slabs.
If you enjoy picking up dead corals, then you will love it here.
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| beach babes |
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| i see dead corals |
Tips for your Kalanggaman Trip:
1. Join a group tour for this instead of renting an exclusive boat so you can save some money. Just ask help in your hotel for the booking and coordination.
2. It's better to leave early morning to have more leisure time in this tiny island as last schedule of departure is always at 2:30PM as waves tend to get bigger beyond that time.
3. Put all your things in a dry bag and put on your swimwear as it's 100% expected to get wet during the journey.
4. It's a safe way to wear aqua shoes as there are sharp stones on the beach.
5. Bring an underwater camera.
6. Bring lots of water and food. There are no stores in the tiny island.
7. Don't forget to apply sunblock and bring a lipbalm.
8. It's helpful to have a sarong, towel or anything to cover you from the mighty sun and you can use as picnic mat.
9. Bring your music gadgets for lazing around. Listening to regae music is highly recommended.
10. Don't forget your power banks.
11. There are cellular signals but weak data signals. Just take photos and upload when you return to your hotel.
12. Last but not the least, please don't litter. Bring your garbage back with you. Let's keep this tiny island clean and pretty.
I still think that it's just a dream. I can vividly remember how amazing the color of the water and sand are and the feeling of being a cast away for a few moment. Definitely, it's one island that should be in any traveler's bucket list. So, a big check for me!
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