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Aerial view of Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Photo by Exec8 on

Top 10 Facts about Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman Island is a small island paradise located in Palampon, Leyte. It is famous for its crystal clear waters, lush palm trees, and beautiful sandbars on both ends. The island is also considered one of the most beautiful island beaches in the Philippines.

Its has captivated many Filipino and foreign tourists because of its pristine and untouched beauty.And You鈥檙e sure to fall in love when you see it. Trust me, Kalanggaman Island is the paradise you鈥檝e always dreamed of. 

Let’s take a look at some of the top facts about it;

1. Kalanggaman island got its name because it resembles a bird if viewed from above

Kalanggaman (the Visayan word for 鈥渂ird鈥�) got its name because it resembles a bird if viewed from above, not to mention the island used to be a paradise for migratory birds many years ago.

When viewed from above, the two ends of the island seem to flap like bird’s wings with the changing tides.name from the word 鈥榣anggam鈥�, which means bird in Bisaya. When viewed from above, the two ends of the island seem to flap like bird鈥檚 wings with the changing tides.

With nothing but sun, sand, and surf, the 795-meter sand bar in Palompon, Leyte is a picture perfect destination with nothing to distract from its beauty. 

2.The transportation to Kalanggaman is very easy

The transport system on Palompon Port. Photo by Bien Orellana Bacarra Jr on

The transportation to Kalanggaman is very easy. To travel to the Island from Manila,you book a flight to Ormoc or Tacloban City. Upon arrival at the Ormoc airport, go to the Ormoc van and bus terminal found across Ormoc City Park and head to Palompon.

Once you arrive at Palompon, go to the Town Ecotourism office and pay the necessary fees. Then, rent a boat to Kalanggaman.From Tacloban city , you鈥檒l have to take a 3-hour van ride going to Palompon. From Palompon to Kalanggaman Island, ride a boat that鈥檒l take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

3. There are several activities one can do in Kalanggaman Island

There are several activities one can do in Kalanggaman Island including; Swimming, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Aqua-biking, Scuba diving, Sun bathing,Camping, Beach sports,Banana boat and Exploring the beach. You will never run out of fun Kalanggaman Island activities to try. 

If you want to enjoy the Philippines鈥� summer heat and make the most of its islands, the best time to visit this island is from March to May. This the best time to watch and feel nature do its magic on you. 

4. The island charges an affordable fee to access its services

Kalanggaman Island is a beautiful beach destination located in the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte, Philippine. Photo by Bien Orellana Bacarra Jr on

The island charges an affordable fee to access its services.The entrance/conservation fee for example is PHP 150 for a local and PHP 500 for a foreigner.For Cottage rentals a 15 capacity goes at PHP 250,while a 25 capacity goes at PHP 500,a 30 capacity goes at PHP 750.

The Round Trip boat rental for a 15 capacity is PHP 3,000 while that of a 25 capacity is PHP 3,500 and 30 capacity is PHP 4,000.Its overnight rates are also affordable though different from daytime. For overnight stay the Entrance/conservation fee is PHP 225 for a local and PHP 750 for a foreigner. 

For tent hire/rental,a 2-person tent goes at PHP 250 while a 4-person tent is PHP 300. For room rentals in the Kalanggaman tipi house a Private room with breakfast goes at PHP 1000 (2 pax). 

5. It initially offbeat and unpopular before MV Europa Cruise Line stopped there

Even with stunning sandbars and inviting waters, Kalanggaman beach used to be an offbeat and unpopular destination. It was just in 2013 when Kalanggaman started to gain international attention after MV Europa Cruise Line, a German luxury cruise ship, stopped over on the island and brought almost 400 passengers.

Since then, the island has become a regular destination for the 14-day voyage of Hapag-Lloyd cruise ships.The highland is one of the most visited beaches in the Philippines and one of the most beautiful. More than 1 million people have since visited the area. 

6. The Kalanggaman Island was also affected by Supertyphoon Yolanda

Kalanggaman Island sky and sea taken with Leica X-U. Photo by Sodacan on

But in the latter part of the year, Supertyphoon Yolanda devastated the beach, affecting the tourism industry of the municipality. Locals thought the island would never be the same again.

But the they worked hard day and night to restore the beauty of Kalanggaman beach and since then, they managed to bring back its magnificence and its former glory. And in 2016, it was one of Google鈥檚 top trending searches. 

7. The Island is perfectly reminiscent of a paradise you usually see on postcards

Kalanggaman Island is perfectly reminiscent of a paradise you usually see on postcards. The sand is as white as a bone and as fine as powder. Its long sandbar, one of the Philippines鈥� longest, is charming enough that it鈥檇 be a miss if you don鈥檛 take a photo of you there.

Its water is so clear and inviting that there is no reason not to swim. And because this island is far from the madding crowd, all you can hear are the gentle winds and leaves of the palm trees touching each other. No wonder it鈥檚 dubbed as The Crown Jewel of Leyte.

8. There are several essentials needed to be carried on a visit to the Island

There are several essentials needed to be carried on a visit to the Island. This includes; Drinking water, Fully charged camera/gadgets with extra batteries, Insect repellent, Packed lunch, Garbage bag, Snack, Coral-friendly sunblock & sunglasses and Toiletries for day tours. 

For night tours essentials needed include; Cooking set , Drinking water, Earth pad, Flashlights (with extra batteries, Food supply, Fully charged camera/gadgets with extra batteries, Lamps, Powerbanks, Garbage bag, Sleeping bag and a Tent. 

9. There are several other Islands near Kalanggaman Island

There are several other Islands near Kalanggaman Island including ; Malapascua Island.There are direct boats from Kalanggaman Island going to Malapascua. Day tours from Kalanggaman to Malapascua starts at Php 800 per pax. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Other Islands include ; The Cuatro Islas, Apid Island, Digyo Island, Himokilan Island, and Mahaba Island. The boat rental fee ranges from Php 2,500 to Php 3,000. You also have to pay a Php 50 per pax environmental fee. 

10. Exploring the Island takes only an hour because of its small size

A shot of Kalanggaman Island from an unsual point of view. Photo by Wiki.mjmasangkay on

Kalanggaman is a tiny island and is only 753 meters of pure beauty, so exploring this island from end to end would only take less than an hour.It is famous for its crystal clear waters, lush palm trees, and beautiful sandbars on both ends.

The island is also considered one of the most beautiful island beaches in the Philippines. Its has captivated many Filipino and foreign tourists because of its pristine and untouched beauty.