I don’t usually go to road most traveled places but there’s
no denying that Kalanggaman Island should be on your list regardless how many
times it was advertise or how people flock here so much.
Kalanggaman Island is definitely on my bucket list. But learning
the cost and shouldering it on your own is not really advisable and
wallet-friendly. Palompon Tourism made a way for us tipid biyaheros enjoy their famous island.
This blog is just a narration of our experience.
How To Get There
Kalanggaman Island is located in Visayas at the town of
Palompon. If you’re coming from Manila, get a plane ride going to Tacloban
City, Leyte. Outside the airport are different means of transportation going to
Van terminals that will take you to Palompon. Just inform the driver. We ride a
tricycle going to Van Vans. From there, take a van going to Palompon. Travel time may take up to 3 hours. There are no specific time of departure from the van terminal. Chance of waiting too long is expected since they will never leave until the van is full. From
Palompon, make your way to the tourism office where you can join different
groups going to the island.
If going back to the airport. Ask the tourism for the terminal going to tacloban. Schedule back to tacloban are until 4 pm only.
Boat Ride
The tourism made it possible for us to go to the island on a
budget trip. If you are a solo traveler or just a small group not more than 5
or less than 10 you may join different groups. The tourism will ask you if you
are just day tour or overnight. They will also ask you your preferred time of
departure from the island and from those information they will include you on
that time/boat. Because of that, you will no longer be bothered so much the
cost. They will divide the cost of the boat to all the passengers.
Rate of pumboat as of December 2018
Php 3,000 – 15 Capacity Below
Php 3,500 – 25 Capacity Below
Php 4,000 – 30 Capacity Below
Tent
If you did not bring any tents with you or don’t want the
hassle of bringing so much stuff on your trip you can always rent a tent at the
tourism. Someone will approach you regarding this, if none, you can always ask
where you can rent one. But to make sure, you can contact ahead of time Tatay Boy
and inform his your intent on this number 0977-707-0533. We rent a tent for only
300php good for 3. If you want a bigger one just let him know so he can provide
you what you need.
Registration/Entrance/Conservation Fee
Registration for overnight and day tour is not the same. For
overnight the rate is 225 each. Please see rate below as of December 2018:
Regular Rate (Day Tour)
|
Overnight Rate
|
|
International Tourist
|
Php 500.00
|
Php 750.00
|
Non-Palompon Tourist
|
Php 150.00
|
Php 225.00
|
Non-Palompon College Student
|
Php 40.00
|
Php 60.00
|
Non-Palompon High School Student
|
Php 30.00
|
Php 45.00
|
Non-Palompon Elem. Pupil
|
Php 20.00
|
Php 30.00
|
Non-Palomponganon Senior Citizen
|
Php 120.00
|
Php 180.00
|
Cottage
|
|
Php 250.00
|
|
Php 500.00
|
|
Php 700.00
|
Me and my boyfriend spent only 1154 overnight for the both
of us already.
Food
There are mini stores at the island but don’t expect much. I
suggest buying all your needs before heading there, not to mention prices are
way too high on the island. Don’t worry, the tourism office is located just
beside the wet and dry market where you can buy supplies.
Tips and Guidelines
1. LEAVE NO TRACE
2. Let the boat knows where you are pitching your tent so they know where to locate you.
3. Be mindful of your time back to Palompon town proper.
4. Bring enough food and water
5. Follow guidelines at the resort. There can be drowning at the tip of the sandbar. Swimming is not allowed in there.
6. Bring source of light: flashlight, matches, candles.
7. There are toilets/showers but not fresh water at the island
8. NO FRESH WATER ON THE ISLAND
9. No power supply