This place is truly a postcard come to life. It’s actually difficult to describe it without using all the typical island descriptions, because honestly they just apply perfectly: clear turquoise water, soft white beach lined with lush swaying palm trees. Seriously, this is nothing short of a paradise. The island is also considered one of the most beautiful island beaches in the Philippines.
Kalanggaman is located just off the coast of Palampon, in Eastern Leyte. Both Cebu and Tacloban have international airports, so you’ll be able to arrange transport once you arrive in either of those cities. As for the island, since only a limited amount of people are allowed to visit per day, it’s best to call ahead to the Ecotours Office in Palampon to make a reservation, especially in the high season. Once you’ve got your tickets it’s about a one hour boat ride from the city of Palampon.
The other option is coming here on a day tour from Malapascua as we did. Many resorts there offer Kalanggaman tours with free buffet lunch. The tour starts at 9 AM and last until 4 PM.
We were a little concerned about the cloudy sky as we headed out in the morning but it turned out to be a perfect and smooth two hour sail. Everyone on our trip fell in love immediately upon arrival, as we ran from one side of the island to the other to see the beauty this place has to offer.
The boats anchor right by the sandbar portion of the island, which you’ll see immediately if it’s low tide. Once the tide comes in it starts to disappear, so better to get out there ASAP if you want to capture it. You’ll likely have to wait your turn though because Kalanggaman is very popular with the locals.
No matter how long you might stay in Kalanggaman, it’ll feel too short. The island is tiny, running just over 700 meters (753 m to be exact), with two long sandbars that span out far into the sea. You can walk around it in an hour or so. There’s a gorgeous sandbar on one side of the island. A long stretch of perfect white sand full of tiny seashells where opposite-going waves crush into each other and caress the sandbar.
Once we got our sandbar photos, we waded straight into the clearest water you may ever see in your life. But don’t swim along the end of the sand bar, because there are strong rip currents
There is small hut where you can get refreshments and snacks but please take your own trash back from the island. There are also toilets and shower facilities
Obviously, the most recommended thing to do is just chill by relaxing on the smooth white sand and jumping into the crystal clear waters whenever your heart desires. Walk along the shore, admire beautiful seashells and observe crabs of all sizes and soak in what a masterpiece Mother Nature has created.
