Buhay Isla: Kalanggaman Island

The first time I set my foot in Leyte is in the island of Kalanggaman. I wouldn't want to let go of the opportunity of going to such a paradise when I was invited by The Travel Buff on this trip. Since I was born ready, with not much hesitation, I said YES! From the city of Cebu, we got our bags packed and our necessities ready and headed to North bus Terminal. Since it was a holy week, people from everywhere were lining up for Ceres buses. There were long queues headed to the north of Cebu: Bantayan, San Remigio and Bogo.  But as clever as we are, we've managed to ride on a non-Ceres bus headed to Hagnaya.

We stopped by at Bogo Terminal and our contact person (who owns the bangka), Loui Cañete, sent someone to fetch us from there and take us to their place where we would ride for the bangka heading to Kalanggaman Island. The place is just near Hisoler's Beach Resort.

Since there were only the 4 of us -- my brother and his girlfriend Angel from The Travel Buff and her officemate, Queenie, we joined other travellers going to Kalanggaman since it would be too costly if we're the only ones in the bangka. So basically, we were the "joiners".

We've reached the place 10am after 2 hours bangka ride. :D We looked for the best spot under the shade of a Talisay tree and installed our tent near the police headquarters. They have a small kubo and they were the most generous people. At night, they would offer us lamparilya and in the morning, a cup of hot water and coffee. They make sure the place and the people are safe and sound 24/7.

First thing we did is prepare and took our brunch before taking pictures around the place. It was noon when we started strolling around the island. We reached the sandbar and it was the most amazing part of all. Witnessing opposite waves of water splashing at the very center. You could look at the island of Leyte just across the sandbar (it's where the sun rises) and the island of Cebu at the other end where we witnessed the beautiful sunset.

Warning: It is prohibited to swim near the sandbar because the current is very strong and dangerous even to the experienced swimmers.

It is a big no-no! When you're there, people would warn you and tell you not to swim there.

We stroll to the other end of the island to find out how the other sandbar would look like. It wasn't as nice compared to the other but the beautiful sunset can be seen on this part. Just be careful because big rocks fill this side of the island and in them are where sea urchins are hiding.

At night, I cooked Shin Ramyun for dinner with bits of sand in it. Kidding. :D Well,  I find it so hard to cook with no bright light and just depending on the lamparilya which the police friends gave us. Loui, our guide and contact person, came to check how we were and had a long conversation with him until we find ourselves asleep on the sand. I actually woke up in the middle of the night and transferred inside the tent because I cannot resist the coldness of the air. :D Rise and shine for the sunrise at 5am, we then had one more swimming time and picture taking. Queenie prepared tuna and sandwich for breakfast and at 12 noon, we went back to Bogo.

What to prepare for Kalanggaman Island?

Drinking water is very important since the water in the toilets is salt water from the sea. We also equipped portable gas stove and butane for cooking but you can also bring charcoal (uling) if you wish to grill.  Kalanggaman is a small island so don't expect to have lavish resorts and rooms with comfortable bed in there. They have small cottages but it is more usual to do camping so bring your tents instead.

Kalanggaman island is described as of that of an umbrella. It has a wide surface at the top but only a very small foundation at the bottom. So big buildings are not allowed to be constructed since the island has only limited capacity.

For your personal preparations, I suggest you bring your island essentials: sombrero (hat), sunblock (but not too much since that would hurt the corals), sunglasses and cameras / mobile phones for picture taking. Powerbank might also be needed.

With goggles, snorkel gear and fins, you are going to enjoy the island more. The island is rich with marine life and you can better appreciate them with those equipment.

How much would it cost?

Angel from The Travel Buff did the arrangements with Loui Cañete (Contact number: 09051545998) and we paid 1, 100 pesos each for the bangka from Bogo to Kalanggaman Island. Be with a team or a barkada because that would mean the more the merrier. The bangka could carry 10-15 persons. Entrance fee in the island is 225 pesos. Students have discount so better bring your ID. Ceres bus fare is 135 pesos from North Bus terminal. Watch our video summary compiled by my brother:

Travel Philippines!  Travel Kalanggaman Island!