From Lake Danao in Ormoc City, we proceeded right away traveling to Palompon and checked in at around 6PM at one of the hostels there. It took almost 2 hours from Ormoc City Terminal to Palompon; the jump point to Kalanggaman if you're coming from Leyte. You can also reach the island if you're coming from Cebu through Malapascua.

Check my Lake Danao | Ormoc City blog entry.



The yellow building is Palompon's Tourism office where you need to book your boat and pay the Environmental and Entrance Fee to the island. During Peak seasons, you need to book in advance to make sure you'll get a boat secured for you and your group. The terminal is just close to their Tourism Office so you don't have to worry where to get off the van. Expect no posh accommodations and there would only be a few in Palompon so make sure to secure one. Roughly around P1000/night, there were 2 across the streets; Pacci Hotel and Love Travellers Inn. We chose the latter since Pacci told us they ran out of towels and they only had 1 room left with a small bed for 2.


As a backpacker, you don't spend a lot with your accommodation since most of the time, you're out communing with Mother Nature. Which is very true; we secured the room at 6PM and checked out early morning to catch the 6am boat ride.


It is suggested that you better leave at dawn for higher chances of encountering the dolphins going to Kalanggaman. Unfortunately, that day wasn't destined for us. It took us almost an hour to reach the island that boasts a long stretch of sandbar and turquoise blue waters.


From afar, I can't contain my excitement and wanted to jump off the boat from what I can see. It's literally a 50 shades of blue. The island is well-maintained from trash because from the Tourism Office, they'll provide you 2 plastic bags where you can segregate your trash from biodegradable to non. By the way, boats are a little expensive but reasonable if you're in a large group. We rented an outrigger boat good for 15 pax at P3,000 for a day tour but there were only 2 of us. Ironically, I even paid twice as much for the boat ride compared to my flight (care of promo fares).



Unfortunately, they don't have public boat transfer if you're traveling alone. Either you pay the boat all for yourself or you ask other groups and join them. The catch though, you have to adjust to the group with regards to the time they want to leave the island.


Upon setting our foot to the powdery white sand of Kalanggaman, we search for our perfect spot to settle. You don't have to rent a cottage. You can even just settle under the trees and enjoy the sun, sand, and the summer breeze. Another thing, food is very limited in the island. Secure your food and drinking water from the main island in Palompon to sustain the duration of your stay.

The island is really blessed and stands out among others I've been to. Feast your eyes to what the island has to offer and why you should have it crossed out from your travel bucket list.




And of course, I cannot let go of the chance to get myself photographed in this scenic and captivating heaven on earth. My "kaladkarin" friend when it comes to traveling, Larry, was surprised why I have a bag with me. He cannot believe I was prepared for a photo shoot.










We stayed until 1PM and had to leave so we can still catch the last trip going to the province of Biliran. Sadly, due to bad weather on our 3rd day, coast guards in Biliran did not let us sail going to Maripipi and the Sambawan Islands. On a happy note, it's another reason to come back to Leyte. Definitely, the province has more to offer for the wanderlusts.

Total Expenses:

Love Travellers Inn (2 beds aircon room) - P1300/2 = P650
Boat Transfer (good for 15 pax/day tour) - P3000/2 = P1500
Food and Drinking Water                        - P300/2   = P150
Day Tour Fee                                        - P150

TOTAL                                                     P2,450


Tips:
1. During peak season (summer), be sure to reserve boats in advance. Chris Montebon (Tourism Officer) - 09173037269. There are times that they'll ran out of outrigger boats and you can't cross the island.
2. Bring food, water, powerbank, sunblock, tent (overnight)/blankets (daytours). There are nipa huts for P500 or tables (P30) and chairs (P10) that you can rent.
3. Be friendly. I read negative experiences of some travelers with the tourism staff but I cannot complain how we were assisted.
4. There's shower room in the Tourism Office after you sweat, the sand, and salt in your body.
5. Leave early morning (530am-6am) for higher chances of encountering the dolphins in Palompon.
6. Use the trash bags they provide. Leave no trace that you visited the island.

Auxiliary (Roundtrip):

Day Tour Rates

• International Tourists – P500
• Local Tourists – P150
• College Student Tourists – P40
• High-school Student Tourists – P30
• Elementary Student Tourists – P20
• Senior Citizen Tourists – P120

Overnight Camping Rates

• International Tourists – P750
• Local Tourists – P225
• College Student Tourists – P60
• High-school Student Tourists – P45
• Elementary Students – P30
• Senior Citizens – P180