Finding Kalanggaman 

     Even before Kalanggaman island’s name landed on travel magazines and blogs, Palomponganons have already been spreading through word of mouth to friends and relatives of how much a paradise it is.

     This natural wonder is situated between north of Cebu and Leyte, which makes it usually a part of package tours to northern Cebu. It is within the province of Leyte, in the municipality of Palompon.

     Early on the potential of the place to become a tourist destination has never been just a flicker of thought, for the townspeople dearly know that someday Kalanggaman’s treasures will be known to more people, that a thing of beauty cannot remain obscure.

     With the local government’s initiatives and Region 8 Department of Tourism’s renewed advocacy to promote Leyte pride, what used to be just a stopover point for fishermen, the island is now drawing a growing number of tourists, both foreign and local, including Palomponganons who are first-time visitors themselves and others who are rediscovering the place they’ve been before.

     A two-hour motorboat ride from the famous Malapascua island or an hour trip from the town of Palompon will take you to the unspoiled shores of Kalanggaman.

     The trip is usually accompanied by rough seas with intensity that varies depending on the weather. While it is important to consider the weather condition, this should not stop you from going there, for it is just but normal (unless a low pressure or storm is affecting the area) and motorboats provide life jackets to each passenger.

     It is best to leave as early as 5 a.m., when it is most assured that the waters are calm. If you do, you also grant yourself the privilege to witness an ever-glorious sunrise while basking in the early-morning cool winds.

     In the entire duration of the trip, one should be on the lookout of schools of flying fish gliding on the waters. They can be very swift that in a blink of an eye they’re out of sight.

     Approaching the island, one can observe the color of the waters at play with the shades of blue, revealing dark shapes of coral reefs underwater. 

     And you’ll be grateful to see rows of coconut trees, which means shade and a rest on your 

hammock if you brought one.

     Whether you jump off the boat and swim your way to the shore or do a sort-of balancing act on a narrow plank of wood that serves as a ramp, you know you’ve arrived as soon as your sole is on white, fine and powdery sand that’s just perfect to look at under the heat of the sun.

     Spreading through the island is young vegetation composed of local tree species, like talisay trees. 

     Take time to walk around the whole island to better appreciate its “islandness” or the qualities beyond that of its sea and sand, its being simply a piece of land surrounded by water, remote to the things we are used to every day.      

                  

     Opposite the main islet is a beach of beautifully strewn slabs of flat rocks. This portion serves as a dock for the island’s snorkeling area. According to one of their staff, two sharks have been frequently sighted there and pawikans or sea turtles abound in the deep.

     A strip, which is like a shortcut, in the midst of trees and plants was cleared for a path passable enough for those who want to hike through the island without making a full turn. From time to time you can also hear birds chirping.

     Kalanggaman island has two sandbars, each stretching on both ends of the island. Their shapes change throughout the seasons. It is important to remember though that there is a portion in the waters along these sandbars where swimming is prohibited due to strong water currents that might be very difficult to deal with for an average swimmer.

     There are cottages for rent, but no accommodations for an overnight stay. So if you want to extend your stay a day or few days more, pack along tents.

     There are also tables, chairs and benches that you could borrow from the friendly and hospitable personnel assigned there.

     While there is water from a deep-well that provides for the public restrooms, there’s still no source of potable water. Make sure to bring drinking water enough to last in your entire stay. Aside from that, you must also have a ready food provision for there are no stores or restaurants in the island.

     Security within and around the island is ensured by a police team posted 24/7 in shifts. Bantay Dagat officers also patrol around the island also to ward off fishermen from the no-fishing zone.

     As Kalanggaman island increasingly becomes popular among campers, tourists and travelers, the local government and the people of Palompon also faces greater challenges ahead, especially in promoting and sustaining responsible tourism and stewardship. It is a hope that visitors to the island also take on a proactive role in this matter.  

     For those seeking out off-beaten tracks, this new-found gem in the Visayas awaits you. 

     For more Kalanggaman Island photos, check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanski1990/?saved=1. :D