Discovering Kalanggaman Island

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines has all the ingredients to become one of the world's vast adventure travel destinations. The quality of the natural environments, from crystal-clear tropical seas and brilliant coral reefs to the dense jungles and soaring volcanoes, offer an extraordinary variety of experiences, often located within very close proximity to each other.

Just a little over two hours from the port of Cebu is Palompon, Leyte. It is 124 kilometers from Tacloban City, the provincial capital of Leyte and 66 kilometers from Ormoc City, the commercial growth center of the western coast of Leyte province.

The town of Palompon, originally named Hinablayan, is one of the oldest coastal settlements in northwestern Leyte. This community assumed the role of cabeceria of all the municipalities . At the time, there were no streets, only trails and mountain paths, big trees and wild games. Fish, sea shells and other marine products abounded. The fishermen caught fish along the shore with arrows tied to vines. That was life in the early days.

However, the community so gifted by nature attracted not only hardworking migrants but also violent Moro raiders from the south. Legend has it that the local defenders used to hang the dead bodies of their enemies on trees so that the place came to be known as Hinablayan.

The tale continues that when the Spaniards came they saw floating at the bay a cluster (pong pong ) of mangroves locally known as "Tungki". They then decided to change the name to Paungpung which gradually evolved into what is now Palompon.

Although Palompon is still considered a second class municipality, it is run by iron-willed leaders determined to improve and develop the infrastructure program of the municipality and encourage tourists to visit its environs.

One such destination is Kalanggaman island situated between northern Cebu and Leyte. Belonging to the quaint town of Palompon, it is about an hour by motorized boat either from Palompon, Leyte or two hours from Malapascua.

What makes this island unique is that it has two sand bars, one which protrudes towards the east and the other at the southern end. The eastern sand bar stretches for more than 200 meters into the sea, while the other one is only half as long which is submerged under water during high tide.

Apart from great views, Kalanggaman has natural landscape that is nothing less than breathtaking. Beautifully romantic sunsets have made the small island popular among locals.

Beachcombers and tourists alike wishing to surround themselves with nature should consider visiting this small island for the time in their lives.

Currently under the supervision and administration of the local government of Palompon, entrance fees are imposed on visitors to the island. Fifty pesos for residents of Palompon and one hundred fifty pesos for tourists. For overnight stay, residents are required to shell out seventy five pesos and visitors two hundred pesos.

In keeping with the thrust on promoting greater understanding and appreciation of nature, reservations at the Ecotourism Office of Palompon is strictly imposed prior to visiting Kalanggaman. They can be reached at telephone number (053) 338 20 94.

Undoubtedly, the Philippines still has great spots which have the potential of becoming popular tourist destinations that have yet to be discovered. In the next few years, tourists will uncover other natural areas perfect for exploration. This will keep the streams of visitors flowing and the economy growing.