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What You Need to Know About Kalanggaman Island

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Juan

As a country surrounded by bodies of water, the Philippines boasts of so many gorgeous islands that attract both local and foreign tourists. It is easy to get lost in the spell of pristine beaches, clear water, and friendly locals.

For years, several islands in the country have been enjoying popularity amongst tourists such as Boracay, Panglao, Siargao, and Camiguin, among others. However, recent years has introduced several beautiful but unknown places in the country.

Kalanggaman Island in Leyte is one of nature’s best-kept secret that has been getting attention because of its cream-colored sand and blue-green waters.

Where is Kalanggaman Island located?

A small island located in Palompon, Leyte, Kalanggaman Island covers only 750 meters. One can get around the island in just a few minutes.

The island got its name from the local word, ‘langgam’ which is a Visayan word for ‘bird.’ When seen from above, the island has a bird-like shape, hence the name ‘Kalanggaman’.

Furthermore, the island used to be home for migratory birds.

On the surface, Kalanggaman Island has white, powdery sands and a long stretch of sandbars. The area is uninhabited, devoid of luxurious hotels and resort. The island can only accommodate up to 500 visitors at a time. This is how the local tourism office preserves the beauty of the place.

Because of the high current, swimming is not allowed on the sandbar, but tourists can walk along there, once it appears around 3 p.m.

If you are looking for a place that will enable you to relax and commune with nature, Kalanggaman Island is the place to be. Equipped with only the bare essentials, there are only several cottages, changing rooms and toilets, a tree house, and a small multi-purpose hall. At night, you have the moon and the stars to light your way.

The real beauty of the Kalanggaman island is underneath its pristine waters. A paradise is revealed underwater—teeming with a rich and diverse marine life and corals.

Aerial view of Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Eastern Visayas, Philippines: Exec8 [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

How to get to Kalanggaman Island?

There are different ways to get to Kalanggaman Island—air, water, and land travel.

From Manila, one can take a plane ride going to Tacloban Airport or the Mactan International Airport in Cebu. From these two airports, there are several ways to get to the islands.

Up to take a long but scenic journey? There are buses from Manila that goes directly to Palompon, Leyte. The ride would take 24 hours but will pass different places such as Laguna, Naga, Samar, and others, according to Out Of Town Blog.

Here are some ways to go to Kalanggaman island if you are coming from different areas, according to thepinaysolobackpacker.com.

If coming from Tacloban, take a cab or tricycle going to van terminals that go to Palompon. The travel time from the terminal to Palompon will take about three and a half hours. Once there, proceed to the Palompon Tourism Office which may be found at inside the Freedom Park beside the Municipal Town Hall. You need to register before you can hire a boat that will take you to Kalanggaman.

On the other hand, if coming from Ormoc, you need to ride a bus or van going to Palompon. These vehicles are found in the terminals located behind the pier in front of the Ormoc City Park. Traveling from Ormoc to Palompon is around one a half hour.

Meanwhile, those who will come from Cebu has two ways to get to Kalanggaman Island. The first option is by riding a ferry from Cebu City going to Palompon, Leyte which will take about five and a half hours

The second option is taking a bus bound for Bogo City, travel time of which is around three hours. From there, you need to get to Polambato Port by riding a pedicab. It will take about 25 minutes to get there. At the port, take a ferry that will take you to Palompon.

If you are already in the Malapascua, you may take a tour package or join a group tour to Kalanggaman Island. Travel time is around two hours.

What are the things to do in Kalanggaman Island?

The best times to enjoy Kalanggaman Island is during the summer months of February to May and from October to June. The months of July to September are usually rainy, and these are not the ideal times to go and explore the island. It may also get crowded during the summer season and long breaks such as Holy Week and long weekends.

Devoid of the usual nightlife, clubbing stuff, a visit to Kalanggaman Island may include activities such as snorkeling, swimming, scuba-diving and other beach sports.

Staying overnight on the island is allowed, but there are similar charges that must be paid. Also, you will need to bring your camping tent, lamps, flashlights with extra batteries, and a sleeping bag, among others.

If you have your snorkeling equipment, you may take it with you on the island. However, if you have none, or it is a bit of a hassle for you to bring along, there is snorkeling equipment that may be rented from the tour operators.

After exploring the island, you may take a side trip down the nearby islands in Inopacan, Leyte. Collectively called Cuatro Islas, the islands of Digyo, Mahaba, Apid, and Himokilan will prove that there is a lot worth discovering in the province of Leyte.

You can also take a boat and go diving on another island paradise, Malapascua.

If you are looking for a different attraction, you may try to explore the rest that Palompon has to offer such as the Tabuk Marine Park and Bird Sanctuary, Lantaw, Palompon, and Masaba Falls.

Malapascua Island, Cebu province, the Philippines: P199 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Things to remember when in Kalanggaman Island

Notice that most activities are done under the sun, so do not forget to bring sunscreens or sun block.

There is only one store on the island so you may also bring foods and drinks, most notably, water. You may also want to bring a power bank to recharge your mobile phones, camera, and other gadgets since electricity is not available on the island.

You may also want to bring a stack of cash since there is no ATM around the island. You can withdraw some money in Palompon before hopping into the boat that will take you to Kalanggaman.

Do not bother to bring shampoos, soap, or detergent on the island. There is no supply of fresh water, anyway, so you might as well take a shower in the hotel where you are staying before you proceed to Kalanggaman. Nevertheless, there are changing rooms and toilets around the area, if ever you will need to use one. There is also a medic station, in case of any untoward incidents.

You may also want to advise your family, friends, or coworkers that the mobile signal on the island is intermittent so they will not worry, in case they are not able to reach you.

A reminder from @thepoortraveler says that boats leave the island before sunset and will only return on the next day. If you are not planning to spend the night on the island, better make sure that you can take a boat out of Kalanggaman before it gets dark.

Finally, please do help preserve the beauty of the island by not trashing the place. Take back with you any plastic bags or containers that you used during your stay.

Booking.com

Other references:

Posted in Destinations, Travel Guides | Tagged blue-green waters, cream-colored sand, How to get to Kalanggaman Island, kalanggaman island, malapascua island, pristine waters | 2 Comments

Get the Most out of your Gran Canaria Holiday

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Juan

The island of Gran Canaria is one of those places that still feels secret and undiscovered, simply because of its sheer beauty. Not only is there so much to explore and experience here, but the quality of the experience is like no other place in the Canaries archipelago.

As the drama of the mountains in the south look out over the leafy landscapes of the north, the typical perception of Gran Canaria as a tourist hotspot leave you as soon as you feel the island for yourself. Very few tourists are able to experience Gran Canaria like its supposed to be, however here are some of the best ways to get the most out of your holiday here, ensuring you have a trip of a lifetime.

Walking In The Countryside

If you want to see the real Gran Canaria, then it’s recommended that you set off on foot into the countryside. There are many tours available that will take you on the most wonderful journey across this Mediterranean landscape, stopping off at traditional villages and historic monuments inland, however if you’re on the island for a week or two, it’s best to make your own way. Maps are easily available from hotels, but if you want to save yourself some money then buy one online before you travel to the island.

As you turn away from the tourist-laden coastline, and make your way into the untamed countryside, you’ll start to see a dramatic contrast that separates the real Gran Canaria from the advertised one. As the soil beneath your feet becomes bumpier, and you make your way up the gently undulating hills, you’ll be offered sights unlike anywhere else on the island. Before you leave for your trek, make sure to pack lots of water, as well as some food so you can have a picnic looking over the island. If you’re holidaying in Gran Canaria with your loved one, then a walk into the countryside can be a very romantic experience.

Submarine Adventure

If a quiet walk into the country isn’t your style, then taking a submarine adventure surely will be. Prices are pretty cheap, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank when taking your kids, and the underwater tour is nearly an hour long! Submerging eight times a day from the Puerto De Morgan Port, the owners of the submarine even put on a free bus to take you to the dock – all you have to do is call ahead and arrange collection from your hotel or apartment. The tour itself is simply amazing, and you’ll be taken down into the dark waters to see some of the most beautiful tropical fish the Mediterranean has to offer.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a popular activity in Gran Canaria, and there are lots of wrecks just off-shore for you to explore. There are loads of companies dotted along the beachfront that offer diving expeditions, and although you might have to do a day or two’s worth of training, it will be more than worth the experience.

Posted in Destinations | Tagged Gran Canaria, Island of Gran Canaria, Real Gran Canaria, Tourist Hotspot | Leave a comment

5 Extreme Countries for the Adventurous Traveller

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Juan

Adventure is one of the main reason people travel. Although everybody likes different kinds of adventure, people who have a yearning for adventure usually share a love for volunteering, thrill-seeking and exploring. Here are 5 countries recommended for the avid adventurer.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers a rich variety of geographical wonders. New Zealand established the first commercial bungy operation off the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown and is now regarded as the home of bungy. New Zealand is home to the first zorbing site, established in Rotorua, and has many skydiving sites over the Fox Glacier, Queenstown and the Abel Tasman, considered to be some of the best in the world. In addition to this New Zealand offers many different water activities including, kayaking, speed boating, diving, wind-surfing and kite-surfing.

Norway

The landscape of Norway is shaped by its article climate and glacial activity. This glacial activity has created many fjords, which are narrow inlets bordered withsteep cliffs. The town of Voss, centred in the middle of Norway’s fjord landscape, is now the capital of one of the most adrenaline pumping sports in the world -wing suit base jumping. Alternatively you can enjoy the spectacular cliffs and fjords in other ways including river-boarding, rafting, kayaking or cliff-jumping.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is considered one of the best places for an exotic island adventure. Vanuatu offers countless deserted beaches, which are perfect for enjoying surfing or exploring in seclusion. For those that have a little more to spend, the Vanuatu is home to several active volcanoes that can be visited in tour groups. In addition to this,you can pay to stay for a few nights with an ancient local tribe in the jungle on surrounding remote islands.

Indonesia

For surfing enthusiasts, Indonesia offers a range of beautiful islands which offering coastlines with sun swept sandy beaches and wild surf. There are many boat tours available, which allow fellow surf fanatics to travel among the islands for a week, or two,with a chef to cook meals, and a guide to pinpoint the most impressive surf locations. This allows tour members to surf as well as giving them opportunities to explore the cultural history of each island.

South Africa

South Africa is home to the Kruger National Park,which is world renowned for having nearly 150 species of mammals. Here you can go on a variety of 24 different tours some walking and others driving. Here you can see Africa’s Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo. In addition to the more popular game reserves and national parks, you can visit De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Western Cape, which is renowned for whale watching.

Whatever your adventure, it’s important to stay in touch with those back home. A great way to do this is by using a traveling SIM card, which is an international pre-paid roaming service that provides service to most countries around the world.

Posted in Destinations, Travel Guides | Tagged Adventurous Traveller, Extreme Countries, New Zealand | Leave a comment

Best Destinations for Holiday Seasons

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Juan

Holiday season is for people who want to relax from a stressful work. It is also the time for family bonding and having fun with your friends. If you want to go to places you never have been before, then this article will give you the best holiday destinations. Here, you can find the best tourist spots that will certainly complete your getaway. Read on!

Best holiday destinations

Maui, Hawaii. This is one of the best holiday destinations. It is the home of Haleakala Volcano that features the wilderness campsite and hiking trails that leads to the waterfalls. Maui has white and black sand beaches. This is also the ideal place for beach activities like surfing and windsurfing.

Paris, France. This is where you can find the infamous Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Louvre. Certainly, everyone loves to see these major sights. However, if you want to appreciate the city, try to have a walk. You can relax in a small café or drink a glass of wine while enjoying the Le Monde goes by. There are lots of fun stuff that can you can visit here.

Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is known because of its rich culture. It is located between Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. One place you can enjoy is the Hagia Sophia, it became a church and mosque first before the country decided to have the place as a museum. You can also explore the place by visiting the Roman, Byzantine, Greek and Ottoman architecture all over the place.

Boracay Island, Philippines. This island is best for its fine, white sand and crystal clear beaches. It is visited by foreign tourists because of the beauty and activities it offers. In Boracay, you can enjoy kayaking, sailing, wind surfing and a lot more. The nightlife is also superb.

These are the best holiday destinations that you can visit with your family and friends. Whatever place you choose can certainly complete your holiday season and will allow you to relax and have fun. So, why not book your tickets now, go to the place and relax yourself?

Posted in Destinations | Tagged Best Holiday Destination, Holiday Seasons | Leave a comment

5 Tips to Help You Travel with Ease and Fun

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Juan

Travelling can be very exciting yet overwhelming. At some point, things can be difficult to handle especially if you are travelling alone. Your excitement can be overshadowed by fear and worry.

In no doubt, travelling alone, bringing your own luggage and getting into your destination safely is not easy. However, there is no reason for you not to continue with your travel. You still can have fun and can treasure memories no matter what.

With this, let this page provide you 5 tips that will make the process of traveling on your own a lot easier. Why not read on to find out?

5 tips that will make the process of traveling on your own a lot easier

Less Is More. Being an over-packer is a no-no when travelling. The thing is, you cannot even use half of the stuff you bring. So better yet, bring your necessities and essentials only. Moreover, if you are flying, try to check in everything you can especially extra baggage and huge carry-on. With this, you will not only give yourself a comfortable ride but you can also save a lot of energy in carrying fewer items.
Entertainment. To keep up with a long travel, bring things that can entertain you. Books, video games, snacks and other stuff that interest you will do. These things will also make you feel comfortable and ease. This is one of the 5 tips that will make the process of traveling on your own a lot easier.
Relax. This may sound extraneous but travelling alone can give you unsettling feelings aside from excitement and thrill. If it is your first time to get into your destination, there is no reason to fret. You just need to relax and enjoy the moment. Just make sure to have an advanced reservation with a hotel so you know where to go first when you arrive at your destination.
Never skip naps. If you have time to sleep even during travel, feel free to do so. Taking a vacation means relaxing and sleeping is part of that. After a great tour during the day, make sure to get ample of rest at night. This will give you much strength and energy to do your activities or tour on the next day.
Never forget! ATMs, credit cards, cash, guide book or map and cell phones are just few things that you should bring. Before leaving your home, make sure that these things are placed in secure parts of your bags or wallets. If you are taking medication, ensure that you will bring your medicines with you to avoid any problems.

These 5 tips that will make the process of traveling on your own a lot easier can surely help you. You just need to prepare and be ready for your vacation to avoid delays and anything that can ruin your supposed to be fun adventure and travel.

Posted in Travel Guides | Tagged Less is More, Travel Alone, travel tips, Travelling Alone, Vacation | Leave a comment

Top-notch Hotel in Singapore You Must Know

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Juan

Singapore is one of the most visited destinations in Asia. It is popular for its tourist attractions such as Sentosa Island, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. It is also an ideal place for business functions and gatherings.

One thing that can complete a Singapore getaway is a perfect and first rate hotel. Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore Hotel is one of the luxurious places that everyone needs to check out.

It is a 5-star smoke free hotel and is located in the heart of Scotts Road and very near to key areas like Suntec City and Shenton Way and also to Orchard MRT station.

The hotel has 511 well-equipped and lush guestrooms with modern designs and amenities that make every room a wonderful sanctuary. Every corner embodies comfort, vivacity and luxury.

Moreover, they have tempting and sumptuous foods and beverages that are suitable for everyone’s taste. They are known for Mediterranean and Asian buffets in a very classy and modish interior.

If you want to take a splash and relax, their swimming pool is at your convenience that has elegant and nice water features. Or maybe you want to enjoy a spectacular skyline with a complimentary breakfast and tea every afternoon, then their spacious Royal Club Lounge is the perfect one for you.

Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore Hotel Reviews

What I listed for you below are some of the statements from people who already experience the grandeur of Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore Hotel.

“This is the second time we have stayed at Royal Plaza. The first being ten years ago. We booked a Club Room which includes breakfast, high tea and cocktails.

The room was very clean and comfortable. What really stands out is the friendly, courteous and efficient staff. Nothing is a problem. We would not hesitate in staying at Royal Plaza on Scotts again. It is always peaceful and cool when returning from journeys outside the Hotel.”– Pat F. from Australia.
“It is great! It is in a perfect location and is great for catching the train and for shopping on Orchard Road. So close to Ion and is a lovely hotel. The staff were very friendly and helpful.”- Carrie G. from Australia.
“Great hotel. Good price and great location. Right smack in orchard road area. Great for shopping and eating. They also provided free parking for inhouse guest. And the taxi queue at a priority line for guests too. Would highly recommend.” – Sandra L. from Malaysia, Agoda.com.

All these reviews show what a great and awesome hotel Royal Plaza is. This can certainly make your travel worthwhile and truly remarkable. So why not get a reservation now?

Posted in Hotels & Lodging | Tagged 5-Star Smoke Free Hotel, Asian Buffets, Jurong Bird Park, Mediterranean Buffets, Night Safari, Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore Hotel, Sentosa Island, Singapore, Singapore Getaway, Suntec City, Tourist Attractions | Leave a comment