Have you ever taken that trip which you really really like and you do everything just to get on that trip?
It happened to me here in Kalanggaman island, and I must say it's all worth it!
I actually learned about Kalanggaman island 3 days before my trip to Tacloban. I didn't know that there is such a place wherein the beach is almost at par with Boracay. Plus the fact that it is a virgin island excites me even more.
Some of the blog post that i've read narrated the challenges in going to Kalanggaman I'm still decided to go to this place, no matter what the cost.
Yaman!
Since we've already toured the whole Tacloban and Jaro I think it's appropriate enough to visit other areas naman. And besides it's summer so I should be on the beaches right? And I should not missed this Leyte's hidden jewel =D.
The night before our trip, we fixed our things, cooked the food that we'll bring, and specified each other's responsibility. We we're all excited for this, so we sleep early to prepare for the long journey tomorrow.
We depart from Jaro at around 5AM and off we go to Tacloban. From there we got a van that ply Tacloban-Palompon (Php 150.00 fare). Unfortunately no matter how early you are the van must be filled up before it depart from the terminal. At around 7AM off we go to Palompom but not until we pick up my cousin's husband along the highway of Jaro (where he was waiting together with our things). Ang kulit lang ng plano namin!
Foggy Tacloban City Van terminal
In fairness malakas ang 3G sa tacloban, here floro is checking his FB on Ipad
It was a grueling 3 hours ride, which me and Floro slept the whole time. The trip is from East to West of Leyte the reason for the long ride.
Then when we arrive in Palompon, the news about the non-availability of boat greets us. "Sir ubos nap lahat ng bangka, all 4 of them".
Say whaaaattttt??!!?!!
It turns out if you want to go to Kalanggaman island, you need to reserve your boat ride 2-3 days before the said trip. Unfortunately, the girl that i've talked to via email from tourism officer in Tacloban told me that walk-in passengers are allowed in the pier.
I was so wrong, and so is that tourism officer!
I nearly collapse in shock but since we've come from Manila pa and endure the 3 hour ride I won't give up this trip without a fight.
I asked the tourism officer if he can find an accredited bangka that would take us to the island. Sensing my despair he did helped us find a bangka and luck of all luck he find one!
Yehey!!
Yun lang, the only catch is since we're the only passenger (all four of us) we have to pay for the whole bangka ride (round trip)
I agree. And off we go to the island!
My Seminarian Best Friend
My Cousin and her husband =D
The weather is jut perfect, to think that the day before it was cloudy and rainy in Tacloban!
Thank you Lord for the weather!
They say it's an hour trip from the shore to the island but actually it's just a 30 minute ride. And we we're all excited we saw the white sand bar from afar.
Super excited actually!
Here we are!!!
And I must say it's worth all the effort and money! Wohoo!!
Ang init neh bro?
The part of the island that faces east is the area with white sand and calm waves, while the western side has the rock formation (and where the waves is stronger as well).
I was surprised to see a LOT of foreigners (mostly French) in the island. Turns out this place is near Malapascua island in Cebu (about 30 minutes ride) where the big resorts that caters to tourists are located. They made the island as a side trip of their stay in Malapascua. Nice!
The sand bar is long and so nice. It's much longer than the one in Bantayan island. But this one is much better.
Welcome pose!
Ang HOT ko!
View from the sand bar
Warning sign which is actually ignored by everybody =P
It's almost 12:00Noon when we arrived at the place, and no matter how hot it is me and Floro decided to eat quickly and swam on the beach ASAP!
Atat lang kami talaga!
Serenity
The rockies at the back of the island is a marine sanctuary, it is actually the best place to snorkel. Some of the foreign tourist who was in the island did their snorkeling here (see their boat from afar). Since we're not in the mood to snorkel (wala kaming snorkeling gear) we just had our photo-op here nalang =D.
The rocks are so slippery! Almost slipped twice while taking this shot!
Summer fruits??! Saw the same fruits in Calaguas Island last year!
Before the trip, I was contemplating to buy fins and lifevest or not. But since 1). I don't know how to swim 2) I'll be frequently visiting the beaches here in the philippines I just decided to buy both. Yikes! Gastos!!! But it's all worth it. At least now I can swim together with Floro without thinking if I'll ever get drowned or not. LoL!!!
Ang bigat ng Fins ha!
Kalanggaman Island Map
We swam and swam till we we're exhausted. By 4PM I surrender with the swimming activity. Photo-ops nalang!
Little Girl looking for crabs and shrimps
I must admit, the place is really awesome, I commend the people and government of Palompon for keeping the place clean and not commercialized. They should keep it that way.
Before we leave the place, the governor of Leyte just arrived, no wonder there was a banquet prepared on this part of the island. Soshal!!
I'm sure this is not the last time I'l be setting foot in Kalanggaman, as the General had said: "I shall return".
Thank you Leyte for the wonderful vacation! You truly are one of the hidden jewel of the Philippines!