Kalanggaman Island is one of Palompon, Leyte’s most photographed natural attractions, recognized for its long sandbar, shifting blue waters, and stripped-down island experience. Once a quiet local favorite, it gained nationwide attention in 2015 after travel photos circulated online. Despite its growing popularity, the island remains refreshingly simple, no luxury resorts, no nightlife, just open sea and sun. Planning a practical and budget-friendly visit? Read the full guide below for routes, fees, and essential travel tips to Kalanggaman Island.
Best Time to Visit Kalanggaman Island
The best time to visit Kalanggaman Island is during the dry season from March to May, when the sea is calmer and boat trips are more consistent. Travel is also possible from November to February, but schedules depend heavily on weather conditions. Trips are often suspended from June to October due to rough seas. Always check weather updates and confirm trips with the Palompon Tourism Office before traveling.
How To Get There?
Kalanggaman Island from Manila
From Manila, take a flight to Ormoc City. From Ormoc, ride a van bound for Palompon, Leyte, then proceed to the Palompon Tourism Office near the municipal hall to register and arrange your boat transfer to Kalanggaman Island.
Estimated expenses:
• Ormoc to Palompon (van, ~1.5 hrs): PHP 110
• Boat transfer to Kalanggaman Island (round trip, up to 20 pax): PHP 3,000
Kalanggaman Island from Cebu City (Commute)
A direct option from Cebu City is via Cokaliong Shipping from Pier 1 to Palompon, Leyte. Travel time is about 5 to 5.5 hours. From Palompon Port, proceed to the Tourism Office to process registration and boat rental.
Estimated expenses:
• Cebu City to Palompon (ferry): PHP 310–320
• Boat transfer (round trip): PHP 3,000
Kalanggaman Island via Ormoc
Travelers may also take a ferry from Cebu City to Ormoc, then continue by land to Palompon before boarding a boat to Kalanggaman Island.
Estimated expenses:
• Cebu City to Ormoc (ferry, ~2.5 hrs): from PHP 1,000
• Ormoc to Palompon (van): PHP 110
• Boat transfer (round trip): PHP 3,000
Estimated expenses:
• Tricycle to Polambato Port: PHP 150
• Polambato Port to Palompon (ferry): varies
• Boat transfer to Kalanggaman Island: PHP 3,000
Entrance Fees (Day Tour)
• Local tourists: PHP 150
• Foreign tourists: PHP 500
• Senior citizens: PHP 120
• College students: PHP 40
• High school students: PHP 30
• Elementary students: PHP 20
Entrance Fees (Overnight / Camping)
• Local tourists: PHP 225
• Foreign tourists: PHP 750
• Senior citizens: PHP 180
• College students: PHP 60
• High school students: PHP 45
• Elementary students: PHP 30
Accommodation and Rental Rates
• Day-use cottage (table and chairs): PHP 500 / day
• Tent rental: PHP 400 / night
• Table rental only: PHP 30
• Chair rental: PHP 10
Activities and Equipment Rental
• Snorkeling gear rental: PHP 100–150 / day
• Kayaking: PHP 150 / hour
• Banana boat ride (up to 5 pax): PHP 500
• Dive guide: PHP 800
• Dive gear rental:
• Local tourists: PHP 800
• Foreign tourists: PHP 1,000
All rates mentioned are accurate upon writing and may change without prior notice.
Kalanggaman Island is not a destination for comfort seekers, it is for travelers who value scenery, simplicity, and the quiet beauty of an untouched shoreline. With careful planning, shared boat transfers, and realistic expectations, a visit to this Leyte sandbar can remain affordable and deeply rewarding. As long as you prepare ahead and respect local safety rules, Kalanggaman offers a rare kind of peace that will take away your burden. All rates and fees listed in this guide are accurate upon writing and are subject to change.
