If you are looking for the longest and the most beautiful sandbars in all of the Philippines, and even in the world, there is one stunning island sandbar in Palompon, Western Leyte.
Situated between Daanbantayan, Cebu and Palompon, Eastern Leyte - it is the resting place of migratory birds to and from the main islands. The island is critical to the balance of nature in the central Visayas.
“Kalanggaman is an island paradise with the longest and most beautiful sandbar that rival the most stunning beaches in the world.”
Planning for this trip took weeks of research, and we have to call the local tourism office in Palompon long before we even got there – the local tourism office see’s to it that not more than 100 person is in the island at one time, to keep the serenity and avoiding the disturbance of migrating birds that is resting in the island. We have to be given sets of instructions before the boat could leave. The boat package includes one container of water per person, and you are tasked to bring out and surrender your garbage on your way back. That is how they maintain and protect the island.
The Island Paradise.
The name Kalanggaman means “the island of birds” - the word Langgam means "bird" to Visayan dialect – and the island is the resting place for migratory birds between Cebu and Leyte main lands. Coincidentally from above, the island looks like a bird with the wings stretched when the two sandbars are seen during the low tides.
(ctto: www.asaniquen.com for the aerial photo)
The island does not have man-made structures, aside from a chapel where you can solemnly pray, the stone marker of the island, the lifeguard tower, some kubo's, and the comfort rooms that are not for the rich and famous.
The tents pitched over the warm sands provides enough space for us to rest our back and safely store our backpacks - after several days of travelling, boating, and limited food along the road. The local government decided to simply keep the island on it's bare form - so no cottages available for the spoiled brats.
The island has many coconut trees that provide shade from the sheering heat of the sun. And there is a rough road from the east to the west side of the island. Be careful though because near the west side locates some bushes that serve as resting place for the birds - and you don't want to disturb them, right.
The center of the island has a chapel and mangroves all over. The birds are resting inside so don’t try to disturb them (again) like a moron. To keep the balance of nature, we have to protect these migrating birds, and without the island as resting place, they will not reach their destination.
In the north side of the island is full of volcanic rocks exactly the same in Canigao Island.
The southern side of the island is the beach for everyone to swim, and the plastic pylons for the boat to dock.
The Stunning Sandbars.
The main activity really is to walk the very long sandbar and reach its tip. Once there, you will imagine the distance when looking back to the island – you are too far! To safely to this, bring a dry bag that might save you once the water goes high unexpectedly. The sand is so smooth and so white that you will imagine you are in a different planet.
The wind blows in the direction of the sandbar curving in – depending on the tides. This sandbar in the east side is so amazing, it will make any one play like young kids to their delight. If you failed to bring a bottle of water, you will find yourself rushing back to the island long before you reach the tip of the sandbar.
The other side of the island in the western side is another sandbar that is shy and, is sunken most of the time. You will have to wait for the moment that it will show itself. If you are lucky, it will show its equally magnificent pinkish sand on an average stretch - it is rarely seen though.
If you decide to dive (which we didn’t) in the surrounding waters in Kalanggaman Island, you have to bring your own diving equipment. Take note however that, the nearest medical facilities is hours to reach – so it’s like our diving in Lubang Island – it is very risky diving in Kalanggaman Island.
Before the night sink in, the sandbar will hide for the night - do not insist to stay afar unless you want to swim back if you will not be pushed by the current away and into the deep sea.
The night in Kalanggaman Island is calm and romantic – so we decided to stay outside the tent, in the sand. It was a great feeling having been in the most famous island sandbar that rivals the very best in the world. It is not too easy to get there in the first place.
I was able to take some long exposure photos of the sandbar, and from my standard as a hobbyist photographer (a noob trying hard), it exceeds my expectations.
After breakfast (around 8am), we decided to swim on the beach for a few minutes, and enjoy the blue crystal clear waters.
The experience in Kalanggaman Island is so priceless – it is a paradise for those that love sandbars, white sand, clear waters in the beach, and those that love outdoor activities. It is also perfect for family outings, barkada getaways, and for lovers as well - but only to those that will persevere to reach it.
The journey was over – but the experience lingers forever.
To maximize the travel cost, we also visited interesting islands in Matalom (Canigao Island), and in Inopacan (the Quatro Islas). I will write a separate article for those equally stunning islands and sandbars.
This journey form part of our “6 Islas in Western Leyte” adventure, which includes Canigao Island in Matalom, Quatro Islas in Inopacan, and Kalanggaman Island in Palompon – our 5 days in 6 islands adventure, sleeping only in tents in Canigao, Didjo, and Kalanggaman Islands.
Byahe lang.. cheers!
2016 July 16~17, Kalanggaman Island
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