Summer Destinations: The Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte

'The Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte'

Kamakailan lang sa radyo ay nakapakinig ako ng interview sa isang tauhan ng PAG-ASA DOST, itinatanong sa kanya kung opisyal na summer na nga ba? Dahil na  rin ramdam na natin na tumatalim na ang sun rays sa ating mga balat at sobrang alinsangan na ng panahon natin sa kasalukuyan. Noon naman kahit mainit na nung Pebrero e  hindi pa naman umaabot ang pawis sa yagbols ko habang naglalakad sa katanghaliang tapat para pumasok sa  trabaho. Eh sa ngayon kahit yung sa  ka singit-singitan natin ay naglalagkit na  rin at nagpapawis na. (Pasensiya na sa nagmemeryenda) Pero totoo naman e, aminin na natin alas otso pa lang ng umaga ay tirik na tirik na ang Haring Araw at tila ilang milya lang ang layo sa Earth. At bigla namang maglalabasan ang mga henyo, at sasabihin na naman kasi butas na yung ozone layer natin. Puta naman tohl, taon taon niyo naman sinasabi yan, hanggang ilang dipa pa ba ang kailangan mabutas para masunog na tayong lahat? Ang alam ko isa ako sa mga dapat sisihin kung bakit unti unting nabubutas ang ozone layer, dahil ata gumagamit ako ng Spraynet noon nuong elementary. Hahahaha! Ayon sa matatalino (kuno na may pagkstsismoso) kapag nag spray ka daw nuon kemikal na yun e, dumidiretso sa space at isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit nagkakaroon ng peepholes ang ozone layer. Shet buti na lang tinigil ko na. Eh yung mga nagkakatol kaya kasi maraming lamok? atsaka ung mga modern kapre na nagvavape, isa din kaya sila sa mga mokong na dapat sisihin? Eh yung mga tambutso ng sasakyan, ano wala silang kasalanan?

So sabi ng taga PAG-ASA  hindi pa daw nila idinideklara na opisyal na Summer na? eh kelan? So  ibig sabihin mas dodoble pa ang lagkit na nararamdaman natin dahil mas iinit pa ang panahon? Kulang nalang si gurong tuhugin ako ng kahoy at lagyan ng mansanas sa bibig dahil ramdam ko na parang piniprito na ang buong katawan ko. Baka nga kulang lang tayo sa ligo. Oo, kaya hindi presko ang pakiramdam dahil nga baka hindi tayo nagbabad kahit panandalian lang sa loob ng ating mga palikuran. Pero kahit na, paglabas pa lang ng banyo unti-unti nang tatagaktak ang pawis mo. Kaunting galaw lamang nagbubutil butil na ang pawis sa noo. Kaya nga para sa akin talaga panahon na ng tag-init. Summer na!

Summer na tohl!

Ang Summer ang isa sa pinakamasayang panahon sa Pilipinas. Kung saan uso na naman ang maglakbay sa mga beaches, magtampisaw sa tubig, humiga sa white sands at aasang may chick na seksi na magpapalagay ng lotion sa kanilang mga likod. Orayt! ito ang isa sa pinakakilig tuwing summer. Kaya kahit hindi ako naglolotion, lagi akong may baon na lotion. Minsan lang sumablay kasi Off-lotion ang nadala ko. Pero puwede na rin wag mo na lang ipakita ang lalagyan kay girlie.

Itong taon na ito ipinangako ko sa sarili ko na magtatampisaw ako sa kaligayahan este sa tubig. Kahit na anong anyo ng tubig siguro, huwag lang tubig kanal. Ilog, dagat, batis,sapa basta tubig na gawa ng nature okay na ako dun. Wag lang tubig-ulan at wag mo rin ibibigay sa akin ang Nature's Spring Mineral water dahil sa'yo ko yan mismo ibubuhos. Sawa na ko magbabad sa bath tub tuwing summer. Gusto ko naman ibahin ang dati nang gawi pero isasama ko pa rin si rubber ducky kung saan man mapadpad sa aking summer destinations.

Kaya't dito sa Ubas na may Cyanide ay susuyurin natin ang kagandahan ng Pilipinas. Mga lugar sa bansa na hindi pa gaanong nararating ng karamihan. Unang destinasyon, parteng Visayas.

Biyahe tayo papuntang Palompon, Leyte. The Kalanggaman Island. Kung ikaw yung tipong beach lover, hindi mo maikakaila ang  kagandahan ng paraiso ng isla na ito. Ika nga torn between two seas at ang isla niya ay nasa gitna ng dalawang dagat. Kung saan kulay labanos ang buhangin, puting-puti at napaliligiran ng napakalinaw na tubig. Isa na ang Leyte sa may pinakamagagandang beach sa Pilipinas at hindi pa overpopulated marahil ay kaunti pa lang sa mga kababayan natin ang nakakatuklas sa isla na ito. Hindi katulad ng Boracay na masyado nang maraming tao at hindi na nga rin siguro ganoon kaganda ang lugar at mga tanawin nito.

Chainsmokers - Roses (More beautiful view in Kalanggaman Island)

Halina't silipin ang kagandahan ng islang ito mula sa pagsasaliksik. Ano nga ba ang mga dapat mong malaman sa Kalanggaman Island? Ito ay paglalahad ng mga taong naka experience na sa isla.

*The Island has its wild side.

You might not expect it but Kalanggaman as of now still has an undeveloped side where the ecosystem of the birds is still kept intact. In my morning walk towards that side, I see some species of flightless birds that rummage for food in the ground and sprints quickly towards the meadow. I thought they were quails but they don't look like one and so I asked some friends in Palompon but they were unaware of its existence. Occasionally I see some herons as well resting in the branches of some trees. It is a short 20 - 30 minutes walk to reach the hidden beauty on the other side.

-Marahil sa ibang parte ng isla ay hindi pa naipapatag ng mabuti ay mayroon pa ring mga species ng   ibon na naninirahan sa islang ito. Kayganda nga sigurong pagmasdan ng mga ibon sa isla nanginginain ng mga maliliit na prutas na nalalaglag sa mga puno. Tunay ngang paraiso kung iyong naipipinta sa isipan.

*The hidden patch of heaven.

The picture we see of Kalanggaman Island may have that picturesque powdery white sand but up close it is mostly corals and sea shells that can be a little rough barefoot. Don't fret though because there is that side of the island who manage to capture that perfect white sand quality that Boracay and Bantayan Island are famous for. It is on the left part of the island where you can reach after going through that wild side stroll. I wasn't able to explore this side on my first time here and I was super ecstatic to discover this beautiful spot.

-May parte ang isla na mas maputi ang buhangin kaysa sa Boracay at Bantayan Island. I'm always dreaming of a white sand beach, kasi halos karamihan sa napupuntahan ko e, kulay abo ang kulay ng buhangin. Hindi kaya yun yung buhangin na isinasama sa semento para mabuo ang hollow blocks. Lol!

*An unexpected sanctuary for your faith.

They have a small chapel here if you are the type who allow a time in your day to have a good conversation with the Lord. For Christian groups who comes to the island, this is a perfect spot for a much-needed fellowship because it is far enough from the crowd and offers solitude. You can pass through this spot when you go to the left side of the island.

-Siguro it's a perfect place for silence kung saan puwede kang  manalangin ng taimtim, kung saan hangin at ugong lang ng alon at paghampas ng tubig sa batuhan ang maririnig mo. Walang ingay at eksakrong lugar para mag-alay ng panalangin.

*Kalanggaman Island is a pink island, sometimes.

There is actually a phenomenon called the pink beach. I've visited quite a few of them in the Philippines. There's one in an island in Sorsogon, Zamboanga, Davao etc. This happens when there is a large concentration of precious coral ( corallium rubrum ) commonly known as red coral growing near the beach. This coral is very durable and can leave pink skeletons behind which when mixed with a white sand can result in a distinct pink color. Now I've learned by talking to a local in the tourism office while waiting for my boat that Kalanggaman Island can turn pink in a specific time of the year. They said it is usually around the rainy season and I have no idea how to make sense out of that story because other pink beaches are pink all year round. I did a little investigation and I really did see small traces of red corals in the sea bottom but not enough to turn the beach pink.

-I believe that there is a lake in Australia which is actually pink in color. Kung makikita mo ito sa view sa himpapawid ay para siyang nilutong gulaman ni ermat na nasa liyanera. Nagiging pink ang kulay dahil sa isang bacteria na kung tawagin ay "Halobacteria Cutirubrum". Ang pangalan ng lawa na ito ay Lake Hillier.

*The sandbar is not what you think it is.

I know what's going on in your mind right now. How lovely it is to stroll through that spotless sandbar barefoot. Think again! Up close the sandbar is not made of powdery white sand but is actually mostly shells and skeletons of dead corals as what all sandbars are. It is best to wear slippers when you are exploring the sandbar but if you insist on walking barefoot try the sands near the water because is soften by the sea. You'll thank me later when you are there and an umbrella will do wonder as well.

-Ang buhangin ay hindi purong buhangin, marahil dala ng alon, ang mga koral ay inaanod sa dalampasigan at ito'y lumalambot at tuluyang nadudurog. Kaya't mainam pa  rin na mag-tsinelas gamit ang iyong Beach walk sandals o kaya ang mas matitibay pa sa Crocs na Spartan at Rambo. 

*Some magical moments happen after sundown.

We are so used to seeing that pristine white Kalanggaman in the photos during the daytime that I get this idea that it gets boring at night. Boy! I was so wrong. I used to say why bother staying overnight on an island without electricity, fresh water, and soft comfy bed.

The wonder started with a mystical sunset. As the sun slowly rests down in the palm trees I was filled with so much emotions of its unrivaled beauty as its light turned the water to crimson red. Eternal peace filled my senses as I watch it slowly disappear in the horizon. The nautical sunset has broken that solitary time with a live show of colors in the sky.

What caught my attention is the eerie glow I noticed in the water and when I found the courage to approach the glowing thing it moves away. So I never really got the chance to identify what it is but most likely it's probably a school of fish. What fascinates me the most is when I was enjoying my bath I noticed some pixie dust kind of glow appears when I muddle the water. It probably some glowing plankton in the dark but nevertheless it was magical and reminded me of the picture I once saw on the web.

-Mas masarap nga sigurong mag stroll sa gabi. Masdan ang paglubog ng araw bago talupan ng dilim ang buong isla. Masasabing isa na nga sa isang pinaka romantikong tanawin para sa magsing-irog ang pagmasdan ang paglubog ng araw at mag antay naman ng pagsilip ng mga bituin sa gabi. Hindi mo kailangan magpakasarap sa malambot na higaan dahil mas makabuluhan ang humiga sa buhanginan at damhin ang malamyos na hangin na galing sa karagatan at tanawin ang milyun milyong kumukutitap na bituin sa kalangitan o ang tinatawag na celestial view at star gazing. 

'A night in Kalanggaman Island'

*Different activities the island has to offer

-Scuba diving

-Snorkeling

-Stand up paddle

-Kayak

*The tempting crystal clear water that is hard to resist.

Undoubtedly, my favorite quality of Kalanggaman Island is its crystal clear water and diverse marine life. I literally see a group of fish near the shore and occasionally some huge ones jumping out in the water when I did a morning stroll. When I finally decided to take a dip in the morning I never want to come out of the water. I was wiggling with happiness because of how soft the sand is and literally see my feet of its clarity. It played a trick in my mind when I thought I see a snake in the bottom when it is just actually just a stick. It is THAT CLEAR that you can see anything in the bottom and you will be swimming with a lot of fish because the fishes in that island, for some unknown reason, are not reluctant to approach people.

*The ideal time to get a picture perfect of the flawless beauty of the island.

The beauty of the island can be quite stubborn to capture. It is not always that beautiful in your photo any time of the day and even during noon time the color of the sand turns to ivory. What is the best time you'd ask? Well... I discovered it is best to stroll in the sandbar and have that photo shoot you've been planning around 8 in the morning until around 10 because the sun still not that harsh for you and your photo.

A few minutes after the nautical sunset gives you a picturesque moment as well with the white sand and the beautiful horizon. The time would be somewhere around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

How to go to Kalanggaman Island?

First you need to go to Palompon, Leyte. You can go to Palompon, Leyte viaTacloban Airport or Cebu Airport (a.k.a. Mactan International Airport).

*How to get to Kalanggaman from Tacloban Airport, ride a van going to Palompon. The trip takes about 4 hours.

*How to get to Kalanggaman from Cebu Airport, ride a taxi to go to Pier 3. In pier 3, you can either ride a SuperCat (fast boat) going to Ormoc or a ship en route to Palompon. Supercat fare usually costs around P600 while ship ticket costs around P495. If you chose SuperCat, it takes about 2 hours to reach Ormoc, then you need to ride a van going to Palompon which can cost you another P150. Ship from Cebu will take 4 hours to reach Palompon.

Via Land trip:

Once you’re in Palompon, go to Palompon Liberty Park and pay the necessary fees for the Kalanggaman EcoTour. You can ride a bike called Potpot to go to Liberty Park. It only costs P3 per person. The boat ride from this point to Kalanggaman Island takes about an hour for regular boats and 35 minutes for speed boats.

Book your trip and make reservations early for the EcoTour which includes a trip for the Sanctuary island (with lighthouse) and Kalanggaman island. Only limited people per day are allowed in the island so there are bookings required.

It’s safe to start your boat trip as early as 6 am because the ocean is calm.Dolphins are also visible during this hour.

Kaya tohl, kung ako sa'yo ahon na sa bath tub, now is the time to pursue your unforgettable summer vacation with your love ones. Magpa-booking na,  hindi yung booking na nasa isip mo ha. Alam ko tohl, isa sa atin ay matagal tagal na ring hindi nakakatapak sa puting buhangin. Oras na, oras na para makipag volleyball sa mga beach volleybelles sa isla ng nakayapak at pag nauhaw a y may fresh buko na may straw para mapawi ang uhaw. Na miss ko na ring magpanggap na nalulunod at ililigtas ako ng katulad ng isang David Hasselhoff o kaya Pamela Anderson. At muling naglalaro sa isipan ko ang kanta ng Baywatch: "Some people stand in the darkness afraid to step into the light...."

Tara na mga tohl, biyahe na sa paraiso ng Palompon,Leyte ang KALANGGAMAN ISLAND!