Pristine Kalanggaman Island

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Avatar for Momentswithmatti
2 years ago

My husband and I went to the beach today and after two weeks of being stuck in the house, we are finally able to get some salt in our skin and sun too! The seawaters' harsh due to Habagat but it is still warm so we have to dive into the waters immediately else we will feel cold. It's always a good idea to dive in the saltwater because, for some reason, it gives us a feeling of relief. When was the last time that you had been to a beach?

For this reason, I'd like to recall the feeling of being on such a pristine beach as Kalanggaman Island. It's been four years but I can still remember how it felt being on this virgin island with no electricity or mobile signal. It's just a breath of fresh air to be disconnected yet connected to nature at the same time.

Have you heard of Kalanggaman Island? If not, let me tell you some things about this island.

Kalanggaman Island means Bird Island, the term "kalanggaman" came from the word Langgam which means bird. Also, because when viewed from above, the island looks like a bird. When it is low tide, the island wings extend to showcase its sandbar and it looked like a bird slowing down from a flight as its wings are a bit folded. It still shows itself as a bird though even on high tide, it is just that the wings are shorter and it looks like a bird taking off.

It was back in 2016 that it started gaining a name for itself and it somehow has been a dream beach destination to beach lovers. True enough, after staying on the island for two days and one night, I must say that this island deserves to be one of the most beautiful islands in the country.

Making the Itinerary

Planning to get to Kalanggaman was not an easy task. Being the one who initiated this, I was also tasked to make the itinerary and contact boat handlers to take us there. Originally, I planned this trip with just one colleague together with my husband and perhaps some of my husband's colleagues too but then after someone else from our team learned about this summer getaway, all of our team members asked to be tagged along.

The initial plan was to get here by March but then it was postponed and then finally it was realized by April. Fortunately, since most of our colleagues are coming together with their partners, (we are just a small start-up company) our boss offered to sponsor us too! That was the best part of this trip!

Also, to really make this light to our pockets, we made weekly savings. It was as if we didn't shell out a huge amount.

We ended up going as a group of 16 people, this was perfect because most vans and boats can accommodate 16 heads as well. I was able to find a good deal with SeatoSummitTravel, Php 1500 per person for two days, one night stay on the island, van, boat, and food for lunch is included. As for breakfast, we have to bring some to cook ourselves. I believe the deal was great and so we agreed to get that agency. Here's our itinerary:

Day 1

4:00 am: Pickup within Cebu City with a Private Van

9:00 am: Arrival in Maya Port

9:15am: Departure to Kalanggaman Island

11:00am: Arrival in Kalanggaman Island

Overnight

Day 2

9:00am: Departure from Kalanggaman Island

12:00n: Arrival in Maya Port

12:15 pm: Travel to Cebu City

There's a Kalanggaman Bungalow 1000 per 4 pax, Tents for 300, Cottages for 200 to 500 care of the Palompon Government. The agency can also cater a side trip to Malapascua Island with an additional Php 150 per head. We opted not to go there so we could have a lot of time to explore Kalanggaman instead.

First Day and First Impressions

On our day of departure, there was nonstop rain in Cebu City. We thought of canceling the trip but the agency said the boat still has been given license to sail by the coastguard and our downpayment will not be refunded if we opt to cancel. So, we just proceeded and a great reward came next - it was all sunny and clear in Kalanggaman.

As we were arriving at the island, all of us can't help but appreciate the beauty of the tropical trees, its pristine blue waters, it has clean and clear waters in the shoreline, the sand was fine and the sandbar was so admirable, sparkling from a distant indeed! There were a lot of people around the island already and we had to find a spot to dock on. All of us were excited to set foot.

Looking back at it right now, I wished we had a drone at that time because the island is just so pretty from above, still experiencing it from the ground and taking photos from there is already enough.

As we finally settled, we pitched our tents, we were so close to the waters, it was such a joy pitching tents! The tourist boat also was just next to our tents in case we needed anything from the boatmen.

Since lunch was included in this tour, it was prepared and served by the boatmen after we were all done with our tents. It was already very hot at that time but thankfully, the waters were cold! So it was perfect to stay just under the boat. Sunblock was to the rescue of course!

We had a lot of time to ourselves, we explored the island, played basketball since there's a makeshift ring and a volleyball court too. We had taken group pictures and of course, we have to take these photos at the sandbar, although very hot at that time, we survived!

All of us craved ice cream, to quench our almost dehydrated throats. But ice cream vendors here sell overpriced items! But it is understandable considering the distance and this type of cold treat is worth the money!

As the day went on, and the sun's heat was slowly fading, we made a diving spree with some judges on the side scoring each dive from 1-10. It was fun and such a good idea to enjoy the waters!

Overnight Tent Stay

My husband and I spent the golden hour on the other side of the island. We took some shots of ourselves and enjoyed the sunset view. There's a resort in this area too, I didn't know that there's one until we got to this side.

The night came, dinner was served which was mostly made of leftovers from lunch. We used the boat's kitchen to prepare some viands.

Our colleagues spent the night drinking, my husband and I just joined them for some music as one colleague brought his guitar. We watched millions of stars over our heads, sat next to the shore, and kept ourselves warm with our blankets. It was a great experience being out there.

Second Day

No sunrise but it was all fine. We walked towards the end of the sand bar. I found some empty seashells, very interesting to take photos of and the island was just so quiet, we could only hear the splashing of the waves kissing the shores.

I was walking barefoot, my slippers on my hand and it was super therapeutic. The sand pinching into my soles brought calmness and joy!

Our colleagues who were drank didn't seem to worry about not waking up early. They were treated with some hot coffee so they could get their senses back. Our breakfast was mostly fried items. Everyone ate to their delight. Our boatmen also shared our breakfast.

At nine in the morning, we were off to go back to Cebu.

Overall

Kalanggaman Island is such a beautiful place, I highly recommend it. It's best to visit it with friends and family as a group as you can save on the boat fees. One thing that we miss was the sunrise so perhaps we would be able to go back there soon and witness it by then. They say that the sunrise in Kalanggaman is very nice because it shows an infinite horizon, no blockage and it is dramatic. I must witness that once in my life!

You might consider Kalanggaman Island on your next travel, hopefully, this pandemic will soon end so we can get our feet to our desired destinations!


xoxo,

mommy jean of momentswithmatti

Love harder than any pain you've ever felt.

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2 years ago

Comments

That's nice.., my last beach visit was a month before the Pandemic..., my feet is craving for walking on the sand barefooted.., Have heard of Kalanggaman Island when we visited Cebu years ago, but because of limited time and budget, we didn't visit it.., how I iwsh the prices would still be as affordable during your visit.. hahaha

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2 years ago

oh... sorry that you were not able to visit the island.. we hope it would still be affordable...

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2 years ago

Will consider it if given the chance to visit Cebu again 😊

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2 years ago

I love all the shots. That amazing place seems to be a paradise. I hope your next time you'll catch the sunrise.

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2 years ago

thanks dear.. i do hope so

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2 years ago

i do hope so too

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2 years ago

Langgam which means bird

Haha! I was thinking about this few days back. I recalled a conversation with friend who was telling me there is a place where langgam is bird and bird is langgam.

Ang ganda naman!

We watched millions of stars over our heads,

eto namimiss ko din to!

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2 years ago

super relaxing..we looked for the constellations too!

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2 years ago

I miss looking up the star studded summer sky.

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2 years ago

me too... di na ako nakapag star gazing lately

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2 years ago

Going on a trip to the beaches is always a beautiful adventure. I live near the beach but have not been able to go. That's a lot of beautiful pictures you made and they will stay with you to remember.

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2 years ago

thanks indeed.. its nice to have a morning dip in a warm beach.. i hope you can do it soon

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2 years ago

Woooow! I love going to beach. But, definitely, this one made me fall at first read, how much more at first sight? I just hope this pandemic ends too soon, so I could go with my friends. We will sure add this in our dream escapades. Thank you for the wonderful photos 😘

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2 years ago

you are welcome! i am sure you will enjoy it there!

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2 years ago

Daghan jud akong nadunggan nga nindot lagi daw diha sis. Nakaanha naman pud akong mga cousins. Unfortunately, wa ko kakuyog kay klase man ko ato nga time. Sunod na lang daw. Pero murag malabo naman tungod sa atong sitwasyon ron.😁

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2 years ago

sige ra sis.. moabot ra na nga time.. hehe

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2 years ago

The pictures are so wonderful! Sad thing you did not get to see the sunrise or sunset there. You can come back next time! Don't miss it again, okay? 😂

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2 years ago

i hope so sis...

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2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience sis, it is very useful information to plan holiday Bird Iceland. We don't have beach at our place it's my dream if I can see any beach.

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2 years ago

e don't have beach at our place it's my dream if I can see any beach.

oh i see... i know there are other spots that you can enjoy in your place!

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2 years ago

The water is so clear and the sand is white it's blinding :D I love every shot. I love the romantic sunset shot.

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2 years ago

yey thanks sir!

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2 years ago

Buti na lang it was a beautiful day at the beach, it was not bothered by the rain thus you had a great time enjoying its beauty

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2 years ago

thankfully the rain went away... it was pretty there! thanks sis!

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2 years ago

Ganda ng beach white sand, ang linis tignan.. Haist more than 2 yrs na ata yun last na punta ng Beach.. Kakamiss tlga..

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2 years ago

grabe noh? dahil sa pandemic..daming plans talaga na na udlot

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2 years ago

Sobra.. Kakabagot na din 😔

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2 years ago

Taga Leyte gyud ko originally but I haven't been here in Kalanggaman Island ay. And pagka 2019 pa akong last beach time. 🙁🤣 Kanindot nalang gyud sa island. Pero mao diay mao ang name sa island kay mura diay ni bird. Hahaha karon pa sad ko kahibaw. 🤦🤣

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2 years ago

mao bah? so cebu ka tungod sa work? uu mura sya ug bird hehe nice unta naay drone ato na time... sunod nalng

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2 years ago

Oo, ga work lang ko area. Puro ra gud sie mi drawing mag beach ey. Hahaha

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2 years ago

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hhehe try sa lang sa mga duol miss...

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2 years ago

Puhon niya. After lockdown, visit ug mga beach.

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2 years ago

I am so envious. Going to the beach with pristine white sands are always a must for me. I’ve been to Coron, Dasol, Bolinao and Bani to experience those. Kalanggaman and Bantayan Island is next on my bucketlist but this covid 19 is making it hard for me to travel since last yr. Bummer! Waa kainggit mga pics nio po sa sandbar 😍

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2 years ago

indeed...this pandemic also had stopped us from traveling to camiguin and siargao.. huhuh... i have been to coron and its beautiful. Bantayan island is also a must visit, been there multiple times.. not yet to dasol, bolinao and bani.. i will check these locations too! thanks!

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2 years ago

Wow how I wish I could go out like this just like you but covid 19 still restrict our visiting of public place

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2 years ago

yeah i know its hard these days.. i hope the pandemic ends soon!

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2 years ago

Ang among doctor ganahan mo laag dira, convincing everyone sa department hahah! Nag pandemic nlng wala jud mi kalaag oi grabe ka spoiler ni covid. Very nice place! Okay ra diay mag overnight dira bah, safe pud bisan mo high tide heheh! Basin maparehas atong vanishing island sa surigao bah..

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2 years ago

bah, safe pud bisan mo high tide heheh! Basin maparehas atong vanishing island sa surigao bah..

hahaha safe ra sis..hehe wla rasd naanod among mga butang....naa man mga cottages pod

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2 years ago

ayy naa diay cottages didto.. nice! ka lami ilaag oi!

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2 years ago

lami jd ilaag sis.. sus kun wala lang nis covid..hehe

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2 years ago

Buti pa si sis Jean! Patour tour lang! Lahat ng napuntahan nyo world class ang ganda!

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2 years ago

puro throwback nalnag nga sis.hehe

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2 years ago