The beautiful hidden beauty of Calanggaman Island
Woooooaaaahhh! That was my first reaction when I saw the pix taken by Tito Gerry Ruiz in Leyte!
He said that it's the next big tourist destination in Leyte!
He said that we should savor it while the crowds have not discovered it yet and Mother Nature still rules.
He described it as paradise, unspoilt and has crystal clear waters plus white powdery sand. Calanggaman Island is located roughly 15 kms. off the coast of Palompon, Leyte on the western side, between Leyte and Cebu. It's one (1) hour ride by pumpboat from Palompon. The island is being managed by Palompon Local Government Unit (LGU).
They took a big pumpboat which was a good thing as the water started to get rough 10 minutes away from Palompon’s pier. It was an hour trip – a rough ride most of the time, but nothing to be scared of. It was a “normal” thing," as one of the boat’s crew members sheepishly remarked.
The island is still bare although there are now few structures built on it.
Like Calaguas Group of Islands in Camarines Norte, there are no provisions for accommodation/ overnight stay in the island.
Those who would like to stay overnight must bring a tent with them.
There are a couple of picnic kiosks for rent, with tables and chairs.
There is a public restroom.
Be forewarned though that there are no commercial stores or restaurants there.
So one has to bring his or her own food and water.
There is no electricity in the island but we were told that it now has battery-powered lights at night and that solar panels, which could charge the batteries, have just arrived and would soon be installed.
Mobile phone signal from the main providers is good, so one could still get in touch with the rest of the world.
To those who love taking the less beaten path and being away literally far from it all, nothing can be better than Calanggaman Island.
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