I've heard about this island too many times. People say it's the best beach in the Philippines, and possibly the world. I've never been to Leyte province, so this island became a no-brainer for me to finally visit this time. For someone who finds a white sandy beach with no soul in sight as a Disneyland, i couldn't let pass the opportunity to travel to the land built on stories.
Going there took a lot of time, energy and effort. For some people who're used to the airport beside the jetty port en route to paradise in a total of 10 minutes max, then this is level 5.
Smoking is bad for your health.
I smoke a few sticks a day. Okay, a lot. Okay, more when i travel. So, giving up a few sticks in a day because of the numerous rides: bus, van, and boat was something i had to do. Yey!
Is the bus leaving yet?
I'm used to minutes and seconds in Manila as i rush from my house going to my office in Makati. En route to Kalanggaman Island, i had to wait for 3 hours for the van to be filled up before we can head straight to the port in Palompon. It was a long, tiring and sticky day. I almost lost it and was thinking of going with plan B to scrap out the itinerary going to Kalanggaman. What's plan b? I have no idea.
It's far away from civilization.
With all the basic necessities on hand in the municipality, venturing to the island would mean leaving all the best stuff at home and going out on the sea. You have to buy all the stuff you will need in a day. Away!
Rippin' the sea on a boat
Riding a boat in the open sea is not that hard. It's not even a hassle. Heck, people find it an awesome experience. But riding on a boat with a bolero type life vests is a different case. Tried it on and swore never to wear it again.
Polishing your communication skills
Trusting your life with someone you can't communicate with. How do you deal with that? Manong speaks very little to none Tagalog so most of our conversations were about hand calisthenics and elbow rubbing. Ecstatic!
Perk 1: The joy of drinking ice cold beer (Grande) Pale Pilsen while ripping the great and blessed Visayan sea. I managed to finish two big ones on the boat while waiting to set foot in Kalanggaman.
Without instructions
How do you pitch a tent without instructions? It's like driving the highway with a windshield in super dark tint. Possible but very, very difficult. I tried camping once and i loved it. But i didn't pitch the tent then. All was prepared for even before i came. So, this is something different.
The Story of the Can Opener
When you get hungry and all you have food to eat are canned goods, chances are you need to open it and swallow away. Thing is, how do you even open it with a broken opener? Mind you, i only found about this when i got there. And when i used it, it became even more broken.
Danger!!!
Having a beach with a Danger Zone Ahead sign can be frustrating. How can you file a complain to Poseidon? You can't. All you can do is accept and swim where it's safe.
Throw your rubbish.
With no trash bin in sight, you sleep with your rubbish. Bring back home whatever you brought in the island.
All of these i had to forego for just one reason.
I
am
lost
for words...
As soon as my feet stepped on this wonderland, i just couldn't help but smile. It's like i am walking on the clouds. Surreal! I wanted to make love with the beach so much. I have to be honest, i've been to many awesome places. But i consider Kalanggaman Island as one of the best places i've ever seen. I'm in love!
It's truly one of the best beaches of the Philippines!
Imagine how sad it was for me when i had to leave the next day. It didn't take long for me to love the island. It's not that big, and a couple of hours walking would mean completely circumnavigating this paradise.
And so, i left Kalanggaman Island not with a heavy heart but with a smile that's unexplained. There are many happy places on Earth and i consider this island as one of them.
I thought all the things i had to forego and all the hardships and struggles i had met to get to this island was worth it. I would even do all the things i did on a more difficult stance and still would go.
What can i say? I love Kalanggaman Island!
Filipino travel journals about backpacking in the Philippines, Asia and Beyond!
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The sandbar and the island is so picture perfect!
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