2020 has definitely hit us hard even though we haven't even passed its first quarter! Hopefully, you are all doing well and are staying safely in your homes. In the meantime, let me tell you about my last beach trip for the year 2019-- it took sometime for me to get back to blogging, but here we are!

Kalanggaman Island in Leyte has always been one of my dream places to visit, but it always seemed too faraway to go to. Finally, last year, together with one of my college best friends, we were able to go to the island, with just a phone number of the guide in hand! No detailed plans whatsoever!

Our entry point was in Tacloban. Though based on the other blogs I read, accessing the island from Malapascua in Cebu is much easier.

My friend stayed overnight at the Zpad Residence, where I was supposed to join her but, unfortunately, I needed to defer my flight for another day to be able to attend my classes in Quezon City.

From the city center, you can hail a tricycle to bring you to Abucay Van Terminal where you can ride a van going to Palompon. You will be dropped off at the Palompon Terminal where you can walk or ride a tricycle going to the Palompon Ecotourism office where you can ride a boat going to Kalanggaman.

We booked a tour package going to the Island but please know, (and I sincerely recommend) that you can totally DIY this trip. We spent 2,400 PhP each (inclusions: Lunch upon arrival to Palompon, Boat Ride, Dinner and Breakfast in the Island, Tent, a souvenir, and Tables and Chairs) but you can spend way less if you go DIY. Tents, tables, water for bathing, cooked food, and liquor, are all available in the stores in the island-- you can also bring your own food and drinks, there are grilling areas available as well. 

Anyway, the island surely won't disappoint, and any disappointments which you may have had on your travel going there will surely be forgotten upon seeing the view!

Upon arrival and setting up the tent, we immediately made our way to the west side of the Island, there
were less people in the area and there are Teepee huts for rent! The sunset is definitely something you must catch here!

Meanwhile, the tent area can get very crowded especially in the afternoon, looking for a good area to pitch your tent is an actual skill.

One downside to travelling all girls though is that we somewhat had a lot of awkward encounters with the other tourists. Don't let the creeps get on your nerves, just don't mind them or call for security if they won't stop. Securities are available in the island especially at night. 

The view, made even better with the moon!

Grainy sunset photo!

Didn't even need to edit this photos aside from the watermark! All are raw and taken from my trusty  Note 8.

Make sure to bring your reliable sunscreen (and make sure it's reef-safe!) and flip flops because the heat can really be scorching. We tried taking photos while sitting on the sand and we could not even sit for long.

Taken with Go Pro Hero 5

All in all, our Kalanggaman Island experience was definitely worth the travel! The Island was definitely breathtaking, and I'm not even exaggerating here, if you are planning to spend chill island vacations with your barkada, this is the place to go to! Clear waters, amazing view, and did I mention that they clean their comfort rooms every chance they get?!

Our one night was still bitin but we got to go on a side trip to Malapascua on our second day in the island! I'll tell you all about it on a separate post!

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!