KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

Location: Palompon, Leyte, Philippines
Nearest Airport: Ormoc Airport
Next Nearest Airport: Tacloban Airport

Blogger's Note: Google has not yet included a locator map for Kalanggaman Island. Hence, this post has no Google map to show.

I visited this tourist spot when I attended a wedding in Ormoc City of my colleague in Manila though prior to that I also toured around Tacloban City as well as in San Rafael Farm in Babatngon, Leyte.

The long stretch of sandbar in one side of the island

Kalanggaman Island is a virgin island which can closely rival the fine beaches in some other parts of the country. It is considered to be a pride of the province of Leyte in the municipality of Palompon for being a photographer’s delight. Its shape with stretch of sandbars on both sides makes it unique. The good thing is, the island is not highly commercialized yet and so it is not crowded though it has already structures like huts, kiosk, grilling stations, simple volleyball court, concrete comfort and bath rooms and wooden tables and benches where guests can relax and unwind enjoying the island’s cool breeze. Before settling on the island, food marketing including the drinking water can be done in Palompon from its public market and grocery stores. This island is maintained and operated by the local government of the municipality of Palompon.

The mode of transportation to and from the island

From the port of Palompon, the island can be reached by a regular pump boat for an hour and 35 minutes by a speedboat. Boat fares and rentals are already regulated by the Palompon Municipal Eco-Tourism Council, Inc. to help the guests and visitors travel safely and no overpricing of the rates. In addition, it can be reached for approximately two hours boat ride from Malapascua of Cebu Island. However, it is advised that since the water can get rough anytime traversing from Kalanggaman to Malapascua, late afternoon is not the best time to do it. It is more safer to have it early at around 6:00 A.M. and one will even be fortunate to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Guests and tourists are enticed by its clean and clear waters

Guests and visitors are all assured of no dull moments in the island as aside from a refreshing swim, they can also have snorkel, kayaking, aqua-biking, scuba diving and overnight picnic. A stroll around the island can be done for even half a day but preferably it can be done late in the afternoon during low tide. Each part of the island is a postcard perfect material.

The other side of the island during low tide

Afternoon walk is at its best during low tide as one can explore the island. The island is a home to a varied species of sea shells and is rich of vegetation endemic to the place. The topography of the island varies from powdery white sand to flat rocky formation.

The sandbar on the other side of the island during low tide

Low tides can help the guests and visitors maximize their opportunity to see the island into its minutest detail --- its dramatic massive shore bed rock, to loose rocks sprawling in decadence on its shoreline. This moment can be serene that one will like to experience as he can completely commune with nature far from surging effects of technology.

Its picturesque sandbar at low tide on a breathtaking sunset

Sunset in this part of the island can be captured at its best. It can be romantic to lovers and magnificent to photo enthusiasts. In fact, a painter can fix his canvass in this part of the island and paint the perfect sunset scenery.

That sunset!!!! only in Kalanggaman Island!

I have witnessed so many sunsets from my various travels but this one here is quite unique. Maybe because, less tourists and guests are here to rival that good experience.

As darkness slowly invades the island

Unlike other island destinations, Kalanggaman has no electricity. Thus, one may experience the night in complete darkness. With this, stars in the sky can be more visible and a shining moon can have its own glory to give its glow.

The island at a far distance

As we sail away from the island, we felt that urgency to visit it again and spend more time basking on its white powdery white sandbars. I would keep this promise to reunite again with its unparalleled beauty.

Tabuk Islet and its lighthouse

Tabuk Islet is closer to the Port of Palompon by around 3 minutes boat ride only. It is a mangrove sanctuary and one can enjoy bird watching on it. It has bamboo boardwalk where visitors can use for strolling around the islet.

Our lady host and the newly wed couple along the bamboo boardwalk in Tabuk Islet

I boarded a PAL flight going back to Manila through Tacloban Airport which was also my entry point since I stayed overnight in Tacloban with a former high school classmate before I pushed to Ormoc City for the wedding and finally went to Kalanggaman.

MANILA BAY

Location: Luzon Island, Philippines Coordinates: 14031’N 120046’E Area: 1,994 square kilometers (769.9 square miles) Coastline: 190 kilometers (118.1 miles) Maximum Length: 19 kilometers (12 miles) Maximum Width: 48 kilometers (30 miles) Surface Area: 2,000 square kilometers (770 square miles) Manila Bay is a natural harbour which serves the Port of Manila, in the Philippines. The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbours in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. Luneta Park is the best part of Manila Bay where its magnificent sunset can be enjoyed.

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Note: This was updated on October 9, 2019.

Manila Bay Skylinescape

Manila Bay never fails to give one of the best sunsets in the world. Any person will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the beauty of its sunset. Lovers would love to exchange their vows at the Manila Bay while the sun dramatically sets to its rest. Families and groups of friends just love to spend an afternoon to witness the magnificent sunset of the bay. More importantly, Manila Bay as per record, is known to be one of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one the finest in the world. It is a natural harbour which serves the Port of Manila (see the images of North Harbor and South Harbor) in Luzon of the Philippines where its coastline surrounds the western shores of Metropolitan Manila, - the country’s capital city. It has a historical significance dating back the pre-Spanish occupation.

Specifically, it is situated in the western part of Luzon and is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest. Entrance to the bay is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi). However, the width of the bay varies from 22 km (13.7 mi) as its mouth and expanding to 60 km (37.3 mi) at its widest point. Manila Bay also hosts four islands on it, namely: Corregidor Island, Caballo , El Fraile and Carabao Island of Cavite or Fort Frank.

The majestic Manila Bay sunset

The presence of a number of skyscrapers along Manila Bay adds up sophistication and majestic scenery where its showcase how Manila thrives into a metropolitan city with very impressive economic growth. Manila Hotel and Sofitel Hotel Manila are two of the closest with proximity to Manila coastline where the breathtaking sunset scenery can be captured.



The North and South Harbours both facilitate maritime activities in the bay where North Harbor is used for the inter-island shipping while the South Harbor is used for large ocean-going vessels.



Roxas Boulevard is almost a frontliner next to Manila Bay. Part of this is the CCP Park Complex where a lot of important cultural facilities were erected like the Cultural Center of the Philippines or known as Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. This is a reclaimed area which was developed into full scale and now a very important alternative for families to spend bonding activities during afternoon walking and jogging as well as during weekends.

The stretch of Roxas Boulevard along Manila Bay as copied from Wikipedia

The seawall fronting part of the Manila Bay which starts from the edge of the CCP Complex and beyond the Philippine Navy Headquarters can serve as a flat form for fishing enthusiasts. They may not have a good catch but it satisfy them as part of their hobby. The seawall primarily serves as an obstacle structure to stop ships and small boats to be drained to Roxas Boulevard due to destructive typhoons which carries strong and giant waves.

The imposing seawall fronting Manila Bay

The Grand Boulevard Hotel along Roxas Boulevard

The inner part of Roxas Boulevard is dotted by a number of hotels and one of them is the Grand Boulevard Hotel which has its accessibility to bay walk where afternoon and morning walk and jogging can be done.

Cruise ships available for Corregidor Island Trip and other destinations

An old picture of mine at the Manila Bay's sea wall near the CCP Complex

Taken from one of the bay view rooms from the Sofitel Hotel

An October 9, 2019 photo at the poolside of the Sofitel Hotel

An October 9, 2019 photo with a historical statue at the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard

Manila Bay skyline as viewed from SM Mall of Asia

Going mid south of the bay is the booming Mall of Asia which directly captures an imposing bayscape of Manila coastline.

NOTE: Most of the information contained in this post was taken from the Wikipedia – The Online Dictionary.

SIQUIJOR ISLAND

Location: Central Visayas, Philippines Region: VII Coordinates: 9012’N 1230 30’E Total Land Area: 343.5 km2(132.6 sq mi.) Capital: Municipality of Siquijor Founded: September 17, 1971 Component Cities: 0 Municipalities: 6 Barangays: 134 Districts: 1 Time Zone: PHT (UTC+8) Zip Code: 6225 - 6230 Dialing Code: 35 Blogger’s Note: The small island of Siquijor which is considered as the third smallest province of the Philippines has six (6) municipalities, namely: Enrile Villanueva, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan and Siquijor.

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St. Isidore de Labrador Church in Brgy. Catamboan, Lazi, Siquijor or simply known as Lazi Church built in 1884 through the supervision of the Recollects priests

Siquijor at a closer glimpse is an island full of charm with its tranquil and endless coastal beaches. It is just an hour travel through ferry from Dumaguete City. It is just a continuation of our Bohol and Cebu trips The first time I visited it wayback 1998, through a four-island (Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor) tour package which I organized it by myself, was that, I was occupied with the idea of witchcraft which the place has been noted for. But my recent travel there turned out to be so successful and enjoyable one. Gone were the days filled where I was filled with so much pessimism about the place. My group instead has traveled around the island without any trace of hesitation. What we had in our mind was to maximize the tourist spots we might visit in this beautiful idyllic island.

The interior of St. Isidore de Labrador Church

It is surprising to see such a creative architectural design like this of St. Isidore de Labrador Church. Across is the Lazi Convent, which is said to be the biggest convent in Asia completed by Filipino artisans in 1884. Both the Lazi Church and the convent was declared as National Historical Shrines and are being maintained now by the local government.

The altar of St. Isidore de Labrador Church

St. Isidore de Labrador Church and its convent is just 15 kilometers away from the town of Lazi. It is very interesting to tour inside the two majestic structures for it will reveal what life was during its glorious days.

Lazi Convent - the biggest convent in Asia

Recalling the trip, we first landed in Siquijor Port and just a few meters away, one can see the laid back town and a few stores which offers basic commodities. Then from there, we visited the Saint Francis of Assissi Church.

Saint Francis of Assissi Parish Church built on February 1, 1783 by the Franciscan priests

Siquijor Port is in the Municipality of Siquijor province and Saint Francis of Assissi Church is a part of this municipality. After a short prayer inside the church and a quick tour around the town and the church's vicinity, we headed to the municipality of San Juan.

Part of Capilay's Spring Park

This natural spring park is very accessible for it is located at the heart of the town and is open to everyone for free. It is consist of three main areas, namely: the upper pool, the swimming pool and the laundry pool where it all empty to the nearby sea. To complete the fun, the local government has equipped the park with a playground, booths, and kiosks to cater for the needs of visitors most particularly the bigger groups and for family functions.

The Creepy 400-Year Old Balete (Dalaquit) Tree

Driving further had led us to the enchanted 400-year old Balete Tree in Barangay Campalanas, Lazi Municipality.

The cascading Cambugahay Water Falls

This water falls is just two kilometers north from the town of Lazi nestled in a forested area consisting of cascading multi-tiered waterfalls coming from a collection of water sheds from the neighboring mountains, natural springs and small rain forests which empties to Lazi Bay.

While waiting for a sumptuous lunch at the picturesque Larena Triad Cafe

The scenery on top of Larena Triad Cafe is just so spectacular most particularly during sunset. Staying at the cafe is so refreshing not only with the food that it serves but most particularly with the fresh air that you breathe and the high definition colors of the skies, far sea and the rich green down the hills.

The spectacular view from the top of Larena Triad Cafe

Taken at the Cantabon Cave during my first visit in Siquijor

Scaling Mount Bandilaan National Park

Check on the links for other tourist spots to visit in Siquijor as follows:

Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary
Paliton Beach and nearby hotels and resorts
Hotel Agripino and Salagdong Beach
Salagdong Forest Reserve
Bulalakaw Forest Reservation
Mount Bandilaan National Park
Kagusuan Beach
Guiwanon Spring Park
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Cang-isok House
Our Lady of Divine Providence
Eugenia Cave

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila to Siquijor

Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Dumaguete City of Negros Oriental for an hour travel
From Dumaguete City Airport (Sibulan Airport), you can charter a tricycle going to Dumaguete Port
From Dumaguete Port, you can have a choice of a ferry where you can board to Siquijor for an hour trip

From Cebu City to Siquijor

From Cebu City, take a bus bound to Liloan, southern part of Cebu Province, from its South Bus Terminal. Travel time varies from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the traffic conditions.
From Liloan Port (Cebu), take a ferry to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, with a separate charge on the terminal fee for about 30 minutes
From Sibulan Port, take a jeepney for Dumaguete City
From Dumaguete City, take a ferry of your choice which will take you to Siquijor for an hour travel

BOHOL PROVINCE

Location: Central Visayas, Philippines Coordinates: 090 50’N 1240 10’E Total Land Area: 4,820.95 km2(1,861.38 sq mi.) Capital: Tagbilaran City Founded: March 25, 1565 Divisions Component Cities: 1 Municipalities: 47 Barangays: 1,109 Districts: 3 Time Zone: PHT (UTC+8) Zip Code: 6300 - 6346 Dialing Code: 38 Blogger’s Note: Bohol is popularly known for its chocolate hills and tarsiers. It is also the place where the first international treaty of friendship known as "sandugo" was held in 1565 between Datu Sikatuna, a chieftain in Bohol and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

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Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol

Bohol is just an average of one hour and 40 minutes from Cebu City to Tagbilaran by fast sea ferries like Ocean Jet and Weesam Express. The place has a unique beauty of its own. With a lot of tour operators now competing for a good catch of clientele, tours to Bohol in particular is now becoming affordable. You may try to get your package from this link Bohol Tours and Packages

Tagbilaran Church or presently known as Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph The Worker

The interior of Dauis Church of Panglao Island

Bohol is noted for having a number of old churches with unique and artistic architectural designs.In fact, The Baclayon Church, which is just six kilometers away from Tagbilaran City is the second oldest stone church in the Philippines next to San Agustin Church, in Real Street, Intramuros, Manila, built in 1571. Baclayon was constructed in 1595 by the Jesuit priests, it is still intact and houses important relics and images reminiscent of the historic Roman Catholic religion in the country.

Front view of Baclayon Church or presently known as Church of Immaculate Conception

The interior of Baclayon Church

Tarsier watching in Vilar

Just about to board the Loboc River cruise

The Loboc River cruise

Festive lunch while on board the river cruise

CEBU CITY AND NEIGHBORING CITIES

Location: Cebu Province, Philippines Coordinates: 100 17’N 1230 54’E Total Land Area: 315.0 km2 (121.6 sq mi) Metro Land Area: 1,163.36 km2(449.18 sq mi) No. of Districts: 2 (South and North) No. of Barangays: 80 Time Zone: PST (UTC+8) Zip Code: 6000 Dialing Code: 32 Legal Class: Highly urbanized City Income Class: First Class Blogger’s Note: Cebu City is popular for its festival called Sinulog held every third Sunday of January which commemorates the Filipino people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

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Part of the Basicilica del Sto. Nino

Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines which was established as the first settlement of the Spaniards who colonized the Philippines for 333 years. Its strategic location and deep sea ports makes it the country’s main domestic shipping port. It is considered to be the second most important metropolitan area and also second most populous city in the Philippines after its capital, Metropolitan Manila. click here for hotel bookings and learn more about Cebu City by reading this link

This Sinulog photo is owned by this link which is the grandest of all Philippine festivals

Main entrance of Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Hotel

Flying to Cebu City touches down in Mactan International Airport of Mactan Island. This island prides itself its world class beaches in terms of amenities and facilities where one of it is the Shangri-La Resort and Hotel. Another is the Cebu Beach Club, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and you can also visit the nearby paradise-like top 7 resorts in the province of Cebu. All these can be enjoyed by you in just a short span of time.

The historical Lapu-lapu Shrine of Mactan where Lapu-lapu killed Magellan

From the airport, one can drive thru Lapu-lapu and visit the miraculous Virgen de la Regla.. To continue the drive, you will pass thru Mandaue City Hall, National Shrine of Saint Joseph Mandaue and Cebu International Convention Center.

Mandaue City Hall

Saint Joseph National Shrine of Mandaue

Part of the Ayala Center of Cebu City

The Malacanang Palace of the South

The historical Fort San Pedro

Touring around Cebu City minus the beach swim or hopping would only need at least a day including buying souvenir items. Food and delicacies are served in some of its carenderias, restaurants and hotel dining. Important tourist spots in Cebu City are: Cebu Heritage Monument Park of Parian, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Magellan's Cross, Cebu Taoist Temple and Basilica del Santo Nino

The South Road Development Properties

Much has been invested on the southern part of the city as operated and managed by the South Road Properties where your can see various images in this link. When completed, Cebu City will be turned into one of the most important cities in Asia. To know more about the South Road Properties, you may click this link. Refreshing along the poolside of Marco Polo Hotel at 600 feet elevation overlooking Cebu City

Late afternoon is the best time to spend time along the poolside of Marco Polo Hotel formerly Cebu Plaza Hotel located in the scenic Nivel Hills 600 feet above sea level. It offers a 360% scenery of the whole city of Cebu. Read and learn more about the hotel by clicking this link, Marco Polo Hotel. Read this link to learn how to travel within Cebu City and going out from Cebu to its neighboring islands.