Kalanggaman Island Marine Protected Area Adventures

Kalanggaman Island is a small, flat sandbar located approximately 25 to 30 kilometers off the coast of Palompon, Leyte, in the Philippines. Renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Kalanggaman is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs that support a rich marine ecosystem including diverse species of fish, corals, and other marine life. This marine protected area serves as both a vital habitat for marine biodiversity and a popular ecotourism destination. Visitors are drawn by the island's panoramic sandbars extending from the main islet, which shift with the tides and provide scenic walking paths out into the sea. The island offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and photography, often featuring clear visibility and abundant sea turtles, tropical fish, and colorful corals. Kalanggaman also forms part of important local efforts to conserve and sustainably manage coastal and marine resources, including coral reef restoration programs and regulated visitor limits to minimize ecological impact. While lacking extensive facilities or established trails, the island’s natural beauty and isolation make it a sought-after destination for day trips and overnight camping on the beach. Visitors typically access Kalanggaman via a 1 to 2-hour boat ride from Palompon or nearby towns. The protected status helps safeguard the ecological integrity of the area while enabling responsible tourism to flourish, making it an emblematic example of marine conservation in the central Philippines.