Why Leyte's Kalanggaman Island is the Philippines' hook for European voyagers

Exploring this affordable and peaceful destination

- DERCO ROSAL

European voyagers have long moved beyond the era when “god, gold, and glory” drove their conquests to the tropical islands of the Philippines. The country has since been liberated from all its colonizers... And now, the tides have turned.

There is a nearly seven-hectare white-sand island in Palompon, Eastern Visayas that has been enchanting visitors from foreign lands since 2013. It always finds a way to lure travelers to sail its waters and step onto its fine sand.

From a bird's-eye view, this secluded island resembles the graceful flapping of wings, hence the name Kalanggaman Island. In Cebuano, “langgam” means bird, groups of which were observed swooping around the island, as it abounds in different fish they prey on.

Once a sanctuary for birds, Kalanggaman Island now attracts people from around the world who come only to bathe on the tropical island. Locals say that MS Europa 2, a German-based luxury cruise ship, is a frequent visitor, bringing in enough tourists at once that the island is sometimes closed temporarily to prevent overcrowding.