Kalanggaman Island is a sandbar located in the sea between Leyte and Cebu, in the Visayas Archipelago of the Philippines. It is located 10 kilometres west from the municipality of Palompon, Leyte. It got its name from the local word "langgam" which means bird or fowl.[1] It is said to look like a necked bird whenever sandbar forms. It is believed to have been a habitat for migratory bird long ago.[2]
 Kalanggaman Island | |
 | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Type | Sandbar |
| Archipelago | Visayas |
| Administration | |
The island is an important breeding ground for the local ecosystem as well as a significant tourist attraction. The island is owned by the LGU Palompon.[3]
Geography
editKalanggaman Island is mostly flat, with a coastline marked by white sandy beaches. It's sandbar extends to the west of the island, the length of which changes depending on the season and the tide.[4]
The island is 15,90 KM from the main land and has a length of 753m.[5] Its width is averaged to be 71,8m and the total area is 5.4ha.[6]
Ecology
editKalanggaman Island serves as a breeding ground for sea turtles and manta rays. It is also home to diverse marine life due to the surrounding coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.[7]
In 2018, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources raised concerns about the volume of tourist traffic in Kalanggaman, due to the possible environmental impacts it could have on the island's natural habitats.[8]
Tourism
editKalanggaman Island has been recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the most picturesque islands in the Philippines.[9][10]
Infrastructure
editThe local government has implemented several facilities to cater to the influx of tourists, including restrooms, grilling stations, and cottages. However, the island still lacks electricity, encouraging visitors to bring their own power supplies.[11]
In 2021, Typhoon Rai caused significant damage to the island's infrastructure, destroying many of the boats used for transportation to and from the island.[12] Subsequently, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Philippines published a detailed report on the damage to infrastructure and recovery efforts on the island.[13]
References
edit- ^ ann.ibizleverage (2023-07-13). "Kalanggaman Island / Calanggaman Island Palompon Leyte Divesite". Sea Explorers Philippines. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ ann.ibizleverage (2023-07-13). "Kalanggaman Island / Calanggaman Island Palompon Leyte Divesite". Sea Explorers Philippines. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ de Cadiz, Gerry (2021-01-07). "Land Conflict Due to Irregular Ownership of Land: The Case of Kalanggaman Island". Rochester, NY. doi:10.2139/ssrn.2483144. SSRN 2483144.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Kalanggaman Island: A Comprehensive Travel Guide". The Poor Traveler. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
- ^ "Geograph:: The Foudry Brook at Mortimer © Des Blenkinsopp cc-by-sa/2.0". www.geograph.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Geograph:: The Foudry Brook at Mortimer © Des Blenkinsopp cc-by-sa/2.0". www.geograph.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Kalanggaman Island: A slice of paradise". Primer. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
- ^ Meniano, Sarwell (September 6, 2018). "DENR questions tourism activities in Leyte's Kalanggaman Island". www.pna.gov.ph. Philippines News Agency.
- ^ Planet, Lonely (2020). Lonely Planet Philippines. Lonely Planet.
- ^ Planet, Kalanggaman Island Tours (2022). Philippines Travel Company.
- ^ "Touring Kalanggaman Island: Travel Guide And Tips". OutOfTownBlog. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
- ^ "Typhoon Rai devastates parts of Philippines, including Kalanggaman Island". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
- ^ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (2021). "Situation Report re Preparedness Measures and Effects of Typhoon "RAI" (ODDETTE)" (PDF). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.