Kalanggaman Island Tourism: Revised Fees for Conservation and Sustainable Development

 TACLOBAN CITY – Increased Fees for Kalanggaman Island Tourism Aimed at Conservation and Development

Tourists visiting the scenic Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte will encounter higher fees as part of a strategy to fund the preservation and improvement of this popular destination.

Effective January 16, a 100 percent fee hike will be enforced in accordance with Municipal Ordinance No. 476-080523, also known as the 2023 Revenue Code of the Municipality of Palompon.

The updated rates for foreign tourists will be PHP1,000 for a day tour and PHP1,500 for an overnight stay. Non-Palompon residents will pay PHP300 for a day tour and PHP450 for an overnight stay.

Day tour fees for non-Palompon college students, high school students, and elementary students will be PHP80, PHP60, and PHP40, respectively. For overnight stays, the corresponding fees are PHP120, PHP90, and PHP60. Palompon-enrolled students will have fees ranging from PHP5 to PHP30.

Senior citizens not from Palompon will be charged an entrance fee of PHP240 for a day tour and PHP360 for an overnight stay. Senior citizens residing in Palompon will have free access.

The local government's advisory issued on Monday states, "The aforementioned ordinance aims to ensure the sustainable development and management of eco-tourism facilities within the municipality and to support the preservation and enhancement of our natural resources while improving the overall eco-tourism experience for visitors."

For those interested in renting the entire island for 24 hours, the cost is PHP300,000. Palompon residents will pay PHP100 for a day tour and PHP150 for an overnight stay.

Tourists are reminded to adhere to the island’s regulations, including refraining from using soap, shampoo, and conditioner that may harm the ecosystem, making bonfires, bringing loud generators, disposing of garbage improperly, and smoking. Bringing pets is discouraged.

The local government is strictly enforcing a daily capacity limit of 500 tourists. Kalanggaman Island, situated between Cebu and Leyte provinces, is approximately a 45-minute boat ride from Palompon town and a two-hour journey from Malapascua Island in Cebu.

The island derives its name, Kalanggaman, from its bird-like shape when viewed from above, attributed to the long sandbar on both ends of the island, with "Langgam" being the local word for bird. (PNA)