‘BIRD ISLAND’ | The Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, features a long and white sandbar, akin to the shape of a bird flapping its wings, that draws people from different parts of the country and abroad. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — Tourists visiting the famed Kalanggaman Island, Leyte province’s tourism jewel located in Palompon, will have to pay higher fees starting Jan. 16.
The local government is imposing a 100-percent increase on fees based on Municipal Ordinance No. 476-080523 (2023 Revenue Code of the Municipality of Palompon) to finance the preservation of the tourist destination.
Under the new rates, each foreign tourist pays P1,000 for a day tour, up from the old rate of P500. An overnight stay costs P1,500, up from P750.
Day tour fee for non-Palompon residents will be P300, up from P100, while an overnight stay now costs P450 from P150. Non-Palompon students get a discounted rate of P80 for a day tour (from P40) and P120 (from P60) for an overnight stay.
Local students pay less, ranging from P5 to P20 for a day tour, and P20 to P50 for an overnight stay. Seniors who are not from Palompon pay an entrance fee of P240 for a day tour or P360 for an overnight stay. Those living in the town, however, can visit the island free of charge.
READ: 13 Southern Leyte areas aim to make fishing more sustainable
READ: ‘Pork holiday’ imposed in Southern Leyte town due to ASF
Boat rates
Pump boat rates for people visiting the island are P4,500 for up to 20 passengers; P5,000 for 21 to 25 passengers; P5,500 for 26 to 30 passengers; and P6,000 for 31 to 35 passengers. Cottage fees range from P375 to P1,000.
Kalanggaman Island, located between Cebu and Leyte provinces, is among the popular destinations in Leyte and one of the top income generators of Palompon.
The island earned its name because of its birdlike shape due to the long sandbar on its ends. “Langgam” is a local word for bird.
Last year, over 150,000 tourists visited the island, with about 10 percent of arrivals composed of foreigners. The local government reported earning more than P28 million from tourists.