Kalanggaman Island

KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

This is Palompon’s paradise.  Kalanggaman is considered the most beautiful beach  the province of Leyte has to offer.  The postcard-perfect virgin island with its powder white sand, clear waters, and cool breeze is certainly a virtual place very close to heaven.

What makes this island unique from others is its long sandbars that are stretching on both sides of the island.   The one hour bo

at ride to the island may be a bit challenging bur it is all worth it when you finally set foot on this paradise. If you want to forget your troubles for a  day or if   you want to have a quick getaway with your loved ones, Kalanggaman is definitely the place to go.

You can read a good book without many people kicking sand on your face, you can take amazing photographs all day long, or you can feast on fresh seafood until you tummy grumbles.

Flat limestone covered most of the shore on the other side. This goes all the way to the shorter and narrower second sandbar on the other tip of the islet. The other side is also less frequented by tourist. If you intend to be by yourself, this is probably where you would want to stay to swim or watch the sun make the sand shine like pearls when hit by its rays. Just make sure somebody knows you are there.

Spent another day in the island and savored its unspoiled and unique charm. It was an excellent and off-beat destination to clear my mind and recharge my soul. The island is also a haven for birds hence the name Kalanggaman Island.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Palompon, Leyte (see map) is the jump-off to Kalanggaman Island. Register and pay the fees at the tourism office. They will also assist you with your boat. Check rates here. It is a 1-hour boat ride from the mainland to the islet.

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Monte Cueva

MONTE CUEVA

Up in the hills at Brgy Rizal, at an elevation of 172 meters above sea level overlooking Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte, is a small cave which was developed by its original owners into a shrine with a quaint chapel inside it.

Over the years, the Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine has become a site for pilgrims and devotees and has become one of Maasin’s popular tourist destinations.

It’s not for those afraid of heights nor for those with weak knees…

When I first got to the site together with a group of tourism officials about 2 years ago, I faced the prospect of a laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 400 steps! Having had no sleep the previous night after a long trip from Surigao, I politely declined the challenge and handed over the camera to my wife who was up to the dare to conquer the hill.

Later, upon seeing the pictures she took, I was regretful I didn’t join the climb. Next time, I told myself.

Last Friday, we were in Maasin and my mind was made up I had to make THE climb. Upon reaching the site, I saw some improvements, notably the construction of a new concrete stairway which local folks say is more difficult to climb due to the steep design. And more steps than the old stairway. So, we took to the old, but reliable stairway, zigzagging and snaking its way up beneath a cool canopy of trees.

City is the provincial capital and a 4th class city in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. It is the capital city of Southern Leyte.

One of the must see place in Maasin   is located  Up in the hills at Brgy Rizal ,2km from Maasin City,the Monte Cueva Shrine. The Conte Cueva is a small cave which was developed by its original owners into a shrine with a quaint chapel inside .

The shrine is located at an elevation of 172 meters above sea level overlooking Maasin City. A donation by the philanthropists Odong and Loring Chung to the Diocese of Maasin .

The shrine is  not for those who are afraid of heights nor for those with weak knees because before you reached the Monte Cueva you must conquer first the laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 550 concrete stairways. I took a couple of rest on my way up. The climb was even more difficult and steeper  as I approached the last 20 steps.

But I was awed upon seeing the entrance of the shrine. I couldn’t  believe seeing a church inside the cave. The natural characteristics of the cave was maintained, in fact in some parts of the chapel were some waters dripping from the ceiling and is being collected in several vessels. Its walls are made of limestones and the floorings are tiled. Right on top of the altar is an opening of the cave creating  an amazing  effect  to the chapel.

Over the years, the Monte Cueva   has become a site for Catholic  pilgrims and devotees and has become one of Maasin’s popular tourist destinations.

How to get there:

From city proper of Maasin, just take a ride of trike and told to the driver that you’ll going to Monte Cueva. and that’s it. laborious climb up the hill via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 400 steps (172 meters above sea level)

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MacArthur National Park

MACARTHUR NATIONAL PARK

The McArthur Landing Site in Palo, Leyte was created to commemorate Gen. Douglas MacArthur famous parting words “I Shall Return” that he made good of his promise before he left the country after its downfall to the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. This famous event took place on October 20, 1944. The Allied landing on Leyte Island’sea shores was a pivotal moment in the history of the War in the Pacific and in the human struggle for liberty. Worth a visit.

This most important historical memorial makes for great pictures. The statues are very lifelike.

Thank God for America!

There is an icecream seller at the road and other small shops nearby.

The Memorial is just down the road from the 10 month old Oriental Hotel in Palo, three or fouir kilkometres from Robinson's Tacloban mall.

Even as a tourist spot, it's quite peaceful. There are not much stalls selling stuff, which is good. The place is right next to the sea, and it's very relaxing. You can bring along stuff for a picnic if you want. I just hope the local government could fix up the area with friendship plaques from all over the world, because it's really educational.

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