I've been longing to visit Eden for the longest time. Lately, I've seen photos of people I know who went there. My time came... Just a few days ago. All thanks to the long weekend we had! Cornballs and his family invited me to tag along with them. I was so hyped because it was going to be a first for me.

Road trip to Eden started at 6 AM. I give credits to Google Maps for delivering us. Haha. When were getting nearer we turned off  the AC and opened the windows to feel and breath the fresh air. It made me happy. We arrived late for the reservations for the shuttle tour. It was already full. We didn't bother to call since the website said first come first serve. The next available tour was scheduled at 3 PM which was kinda late already. So we decided to stroll on our own. We were given maps. The temperature of the place made me happy. It was just right. 

Since it was a holiday there were a lot of different groups going on tour. Foreigners, senior citizens, students, and other tourists. We decided to get on with the adventure and went to the rides. We signed up for the Skycycle and Sky Swing. I really thought that the sky cycle was just like ziplining. I was wrong. It made me extra nervous. I was having trouble with my butt. I think their cycle's seat was a bit small! When I rode it and started pedaling I though I would slip out of it any moment. The cables were bouncing and I was going slow and it felt like forever to reach the other end! Hahaha. It was completely safe though. Well, at least I think it is. When we were near the end they took pictures of us and they'd say, "NO HANDs!" So that implies letting go of the handles. I just couldn't do it. I chickened out.

Ride after ride. We went straight to the sky swing. Signed another waiver and put on different set of protective gears. We were oriented on things to do. Just looking at the height of it my knees got weak. I was about to back out but you know... YOLO! Haha. We were set 95 meters high (If I'm not mistaken.) and on the second whistle we were released. It felt nuts! It was terrifying. Haha. It was worth it though. Epic ride.

After the YOLO-ing we went back to get some snacks. Then we looked for the butterfly garden but it started to rain. Cornballs and I went for it anyway. After a short stroll we ended our short trip and went to the city.

We're definitely going back for the tour.

The last time I was at Tacloban I purchased a fan with Kalanggaman Island as its design. I said I had to go there someday. And so I did! This year was my year!

NOTE: Photos posted are all mine. Please give credits if used. These are all raw photos from my phone's camera (Zenfone 5)

It took us a few hours to get to Palompon, Leyte from Tacloban City. It was everybody's first time. Luckily everything went smoothly. A local said to find the yellow house where we should be paying for our boat. It was easy to find. The hard part was crossing the sea to get there. Our first boat experienced some trouble so we had to wait for back up.

It took more or less an hour to actually get to the island. The view during the boat ride was breathtaking and there were a lot of dolphins visible. Quite entertaining!

 Getting closer

When we arrived there was already a group of Korean people taking pictures. We found out that the island was all ours overnight since the Koreans were going home that same day.

This was the only remaining structure left standing after typhoon Yolanda hit Leyte.

They said it's called Kalanggaman because the island's shape is like of a birds silhouette but there were also many red ants there so it got me a little bit confused.

I was so ready to release the stress.

Since the island was small it was easy to walk around it.

Later that afternoon we went to the sand bar.

Good thing I had sunnies with me. Sun was extra bright and warm that day.

Shell hunting. We weren't allowed to take them home though.

There were no overnight cottages available so if you want to spend the night here better bring a sturdy tent. The wind was very strong that night also started raining.

Had to wear glasses to appreciate the view.

Remember the Koreans I was talking about? They wrote this down and I have no idea what it means.

So this couple arrived and it turned out that the island wasn't entirely ours anymore. Haha. They were getting in the way of me trying to capture the cloud that shapes into a letter H. I hope you see it. It's quite small.

The beach turned red during sunset. It was amazing. It was enchanting to see the skies change colors every minute. It was pretty.

The following morning we saw the sand bar completely visible until its tail end.

So this is the edge... Swimming here is not allowed anymore because current is too strong.

We had to rush back after taking photos because the waters were beginning to meet and we had to jog our way back. A bit scary but it was fine.

It truly was an island life experience. There was no electricity, no water supply, no food vendors... But it was just the way I imagined it to be. I loved it. It was sweet serenity.

I'd say, "Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan."

TIPS if you want to come here:

-Bring portable stove

-Bring food that does not spoil easily

-Drinking water!

-Tent

-Cooler and ice

-Chargeable lights + powerbank

-Linens

-Reservation

-Snacks

-Come early

-Insect repellant (If you're sensitive)

The boatmen will bring 3 gallons of water for your rinsing and all that shiz.