Tacloban: Gateway to the Leyte/Samar Region

This Visayan Region, whose premier city is Tacloban has many attractions that reward the intrepid – those seeking the road less traveld in search of pristine beaches, magnificent caves, underground rivers, and cultural funds

San Juanico
The Country’s Longestr Bridge
Lying on the outskirt of Tacloban City, this iconic bridge Connects Leyte and Samar

With its claims to fame as the country’s longest bridge, it has become this region’s famous landmark and a favorites spot in for tourist souvenir photos. It measures 2.16 kilometers in length and its shape, Like a letter “S”, ads to its beauty. If u believed in superstition, there is one that says that if you can hold your breath till you reach the other end, your secret wish will come true.

We hope you have strong lungs.

The Santo Nino Shrine
Filipinos fondly call the infant Jesus “Santo Niño”.

In the heart of the city is a shrine dedicated to this beloved religious figure built by Tacloban’s famous and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. The shrine seems to play homage to two realms, spiritual and political. On the ground floor is a beautiful chapel with an ornate altar; on the upper floor, it is all material grandeur. On this floor are bedrooms of the former First family of the Marcoses with Imelda’s bathroom having its own chandelier. The bedrooms and luxuriously furnished with chandeliers from the Czech Republic, Australian-made mirrors, Italian tiles and leather wall covers, Chinese jars and porcelain, and some of the best carpets from the world

San Pedro Island
Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

This less-traveled region offers pristine island such as San Pedro with powder white sand, turquoise waters and beautiful corals. Nights are filled with stars and dancing fireflies. To reach San Pedro Island, i]takes two-hours road trip along the Abuyog-Silago Road and a 30 minutes boat ride to the island.

Lake Danao
Tongonan, Leyte

For good resorts and beaches a favorites day trip destination of Tacloban City residents is a two-hour drive to Ormoc City. Try their famous “Queen Pineapple,” a variety of pineapple known for its sweet taste, popularity served as a fruit desert. Fifteen kilometer northeast of Ormoc City is Lake Danao, Which Surroundings including a protected national park that attract nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.

Mat Weavers
Basey, Samar

About 20 minutes from the San Juanico Bridge is the town of Basey, known for its banig or local mats, These are notable for their soft and smooth texture and come from a local weed variety called “ticog”, The towns weaving products are worthy to bring home.

Rock Formations
Marabut, Samar

Just 10 minutes from Basey, you will view these tall rock formations jutting from the sea like sentinels guarding the coastline. If you wish to linger longer, there are a few resorts that offer cottages and small boas to explore the tiny beaches surrounding these unique formations. Dramatic sights such as these make the drive along this coastal road from Tacloban to the provinces of Samar a trip worth taking.

Sohoton Caves
Basey, Samar

This is an eco-adventure which few still know about; hence, fewer crowds or none at all. This cast area can take a full day to explore, with attractions like an 840 hectare park with the caves, underground rivers, magnificent limestone walls, and varying soil and rock formations, to get there, boat rides can be arranged either in Tacloban City