Leyte

Heritage, Healing Waters, and Hidden Shores

Located in the heart of Eastern Visayas, the island of Leyte is a destination where history, faith, and nature come together. Composed of Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces, this island invites travelers to explore its sacred landmarks, unspoiled beaches, dive sites, and tranquil mountain springs.

Gateway of Stories

At the center of Leyte is Tacloban City, the regional hub and cultural heart of Eastern Visayas. The city played a key role in World War II as the landing site of General Douglas MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines. The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo marks this historic event and offers visitors a solemn yet inspiring look back in time. Tacloban is also known for its resilience and faith. The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, once a presidential guesthouse, displays a collection of art, furniture, and antiques from the Marcos era. Just outside the city, you can visit San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the country that connects Leyte to the island of Samar, offering panoramic views of the San Juanico Strait.

Pilgrimage and Peace

For faith-driven travelers, Palo Cathedral, formally known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration, stands as a symbol of hope and spiritual devotion. Nearby towns like Baybay also offer serene churches and beachside retreats, perfect for reflection and relaxation.

Beach Escapes

Off the coast of Palompon lies Kalanggaman Island, one of Leyte’s most photographed spots. Known for its powdery white sandbar stretching into turquoise waters, the island is a favorite for day trips, swimming, snorkeling, and beach camping. Other lesser-known gems include Canigao Island near Matalom, and the calm, scenic beaches of Hindang, Hilongos, and Inopacan.

Dive Sites and Quiet Sanctuaries

Down south, Southern Leyte is a paradise for divers and nature lovers. Sogod Bay offers some of the best dive sites in the country, including Napantao Marine Sanctuary, known for its vibrant coral walls and rich marine biodiversity. Between the months of November and May, you may even spot whale sharks around Son-ok Point in Padre Burgos. On land, visitors can explore Cambaro Caves in Macrohon, Limasawa Island where the first Catholic Mass was held in 1521, and the quiet town of Maasin City, home to the Maasin Cathedral and the Monte Cueva Shrine, a chapel tucked inside a mountaintop cave.

Nature Springs and Mountain Treks

Leyte’s inland beauty includes the Tongonan Hot Springs National Park in Ormoc City, a geothermal site with therapeutic pools surrounded by forest. Hikers can venture into Lake Danao Natural Park, also in Ormoc, or trek Mt. Pangasugan, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic mountain trails.

Taste of the East

Leyte’s culinary scene features local favorites such as binagol (sweet taro dessert), moron (chocolate sticky rice rolls), and lechon, especially popular during fiestas. Fresh seafood and native delicacies are part of daily life, especially in coastal towns and public markets.

Explore Leyte

Whether you are tracing the footsteps of history, swimming beside vibrant reefs, soaking in mountain springs, or simply enjoying a quiet beach sunset, Leyte is a destination that offers discovery, healing, and heritage all in one journey. It is a place that welcomes you not only with open arms but with stories worth remembering.