Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Tacloban Beach Guide
There are several beaches in the Philippines, but as this Tacloban beach guide will show, some of the very best are located not far from the city. Here are some places you may want to include on your next trip to the province.
Any Tacloban beach guide would most likely include White Beach, which is only a few kilometers away from the capital, easily reachable by car or jeepney. As the name makes clear the sand that envelops it is pure white, and the sands are among the smoothest that you will find anywhere else. Not only is it a great place to go swimming with your friends but the vast expanse of the waters makes it ideal for boating too, and the nearby fishing area gives you a chance to hone your fishing skills too.
This Tacloban beach guide can also recommend Red Beach, sandwiched between Baras and Candahug (both of which are some 10 km from Tacloban). This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, as it was the landing site of General MacArthur during World War II. Today there are resorts, restaurants and other accommodations around the area to make your stay more pleasurable.
There is also a beach off Barangay Luan in Dulag that is worthy of a visit. This Tacloban beach guide can point out that while it does not have an “official” name (it is sometimes called Blue Beach or Dulag Beach), it still merits a visit. The waters are pure, and not being as well known as the others, present an alternative to the “noisier” and more populated beaches in the Philippines.
This Tacloban beach guide can also attest to the high quality of the so called Orange Beach. Apart from the smooth sands and crystalline waters, the waters themselves hold additional treasures beneath, including coral reefs and exotic types of fishes. The fact that the beach is not far off from popular diving sites just adds to its drawing power.
Going by Blue and Orange Beach you will find other beaches, each possessing their own attractions and highlights. The names of these places were given by the Allied Forces as they were planning their assault against the Japanese in Leyte during World War II, one of the most important events in Philippine history.
There are several popular tourist destinations scattered throughout this Philippine province, but this Tacloban beach guide has provided you the places and areas that should be part of your itinerary. From strolling along the sands to snorkeling, they will not be an experience you will soon forget.
Leyte Sightseeing and Activities
The island province of Leyte has many things to offer to visitors in terms of tourist destinations. From sightseeing tours, immersing in culture and history up to communing with nature, these destinations give a chance for tourist to engage in enjoyable activities.
Tourists who are into sightseeing tours about history will not be disappointed with Leyte. Historical landmarks and sites are scattered around the province waiting for history buffs. Tacloban has the Leyte Provincial Capitol, CAP Building (Price Mansion) and Redona Residence. These places are worth the sightseeing tour because these had significance during the liberation of Leyte in World War II. Meanwhile, there are also similar places found in Palo. The General Douglas MacArthur Landing Memorial and Guinhangdan Hill (Hill 522) are also significant historical places during the War era. On the other hand, The Hilongos Bell Tower in Hilongos, Leyte has significance from the Spanish era.
Tourists who want to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of the island should visit some of its notable museums and library for a sightseeing activity. The People’s Center and Library, located in Real Street, Tacloban, boasts of historical artifacts and a collection of dioramas depicting ethnic tribes in the Philippines. The Santa Fe Community Museum, on the other hand, showcases antiques and artifacts from the Spanish period up to World War II. Finally, the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum in Tacloban has an impressive collection of religious art and cultural artifacts. Paintings about the Stations of the Cross, a bas-relief wood carving depicting Malakas and Maganda (Philippines’ version of Adam and Eve), statues of the Santo Nino and paintings done by national artist Fernando Amorsolo are some of its notable collection on display.
A religious pilgrimage of shrines and holy sites can be done in Leyte. Sightseeing tourists will appreciate the varied religious life in the province. The Madonna of Japan, located in Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban, boasts of a beautiful garden where the statue of the Japanese Goddess of Peace known as Maria Cannon is found. The Santo Nino Church, located also in Tacloban, is the location of the image of the patron saint Santo Nino where devotees attest that it is a miraculous statue. Another attraction is the Buddhist Temple in Anibong District. Finally, the La Purisima Shrine in Palo is the house of the image of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
Aside from sightseeing, there are destinations in the island of Leyte that give a chance for tourist to commune with nature. Activities like swimming, diving, island hopping, hiking can be engaged by tourists from across different destinations of natural wonders of mountains, islands, beaches, nature parks. White Beach in San Jose, Red Beach in Palo and Cuatro Islas (Four Islands) are ideal destinations for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating. Mount Kankahanay in Jaro, Mahagnao National Park in Burauen, Leyte Mountain Trail, Tongonan Hotsprings National Park and Lake Danao in Ormoc, Amihan Cebu Woodlands and Mount Pangasugan Ecopark in Baybay are ideal places for tourists who want to adventurous by hiking or hunting.
Leyte Travel Guide
One of the provinces in the Philippines that have rich culture and history, Leyte is popular for its beautiful tourist destinations, accommodating hospitality service providers, and attractive dining places. Due to the interesting places in Leyte, Philippines, many foreigners as well as Filipino vacationers like to visit the province. However, to be assured that they will have a remarkable and enjoyable stay in the area, it is significant that they refer to Leyte travel guides for hotels where they can relax, restaurants where they can unwind, and tourist spots where they can enjoy.
Tourist Spots in Leyte
For those who plan to travel to Leyte, Philippines, they can always take a glance at the famous tourist spots in the place. Most Leyte travel guides feature tourist destinations in the province that people can visit such as religious shrines and churches, which include Buddhist Temple in the City of Tacloban, Santo Nino Church, also in Tacloban City, and Palo Metropolitan Cathedral in Palo. Meanwhile, travelers can also go to the major attractions in Leyte, Philippines, namely San Juanico Bridge, Mac Arthur Beach Resort, and Redona Residence. Hence, there are Leyte travel guides that feature historical places like Mac Arthur Leyte Landing Memorial, Hilongos Bell Tower, and Battle of Baluarte Marker.
Restaurants
When it comes to eating, Leyte, Philippines, takes pride in the famous restaurants and dining places that it features. To help travelers decide the dining place to visit in the province, Leyte travel guides feature the specialties of several restaurants in Leyte, Philippines. For those who like seafood and grilled dishes, they can always dine at Rafael’s Farm and Garden Restaurant, as well as Ocho Seafood and Grill. On the other hand, for those who prefer to try the delectable dishes at foreign dishes like Mexican, Italian, and English dishes, they can have a wonderful dining experience at any of these places; Sunzibar, Calle Zaragoza, and Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano-Filipino.
Hotels
In terms of accommodation, Leyte travel guides always feature hospitality service providers in Leyte, Philippines. For people who prefer to stay in hotels that have special amenities, they can take a look at the facilities of Leyte Park Resort Hotel, as well as MacArthur Park Beach Resort. On the other hand, to help travelers who do not have ample budget to stay in luxurious hotels, Leyte travel guides also feature inns and lodges that they can visit in Leyte, Philippines, like Silago Tourist Inns, Zenaida Chateau Tourist Inn, and Amber’s Inn.
Leyte Government Sites
The Province of Leyte in a Nutshell
Leyte Provinces is considered to be one of the most historic municipalities of Philippines. It is one of the provinces that rebelled and reacted against the Spanish suppression. Leyte is also known because of the historic landing of the United States Armed Forces during the Second World War. The official provicncial seal of Leyte bears or reflects the historical significance or consciousness of the municipality by the stars indicating the towns of Leyte and a letter on a white cross denoting the antique letter ‘L’. The White Cross denotes the second chapter of the progress of Leyte during the Spanish era when Ferdinand Magellan passed by going to Cebu. The upper part immortalizes General Douglas MacArthur’s landing based on a viewpoint of the National Freedom Park. The city of Tacloban is the main or the capital city of Leyte nad is considered to be the most important seaport on the eastern seaboard. The western coast of Leyte is taken cared of the by the cities of Baybay and Ormoc.
Arts and Culture of the Leyte Province
Even before the Spanish era, there were already settlers living on the place. These settlers, according to historical facts had their own culture, in a way or two. The first locals of Leyte were said to be covered with tattoos or body paintings and they were referred to as the Pintados. In commemoration of these tattooed people of Leyte, the locals held a yearly Pintados Festival. Another notable contribution of Leyte to the culture and arts of the Philippines was through the dance called Tinikling. Tinikling was once considered to be the National Dance of the Philippines. The dance steps or movements are based on a bird known as ‘tikling’. The dance involves two long bamboo poles (parallel with each other) that serve as ‘rails’. These bamboo poles or rails create a beat as they are being hit against the ground and then the poles tend to ‘clasp’ (as per beat) and the dancers would try to avoid getting trapped or caught by these bamboo rails. As the dance goes on, the beat becomes faster and dancers should be more alert to avoid being caught by the clasping poles to the audiences’ delight!
The Province of Leyte and the World Wide Web
In order to make their culture and assets be known all over the Philippines and to the rest of the world, the Leyte Province made an official website (http://www.leyte.org.ph/) where in a few clicks of the mouse button tourists and visitors alike would have a glimpse of what the province of Leyte is all about. The official website has a comprehensive information regarding some noted facts, tourism and doing business in Leyte Province.
Tacloban Hotel Guide
An interesting and advancing city in Leyte, Philippines, Tacloban City offers interesting places to visit and beautiful tourist destinations. To accommodate tourists and vacationers in the place, the city features numerous hotels, inns, and lodges that offer accommodating services and special facilities to everyone. To have a closer look on hospitality service providers in Tacloban City, Philippines, it is advantageous if people refer to Tacloban hotel guides. For the safety and comfort of all travelers, Tacloban hotel guides feature star ratings, accommodation rates, and facilities available in the hotels.
Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Tacloban City, Philippines
One of the significant features of Tacloban hotel guides is the section wherein the accommodation rates of hospitality service providers in Tacloban City, Philippines, are featured. For instance, for people who like to stay in hotels that have rates that range from 500 pesos to 1,500 pesos, they can check in at any of these places; Manabo Lodge, Cecilia’s Lodge, and Casa Real Inn. On the other hand for those who prefer to sleep in pension houses that have rates ranging from 1,000 pesos to 2,000 pesos, they can make advance bookings in Welcome Home Pensione, Quarterhouse Pensione, and Rosevenil Pensione.
Facilities of Hospitality Service Providers in Tacloban City, Philippines
Another interesting feature of Tacloban hotel guides is the section wherein all the facilities of hospitality service providers in Tacloban City, Philippines are enumerated. With the use of these information, people can easily decide, which hotel fits their necessities. For instance, there are small hotels featured in Tacloban hotel guides that have standard amenities including Casa de Tacloban, Casa Anson, and La Rica Hotel. Meanwhile, there are also hotels that offer special facilities for the enjoyment and convenience of all travelers such as MacArthur Park Beach Resort, Marigold Executive House, and Tacloban Plaza Hotel.
Star Ratings of Hotels in Tacloban City, Philippines
People can also rely on Tacloban hotel guides for information on star ratings of hospitality service providers in Tacloban City, Philippines. For those who want to stay in three-star and four-star hotels in the city, they can always contact the management of these places, Dio Resort, Asia Stars Hotel, and Leyte Park Resort. By knowing the star ratings of hospitality service providers, travelers can predict the kind of services and facilities that a particular hotel in the place offers. In addition, star ratings also provide an impression on the performance of a lodge or hotel where travelers plan to make advance bookings.
Leyte Shopping
Leyte is one of the beautiful places you can visit in Visayas. You can enjoy, relax and shop as well because Leyte also has several shopping establishments.
1. Robinson’s Mall – This is the top one of the best Leyte shopping establishments. This is a huge mall you can find in Tacloban. This is the newest place where most young adults hang out these days. It has a movie theater and a food court where you can find different restaurants and food stalls. It is a big mall where you can find almost every kind of store so it is a convenient place for shopping different kinds of things.
2. Gaisano Malls – This is the top two of the best Leyte shopping establishments. The Gaisano malls can be found in two places in Leyte. The first branch is in Tacloban and the other one is in Ormoc. There are several stores in Gaisano malls where you can buy clothes, home appliances and shoes. It also has a supermarket where you can buy food items. It also has a large food court where you can eat.
3. Ormoc Centrum – This is the top three of the best of Leyte shopping establishments. This is situated in Ormoc city. It has several stores as well. There are many small shops selling cellular phones. It also has a bazaar where different shops sell cheap clothes, accessories and shoes. This is also an affordable place where you can buy snacks for fifty pesos or less.
4. The Point – This is the top four of the best Leyte shopping establishments. This is also a big mall with several stores. Shoppers can find local brands in this mall like Human and Bench. There is also one section with many stalls selling affordable dresses and shoes. People who have defective ipods, play stations and cellular phones can also have it repaired at the Point.
5. Dynasty Square Mall – This is the top five of the best Leyte shopping establishments. This mall is not as big as Gaisano mall but it also has different shops where you can buy basic things. This is a place located in Zamora Street. This mall is near other commercial institutions like banks, restaurants and hotels.
6. A – Mall – This is the top six of the best Leyte shopping establishments. This is simple mall you can find in Ormoc. It has several retail boutiques and shops selling cheap clothes, shoes and women’s accessories. This is also the place where you can buy cds and cellphones. This is also the popular place where you can buy wholesale items. It also has many food kiosks selling sandwiches, donuts and waffles. You can also find the local delicacies of Leyte in this mall.
Leyte Destination Guides
Overview
Appreciated for its historical significance aside from its natural wonders that are simply amazing, the province of Leyte is sure to provide a fun and educational trip for every member of the family. Leyte destinations are rich in history and culture while its hotels and resorts are ultimate relaxation getaways where pampering is a feature of everyday life.
Red Beach
One might be wondering why this Leyte destination is named Red Beach and that’s because when the American troops arrived headed by General Douglas MacArthur, this place was a battleground where they fought side by side with Filipinos against Imperial Japan. In fact, to commemorate this significant historical event, there are statues of General MacArthur and a couple of his men in a lagoon here, partially submerged in water. The statues at this Leyte destination are supposed to depict the first landing of the American troops in Red Beach. Red Beach, despite the bloodshed that occurred here many years ago was and still is a beautiful place to go to. This Leyte destination has several 4 and 5 star hotels and it has become extremely popular as a vacation getaway. The sunset at Red Beach is simply picturesque and the water is conducive for swimming or just a romantic stroll with someone special. The resorts at this Leyte destination also have equipment for rent for those who want to do some water sports in Red Beach such as kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing.
The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum
The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum holds important Christian relics, paintings and other works that were intellectual creations of our ancestors. Every province has its patron saint and Leyte’s is the Santo Nino or baby Jesus. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum can be found in bustling city of Tacloban, on Real Street and the place is subdivided into to 4 categories. One of the divisions at this Leyte destination is the religious works and aside from artifacts, there are also paintings at this Leyte destination of saints and Jesus’ journey in life. Aside from exhibits on the Catholic faith, the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum also showcases mythological figures and this is the second division. The third division showcase paintings of extremely talented Filipino artists and the main attraction of this part of the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum are paintings made by the world renowned artist Fernando Amorsolo. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum provides more than just an opportunity to look at wonderful pieces of evidence of historical events, it also provides a chance to understand the history and the people of Leyte.
Leyte Hotels and Resorts
Overview
Leyte with its colorful festivals and warm hospitality deserves a second look especially since this is considered as the oldest province in the Philippines. Economically developed, Leyte and in particular, Tacloban City boasts not only of a colorful history, but also it is also home to world renowned tourist attractions. However, when in Leyte, the primordial consideration of any traveler is to find a hotel that will make them feel right at home.
Leyte Park Resort Hotel
Leyte Park Resort Hotel provides 3-star lodging right in the heart of Tacloban City. Tacloban City is less than an hour away from Manila and for those coming from Cebu, the travel time is cut to less than a half, a mere 20 minutes. The Leyte Park Resort Hotel was first built in 1979 upon orders by the Former First Lady Marcos and though the hotel was closed for 3 years after the Marcos presidency, the newly renovated resort opened its doors once again in 1994. The Leyte Park Resort Hotel sits on a 6 hectare land and is a known tourist destination because of the excellent facilities and warm hospitality that every guest receives. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about the Leyte Park Resort Hotel is the picturesque view of the whole of Tacloban City since this resort is nestled on top of a hill that overlooks the pristine San Pedro bay. Exuding luxury and ambience, it’s not just the facilities that one would notice at the Leyte Park Resort Hotel, its rooms are also elegantly furnished with complete amenities such as air conditioning, cable television, a mini-bar, a receiving area and a terrace.
Dona Marta Boutique Hotel
If something more economical is what one is after, then the Dona Marta Boutique Hotel is worth considering. Although this Leyte hotel is not located in Tacloban City, Hinunagan, where it is located, is not far from the capital. The Dona Marta Boutique Hotel has received positive reviews from guests that have stayed there both Filipinos and foreigners. The quaint Dona Marta Boutique Hotel is said to be well worth the amount it charges and the restaurant serves the best food in Hinunagan. The staff at this Leyte hotel is also very accommodating but it’s not just their bilingual staff that will have one captivated. The rooms are very cozy, spacious and they have a well maintained garden and an expansive pool perfect for laps. What’s even better is that for those who just can’t get enough of the beach, a beach is only 10 yards from the Dona Marta Boutique Hotel. Everything that one could possibly ask for is within one’s reach at the Dona Marta Boutique Hotel.
Leyte Travel Agents
The Province of Leyte
Eastern Visayas Region would never be completed without the Leyte Province. The province of Leyte occupies most of the area of Leyte Island (almost 75%). Leyte Province is situated at the west part of Samar, north of Southern Leyte and Bilaran’s south part. Cebu Island is just located at the western part of Leyte Island (across Camotes Sea).
People and Culture
Cebuanos and Waray-Waray are two of the main groups or natives occupying the island. These diversities are principally due to language and dialects. Cebuanos dominate the southern and western regions while the majority of the Waray-Waray natives occupy the east and north part of the municipality.
Financial System of Leyte Province
Agriculture is the main economic driver of the province of Leyte. In low flat areas, like in Tacloban, rice planting and production is prevalent trade or business. In high or mountainous vicinities, coconut farming, which produces coconut oil, is the chief means of earning money. Another popular source of livelihood among locals or native is fishing. Nonetheless, Leyte Province has the largest geothermal plant in Asia making it one of the provinces in the Philippines that is rich in natural resources.
The Symbol of the Official Provincial Seal of Leyte
The province of Leyte, has a rich historical and cultural heritage even before foreign occupations. The official seal of the Province of Leyte is the summarization of significant events and experiences that happened throughout the history of Leyte Province. The alphabet on the cross argent is the prehistoric Visayan paleographic syllable of the letter ‘L’ which stands for Leyte. The forty-one (41) municipalities of Leyte and the everlasting flame signify the heroes who offered their lives during the Second World War. The second chapter of Leyte’s expansion is represented by the white cross when Magellan stopped in Leyte on his route to Cebu. The landing of the American Liberation Forces spearheaded by General Douglas MacArthur in Leyte during the Second World War is commemorated at the upper part of the seal which is a standpoint of the national Freedom Park.
Trip to Leyte Province
Experiencing the cultural and historical legacy and heritage of the province of Leyte is more enjoyable through the help and assistance of travel agents. If the theme of going to Leyte is more of an educational tour, but not compromising the leisure part of the trip, LGTT or Leyte Gulf and Travel Tours agency is one of the best travel agencies to consider. The said travel agency, aside from promoting the usual tourist spots of Leyte Province and other nearby (Visayas Region) municipalities; they are trying their best to support tourism by discovering potential tourist destinations. Leyte Gulf and Tours is situated at Calle Zaragosa Independencia Street, Tacloban City, Leyte 6500. Just to makes sure of the given information, it would be wise to check the internet for real-time updates. A hassle-free vacation is definitely the most relaxing getaway.
Leyte Hospitals and Health Care
Leyte is one of the industrializing provinces in the Visayan region of the Philippines that feature inviting medical facilities. Leyte hospitals and health care institutions always provide good quality services to the residents and tourists in the province. Most of the medical establishments in the area have private rooms, wards and laboratory facilities. In addition to these, the institutes employ registered medical doctors as well as professional health care assistants. Below are some of the most popular and accessible health care establishments in the province.
Leyte Provincial Hospital
One of the public health care facilities in the area that offer efficient services is Leyte Provincial Hospital. To improve the quality of services that the establishment provides to patients, the provincial government initiated improvements in the facilities of the institute, which include the addition of new medical equipment like an ultrasound, a CT scan and several X-ray machines. Aside from these, the government also added 25 beds and 10 rooms. Consultation fees at this establishment are free and the costs of medicines and other treatments are cheaper than in other Leyte hospitals and health care facilities.
Dr. Jose Silao Memorial Hospital
Another health care facility that provides affordable medical services to the residents in the province is Dr. Jose Silao Memorial Hospital. This establishment employs medical doctors and health care professionals who have sufficient knowledge on the different areas of medicine like surgery, general medicine, pediatrics as well as obstetrics. To provide comfortable stays to patients who are admitted to the place, the administration of this health care institution decided to renovate and improve the facilities, rooms and wards of this establishment.
Bethany Hospital
Individuals who want to seek medical help in private health care establishments can always go to Bethany Hospital, which is situated in the City of Tacloban. It provides enough space for patients who need to be admitted because it has 125 beds. To make sure that all the patients will receive immediate treatments, this medical care establishment employs 175 medical staff and physicians. This facility is operated by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Even if this is a private hospital, the medical costs are not as high as in other tertiary health care establishments in the province.
Divine Word Hospital
Situated along Avenida Veteranos Street in Tacloban City, the Divine Word Hospital offers good quality medical and dental services to residents in the area. It also specializes in pediatrics, family medicine, surgery and emergency medicine. Since it is considered as a teaching hospital, some medical students enroll their internship at this health care facility.
