Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
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.
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 Personal Blogs
I learned to appreciate a lot of things because of being informed. I appreciate things if and only if it is possible to have a direct experience with it. When I started to learn appreciating music, it was not enough for me to just listen and watch concerts and see the bands play their stuffs. To satisfy my ‘appreciation’, I needed to learn music by playing and making them by myself using a musical instruments. Same goes with other things, like going to a place and exploring it. Before trying to be in a new place or location, I really try to have bits and pieces of information to really appreciate and ‘understand’ what is going on (well, my point here is for me to have a ‘feel of the place’). As for me, appreciation is more of setting expectations for myself than others trying to set expectations for me. It is like throwing questions to the tour guide than have the tour lead have it all the way. As for now I would like to discuss some facts about Leyte. I would be acting as a virtual ‘tour guide’.
A Bit of a History
Leyte had been actively trading with merchants from neighboring nations particularly with the Chinese until Spanish set foot to Limasawa in 1521. The local chieftains had been amicable in accepting the Portuguese navigator none other than Ferdinand Magellan. Since then the rural place had taken transition from simple rural living to a relatively modern lifestyle. However, some asserted that it was Ruy Lopez de Villabos was the first Spanish conquistador to be in the island in 1543 and coined it Las Islas Felipinas. One of the most significant historical events that took place in the surrounding seas of the island was the ‘Battle of Leyte Gulf’. The event occurred on October 1944. Its historical significance was the reclamation of the Allied forces of the island that spelled a crucial element for the victory of both Americans and Filipinos against the invading Japanese in the Philippines during the Second World War.
Leyte as of Today
The island of Leyte is composed of three (3) cities and forty (40) municipalities. The municipalities had been gathered into six (6) legislative or congressional districts. Tacloban City, the island’s main city had been declared highly-urbanized city way back 2008. However, the city of Ormoc is an independent component city. These two (2) cities have independent administration from the island itself meaning residents of these cities do not participate in electing provincial officials. The other city (technically speaking) is Baybay City.
Island’s Business
The main commerce or business in Leyte is mainly depends on agriculture. Planting rice is the main thing especially in the lower flatter areas like in Tacloban. Another economic drive for the island is coconut farming and making coconut oil has been an income generating trade for the island as well. Fishing is another main source of income among locals. Having the largest geothermal plant in Asia, Leyte has become one of the Philippines’ resource-rich provinces
Experiencing it Live
The Festival of Festivals which is the ‘Kasadya-an’ showcases the uniqueness and colorful history of Leyte. The word ‘Kasadya-an’ itself means gaiety, merrymaking or fun. The festivity is defined by lively, lovely and colorful parade that everybody would enjoy to see! The natives, in honoring the miraculous Señor Sto.Niño de Leyte, have their bodies painted (as Pintados). This has been a practice since the early times of the locals’ conversion to Christianity. This festivity has become one of the landmark occasions in Leyte. It only happens annually on the month end of June.
Leyte Island’s significance can never be completed without understanding or being aware of its history. I honestly had some goose bumps before getting to the island as I read the complete account of the battle of Leyte. I even pushed a simple tour around some safe locations in the Leyte Gulf just to fully understand and at least be one with those who had fought and offered their lives for the sake of freedom and this island. As for me, experiencing is ‘experiencing as’.
Ormoc Travel Guide
A popular and fast-developing first class place in the attractive province of Legazpi, Philippines, Ormoc City offers interesting destinations for foreigners and Filipino travelers to visit. For those who like to have a tour to this wonderful city, they can check out several Ormoc travel guides to at least have a background on places to visit, dine, and sleep. Hence, Ormoc travel guides are good references for they provide complete information on famous tourist attractions, hospitality service providers, and restaurants in this beautiful place.
Hotels in Ormoc City, Philippines
An attractive feature in Ormoc travel guides that people can always find helpful is the accommodation section, which provides detailed information on hospitality service providers in the city. For people who like to stay in hotels that have attractive facilities, they can check Ormoc travel guides for information on three-star and four-star hotels in the place such as Ormoc Villa Hotel, Don Felipe Hotel, and Sabin Resort Hotel. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that offer affordable rates, Ormoc travel guides also feature famous lodges and inns in Ormoc City, Philippines, which include Ormoc Friendly Inn, Sunnette Bay, as well as Ormoc Bay.
Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Regarding restaurants in the place, Ormoc travel guides also offer information on the famous dining spots in Ormoc City, Philippines, that serve mouth-watering and tasty dishes. For people who like to taste sumptuous Japanese meals, they can make advance bookings or reservations at El Comepor. On the other hand, for travelers who want to relax and unwind, they can order tasty and refreshing beverages at Don Quisote Bar. In addition, Ormoc travel guides also feature popular coffee shops in the city that are known for the sumptuous beverages and sandwiches that they serve, which include Bahia Coffee Shop.
Tourist Attractions in Ormoc City, Philippines
When it comes to tourist attractions or destinations in Ormoc City, tourists and travelers can enjoy and relax visiting recreational places that are usually featured in Ormoc travel guides like Leyte Golf and Country Club. Meanwhile, for people who prefer to do exciting sports in Ormoc City, they can also have fun in Omega Lane Billiard Hall, Ormoc Lanes Sports Center, and California Energy Housing Complex. Additionally, to those who like to test and improve their firing skills, they can always visit the famous and interesting firing range in Ormoc City, Philippines, named as Ormoc Gun Club and Firing Range.
Tacloban Travel Guide
One of the attractive tourist destinations in the province of Leyte, Tacloban City plays home to numerous beautiful sightseeing spots where people can relax, enjoy, and have fun. To have a safe and remarkable visit or vacation in Tacloban City, Philippines, it is important that tourists refer to Tacloban travel guides for the best places to visit in the area. Tacloban travel guides are helpful for it offers information on hotels and restaurants that provide efficient services to everyone.
Tourist Attractions in Tacloban City, Philippines
For the security of all travelers in Tacloban City, Philippines, Tacloban travel gudes provide knowledge on the beautiful tourist destinations in the place that are safe to visit. The city takes pride in its alluring natural and manmade tourist spots, which are commonly featured in Tacloban travel guides, like Santo Nino Shrine Museum, Leyte Provincial Capitol Building, and MacArthur Landing Memorial. Additionally, many Tacloban travel guides also feature festivals or special events in the city such as Pintados Kasadyaan Festival, Subiran Regatta, and Santo Nino de Leyte Fiesta. Furthermore, residents in the place value Christmas a lot, which is the reason why special presentations are usually organized in Tacloban City, like Misa de Gallo, during the yuletide season.
Hotels, Lodges and Inns in Tacloban City, Philippines
When it comes to hotels, lodges, and inns, travelers can refer to Tacloban travel guides for the famous hospitality service providers in the place. To accommodate tourists who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that offer elegant amenities, Tacloban travel guides feature five-star and four-star hotels in Tacloban City, Philippines, like Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban Plaza Hotel, and Hotel Alejandro. In addition, there are also lodges and inns featured at Tacloban travel guides, which commonly include Makabugwas Lodge, Golden Key Inn, and Maasin Country Lodge.
Restaurants in Tacloban City, Philippines
Aside from hospitality service providers, Tacloban travel guides also allot sections on dining or restaurant that serve special and mouth-watering dishes in the city. Some of the restaurants in the place that are featured in Tacloban travel guides are Calle Z Café, Giuseppe’s Italian-Filipino Restaurant, and Hugo’s Foodshop Mexican. In addition, the guides also offer knowledge on the menu and specialties of these dining places; San Pedro Bay Seafood, Ocho Seafood and Grill, as well as Agus Seafood Restaurant. Thus, with all the attractive and informative features of the travel guides, people can have a worry-free, exciting and enjoyable stay in the City of Tacloban.
Ormoc Restaurant Guide
A progressive, inviting, and famous city in Leyte, Philippines, Ormoc City takes pride in the beautiful restaurants that it features to everyone who visits the place. To make wise decisions concerning nice and fine dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines, to visit, there are Ormoc restaurant guides that travelers can always use or refer. These guides are useful tools for travelers since these offer important information on specialties, food prices, and locations of restaurants that people can visit in the city.
Cuisines and Specialties of Famous Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
When it comes to cuisines and specialties of famous dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines, people can always refer to Ormoc restaurant guides. Hence, for travelers and tourists who prefer to eat Filipino or native dishes, they can visit any of these dining places that are commonly featured in the guides; Manina’s Food House, as well as Chito’s Chow Bar and Restaurant. On the other hand, to assist travelers and tourists who crave for Japanese food, Ormoc restaurant guides commonly enumerate Japanese restaurants in the city such as El Comepor.
Locations of Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Aside from cuisines and specialties, most Ormoc restaurant guides also offer information on the locations of popular dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines. For those who are new to the place, there are accessible hotels that have restaurants where they can have a relaxing and refreshing meal. Three of the famous hospitality service providers in the place that feature restaurants are Ormoc Villa Hotel, Zenaida’s Chateau Tourist Inn and Restaurant, as well as Hotel Don Felipe. Other restaurants in the city that are easy to locate are Don Quisote Bar and Bahia Coffee Shop.
Price Range of Meals at Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Regarding affordability of meals, tourists who do not have enough budget to dine in fine dining restaurants, there are fast foods in Ormoc City, Philippines, which are commonly featured in Ormoc restaurant guides. For the price range of 50 pesos to 150 pesos, travelers can already have a decent dining experience at Jollibee. Meanwhile, for those who are still in search for cheaper meals, they can visit the Ormoc market where they can find small restaurants that serve delectable and native dishes like Lechon Baboy for as low as 200 pesos per kilo. Thus, to have a worry-free visit to Ormoc City, Philippines, every traveler is encouraged to refer to Ormoc restaurant guides to choose the dining places that will satisfy their cravings.
Leyte Beach Guide
Leyte and the south part of Leyte are basically connected to the important role these places had in the Philippine history. Today Leyte is becoming one of the best destinations to visit and have a vacation in the country. The beauty of Leyte is now rediscovered by more and more tourists.
1. White Beach – This is beach five miles or eight kilometers from the city of Tacloban. It is situated in the small town of San Jose. The water in this beach are peaceful and the current is not strong. There are many resorts in this beach you can choose from. The beach is pure and it is a good location where family and friends can have a picnic and enjoy the waters. Divers can also have a good time in this beach.
2. The Amihan Cebu Woodlands – This beach gives guest the experience of living in the province. It is ner Calubian and San Isidro. The waters of this beach is calm and the sounds you can hear all come from nature. There are coconut trees and Acacia trees everywhere. There are other plants, mangroves and flowers. There are some animals you can see walking around freely like cows.
3.Red Beach – This beach is located in the middle of the Baras town and Candahug town. This can be found six miles from the city. This beach is also important in the Philippine history. This was the beach where the troop of General MacArthur came to return to the country during the world war. Today you can see statues as landmark of the landing. People go to this beach for long walks and swimming. Today there are top class hotels and resorts in the beach. More foreigners have visited the place lately.
4.Bitu-On Beach – This is a beach in the town of San Roque in the south of Leyte. It can be reached by a motorized boat. The view in this beach is great and provides a good place for walking along the shore. Many people also gather shells from this beach while some go fishing.
5.Kuting Beach – This is found in Macrohon but this beach will dazzle unsuspecting tourists because the beach is also beautiful. This beach can be very quiet most of the time because few people come to this beach. The sand is so fine and silky to the skin.
6. Cuatro Islas – This is a group of islands in Leyte composed of four islands in all. The names are Digyo, Mahaba, Apid an Hiumokilan. They are populare because of the fine sands. There are many corals under the waters attracting many divers.
Leyte Restaurant Guide
Leyte is one of the best attractions in the Philippines mainly because of the beaches with clean waters and fine sand. There are many great diving areas in Leyte as well. Leyte’s local government plays an active part in promoting tourism for the province. Leyte is filled with many businesses like restaurants. There are many nice restaurants in Leyter offering different kinds of dishes that allows tourists and locals to have a good place to eat good food and get together.
1. Chito’s Chow Bar and Restaurant – This is the Leyte
restaurant popular for good Chinese cuisine. This restaurant
was established in the city of Ormoc. It is one of the favorite restaurants of the locals. They also offer some American dishes as well as well loved Filipino dishes. Some of their best sellers are seafood soup and dishes with noodles. The price of the dish can range from forty five pesos up to one hundred fifty pesos. This is one of the cheaper restaurants in Leyte. They also serve in huge portions. The whole restaurant is actually small and the design is simple. It has a laid back ambience which relaxes guests. This is situated in the superdome of Ormoc. You may inquire at 63-53-55-3520.
2. Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano-Filipino – This is a restaurant serving Filipino and Italian dishes. They serve cuisines in the authentic way. They use different ingredients to come up with the best taste that will match the Italian taste. Thier best sellers are pizzas, pastas, meats and seafood as well as salads for appetizers. They also serve some American dishes. Their top selling dish is the Pizza Napoletania, Arrostomisto. The Arrostomisto is one big platter with potatoes that have been mashed and different meats. The cost of a pasta dish starts at one hundred seventy five pesos. The smaller platters begin at one hundred twenty five pesos. They also serve gourment dishes. The whole restaurant has a modern appeal. It is situated at 173 Avenida Street in Tacloban. You can ask for a resevation by calling 63-53-321-49-10.
3. Ocho Seafood and Grill – This is a restaurant popular
for their seafood dishes. The guests should buy the raw fish
or any seafood in any stall before the restaurant. The restaurant
will then cook it for them. The cost of the dish will depend on the
recipe of the dish you order. It is situated at Senator Enage Street in the town 54 in the inner part of Tacloban. You may call them at 63-53-325-4171.
4. Rafael’s Farm and Garden Restaurant – This restaurant has a
refreshing ambience. Guests also love the beautiful landscape. It is inside a lagoon where there are many small waterfalls as well as small ponds. The experience in this restaurant is quite unique because it combines the great japanese ambience and the rural Filipino life. The food are all priced fairly. A full meal with some drinks can cost a person for less than two hundred fifty pesos. Some dishes can be served ala carte and the price ranges from eighty pesos up to one hundred fifty pesos. This restaurant is situated in the Pagsulhugon town in Leyte. You can ask for a booking
at 63-53-325-0729.
5. Calle Zaragosa – Many loyal patrons call this restaurant
as the Calle Z. It has become Leyte’s famous places to hang out.
The restaurant has a good ambinece where gatherings can happen. Most
of the dishes they serve are popular comfort meals. It is often
packed at night. They also have an al-fresco section. Their
best seller are the grilled foods. The costs of a meal is seventy five pesos. You may visit this restaurant in Tacloban at 39 Independencia Street.
6. Sunzibar – This is the restaurant that offers Leyte residents
and ttourists delicious Mexican dishes. You can order their best selling burritos, nachos and tortialls. They offer a cozy atmosphere. Some dishes costs eighty pesos.The price of a complete
meal begins at one hundred fifteen pesos. It is situated in Tacloban at Burgos Street. You can call them at 63-53-523-4565.
Tacloban Sightseeing Guide
Tacloban is a city in Leyte,Philippines. It is three hundred sixty miles from Manila. This city has its own port. This city is in the eastern portion of Visayas. This city was called Kankabatok before because of the people who lived there known as Kabatoks. The city’s name was altered when the Spanish arrived and it became Tacloban. The name Tacloban came from the taraklub which was one of the ways fishermen would catch seafood. It was a covering for the sea animals.
The climate in Tacloban differ each month. The warm months can be from April until June. The cooler months are around December until January. The whole year though the cities like the rest of the Philippines get a fair amount of rain. May is perhaps the driest month of all.
There are many things you can do in Tacloban. One of them is enjoying the city’s Pintados Festival. This is a festival that is celebrated for one whole month. It happens around the last week of June. The city highlights the native dances and they hold parades. They recall Tacloban’s history before the conquerors came. You can also visit some of the best landmarks you can see in the Philippines like the MacArthur Memorial, Boy Scouts Monument,San Juanico Bridge and Palo Cathedral. San Juanico is the country’s longest suspended bridge. You can also visit the Shrine and Museum of Santo Niño.
Accommodations are not a huge problem in Tacloban. There are many cheaper accomodations where you can sleep in the city. The cheapest cost of accommodation today is at three hundred pesos while the expensive one is in a hotel costing for two thousand pesos or more. It is still advisable that yuo book where you want to stay before you arrive there. You can choose from several first class hotels or resorts. There are cheaper inns and hostels as well with basic amenities too. Most of the hotels are in Rizal Avenue like Hotel D’ Angelo.
Tacloban has plenty of restaurants where you can dine with your friends and family. There are many cafes where you can enjoy your breakfast and snacks too. Ayo Cafe is one of these places where they offer fine pastries and sweets. They also serve salads and pastas. There are restaurants for seafood lovers and there are restaurants for those who like vegetables. One of the best restaurants offering seafood is San Pedro Bay restaurant.
There are some restaurants for elegant dining like Ritz Tower and Veranda Cafe. There are many fast food chains all over the city as well for those who want to save on money.
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.