Leyte Island Travel Guide
Plan the perfect Leyte Island getaway with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, best accommodations, and helpful tips.
- Introduction to Leyte Island
- List of Places to Visit in Leyte Island
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Leyte Island
- Best Things to Do in Leyte Island: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Leyte Island
- Food and Drink Scene of Leyte Island
- Where to Stay in Leyte Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Leyte Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Leyte Island
- Best Time to Visit Leyte Island
- Do’s and Don’ts of Leyte Island
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Leyte Island: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Leyte Island
- Where to Go Next from Leyte Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Leyte Island
Leyte Island is located in Visayas, Philippines, which belongs to the Southeast Asian region. This lush paradise offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural landmarks that cater to different interests, making it a great destination for solo travelers, families, and adventure-seekers alike.
List of Places to Visit in Leyte Island
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
This park is a popular attraction in Leyte Island, commemorating General Douglas MacArthur’s historic return to the Philippines in 1944. There is a large statue of MacArthur at the park, as well as a museum with interesting artifacts from World War II.
Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
Located in Tacloban City, this museum showcases a collection of religious artifacts and memorabilia from the Marcoses, one of the prominent families in the Philippines.
Natural Attractions of Leyte Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman Island is a remote white-sand island that is perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It features crystal-clear waters and scenic views, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and camping.
Lake Danao National Park
This natural park covers an impressive 2,193 hectares of land and water, featuring a stunning crater lake that is perfect for kayaking and fishing. The whole area is surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic views that are perfect for hiking and camping.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Leyte Island
Leyte Island is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike and bike. Visitors who want to experience Leyte’s hiking and biking trails can check out the following routes:
- Leyte Mountain Trail
- Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park Trail
- Pagsanghan River Trail
- Bimtabaan Rice Terraces Trail
Best Things to Do in Leyte Island: Activities and Tours
Aside from hiking and biking, Leyte Island also offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to different interests. Visitors who want to have a more structured itinerary can check out the following activities and tours:
- Day trip to Kalanggaman Island
- Island hopping tour
- Historical and cultural tour of Tacloban City
- Caving and spelunking tour
Week-Long Itinerary for Leyte Island
Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for those who want to make the most out of their Leyte Island stay:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Tacloban City; Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum visit |
| 2 | Kalanggaman Island day trip |
| 3 | Lake Danao National Park visit; hiking and camping |
| 4 | Pagsanghan River Trail hike; caving and spelunking tour |
| 5 | Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park hike; hot springs visit; Bimtabaan Rice Terraces Trail hike |
| 6 | MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park visit; historical and cultural tour of Tacloban City |
| 7 | Departure from Tacloban City |
Food and Drink Scene of Leyte Island
Leyte Island boasts a diverse food and drink scene that blends local and international flavors. Visitors who want to try out the local cuisine can check out the following must-try dishes:
Must-Try Dishes
- Binagol - A famous dessert made of coconut milk and sweet potato
- Moron - A sticky rice cake with chocolate filling
- Kinilaw - A type of ceviche made with fresh fish, vinegar, and spices
- Humba - A sweet and savory pork dish that is braised until tender
Local Beverages
- Suman Latik - A rice cake with sweet coconut caramel sauce
- Bahalina - A traditional Filipino wine made from nipa palm sap
- Coconut juice - A refreshing drink made from fresh coconuts
Where to Stay in Leyte Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Leyte Island offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Leyte Island:
- Hotel Alejandro
- The Oriental Leyte
- Ironwood Hotel
- GV Hotel Tacloban
What to Buy in Leyte Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors who want to bring home a piece of Leyte Island can check out the following local products and souvenirs:
- Binagol and Moron
- Handwoven mats
- Shell crafts and jewelry
- Tuba (coconut wine)
Local Culture and Customs of Leyte Island
The people of Leyte Island are warm and friendly, always welcoming visitors with a smile. Visitors are advised to observe the following customs:
- Always greet locals with a smile
- Remove footwear before entering homes and places of worship
- Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting churches and temples
Best Time to Visit Leyte Island
The best time to visit Leyte Island is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. This is when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Leyte Island
Do:
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Be mindful of the environment and dispose of trash properly
- Follow safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities
Don’t:
- Disrespect the privacy of locals
- Litter or damage natural resources
- Engage in illegal activities
Safety and Health
Safety in Leyte Island
Leyte Island is generally safe for tourists. Visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Keep valuables such as wallets and phones secure
- Use registered taxis or public transportation
Health in Leyte Island
Visitors are advised to drink bottled water and avoid street food to prevent foodborne illnesses. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever are also a concern, so it is recommended to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
Getting to Leyte Island: Transportation Options and Logistics
Getting to Leyte Island is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. Visitors can get to Leyte Island via:
Airports Near Leyte Island
- Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban)
Bus Stations Near Leyte Island
- Ormoc City Integrated Bus Terminal
- Tacloban City Bus Terminal
Other Options
- Private car or van rental
- Jeepney or tricycle
How to Get Around in Leyte Island
Visitors can explore Leyte Island via public transportation such as tricycles, jeepneys, or taxis. Private car or van rentals are also available for those who want more flexibility in their itinerary.
Where to Go Next from Leyte Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors who want to explore nearby destinations from Leyte Island can check out the following places:
- Samar Island
- Bohol Island
- Cebu Island
Conclusion
A visit to Leyte Island offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures and cultural landmarks that makes for a memorable and fulfilling trip. With breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, it is no wonder why this island paradise is gaining popularity among tourists. Plan your trip now and experience the beauty of Leyte Island for yourself.
