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Eastern Visayas is an enchanting region that features breathtaking natural scenery, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a variety of culinary delights, making it a perfect getaway for every kind of traveler.
| Swimming with the gentle giants of Southern Leyte’s waters |
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Photography: David Hettich Source: lovethephilippines.travel
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Officially recognized as Region VIII, it consists of six provinces: Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar and Southern Leyte, with Tacloban City serving as the regional capital.
The region’s main attraction lies in its abundant marine biodiversity, surrounded by pristine dive sites teeming with a wide variety of marine flora and fauna.
In addition, visitors can explore natural geological marvels such as the rock formations at Biri and Capul, as well as volcanic lakes like Lake Danao. For those who love road trips, the scenic coastal highways and the iconic San Juanico Bridge linking Leyte and Samar are a must-see.
Below is a compilation of attractions and activities to experience in each province, among many others.
Biliran
- Sambawan Island: Located off the coast of Maripipi, this tropical island is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. It features white sand, clear waters, and rolling hills with panoramic views from the highest point.
- Higatangan Island: Known for its shifting sandbar that changes shape with the tides, this island is perfect for walking along the beach.
- Dalutan Island: A smaller island near Almeria, it features a white sand beach and abundant marine life ideal for snorkeling.
- Maripipi Island: Known as the last frontier of the province, this is the only island municipality in Biliran. It is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds and offers snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- Talahid Beach Resort: Located in Almeria, this budget-friendly resort has white sand, paddle boats, and cottages for relaxation.
- Ulan-ulan Falls: Found in the hinterland of Almeria, this picturesque waterfall is named for its cascade that resembles rain. You’ll need a short trek to reach the falls.
- Tinago Falls: A majestic, tranquil cascade in Caibiran with a wide, deep pool.
- Tomalistis Falls: Located in Caibiran, this unique spot has a waterfall with sweet-tasting water that flows directly into the sea.
- Busai Dream Falls: Situated in Cabucgayan, this waterfall features multi-tiered cascades and lush surroundings.
- Iyosan Rice Terraces: These terraces in Cabucgayan offer scenic views and showcase the agricultural landscape of the province.
- Canaan Hill Farms: A farm and nature resort in Caibiran with a serene atmosphere.
- Libtong Hot Springs: Located in Naval, this spot offers a relaxing retreat with natural hot springs.
Eastern Samar
- Balangiga Church: This church is famous for the Balangiga bells, which were taken by American troops during the Philippine-American War in 1901 and returned to the Philippines in 2018 after 117 years. The bells are now displayed in the San Lorenzo de Martir Parish Church in the town of Balangiga.
- Homonhon Island: This island near Guiuan is historically significant as it is believed to be the first place Ferdinand Magellan and his crew set foot in the Philippines in 1521.
- St. Anthony of Padua Parish Sulangan: Located in Guiuan, this Diocesan church is a popular pilgrimage site due to the stories of miracles attributed to its patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua.
- Tubabao: In 1949, this island in Guiuan served as a refugee camp for over 6,000 White Russians escaping Communist rule in mainland China.
- Calicoan Island: Dubbed the "Surfing Capital of the Visayas," this island in Guiuan is famous for its white sand beaches, challenging reef breaks, and waves from the Pacific Ocean, which are best from November to April. ABCD Beach is a particularly well-known surf spot.
- Image of Divinubo Island
- Divinubo Island: A short boat ride from Borongan, this island features white sand beaches, a rustic lighthouse, and caves for spelunking.
- Ando Island Seaport: Also in Borongan, this “long island” has many white sand beaches and is popular for swimming and snorkeling.
- Minasangay Island Ecological Park and Resort: This ecological park in Balangkayan features mangrove forests and a marine sanctuary where you can swim, snorkel, and feed fish.
- Canhugas Nature Park: Located in Hernani, this park is known for its large rock formations and powerful waves crashing against the Pacific coast. Visitors can climb the rocks for a scenic view or swim in the natural or man-made pools.
- Linao Cave and Lagoon: Found in Guiuan, this cave has a clear natural pool fed by fresh water. The entrance can be accessed by rappelling or a water-filled tunnel.
- Amandaraga Falls: This "hidden natural wonder" in Lawaan requires a trek to reach, but rewards visitors with a scenic view and crystal-clear waters.
- Ban-awan Falls: The highest waterfall in Lawaan, this cascade has clear blue waters and a pool surrounded by trees.
Leyte
- MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park: Located in the municipality of Palo, this monument features seven bronze statues of General Douglas MacArthur and his men wading ashore at "Red Beach." It commemorates the American forces’ return in 1944.
- San Juanico Bridge: This iconic bridge connects the islands of Leyte and Samar and is the longest bridge in the Philippines that crosses a body of seawater.
- Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum: This is a former residential palace in Tacloban City built by Ferdinand Marcos and designed by Imelda Marcos. It is now a museum that showcases artifacts, historical photos, and beautiful interiors.
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration: This cathedral in Palo served as a hospital for wounded American and Filipino soldiers during World War II.
- Limasawa Island: This small island off the coast of Southern Leyte is believed to be the site of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines in 1521.
- Kalanggaman Island: This highly-rated island in Palompon is famous for its stunningly long, white sandbar that extends into the clear turquoise waters.
- Canigao Island: A small, inhabited island near Matalom, this is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the white sand beaches.
- Cuatro Islas: This group of four small islands (Digyo, Mahaba, Apid, and Himokilan) is located in Inopacan and offers a unique island-hopping experience. Digyo Island is known for its powdery white sand.
- Tangkaan Beach: In Southern Leyte, this beautiful beach is known for its clear waters and rock formations.
- Lake Danao: Found in Ormoc City, this park features a scenic, violin-shaped lake and offers cooler climates than other parts of Leyte. Visitors can go boating or hike the surrounding rainforest.
- Napantao Marine Sanctuary: This world-class diving spot in Southern Leyte is known for its incredible biodiversity, with a variety of colorful corals, diverse fish, and invertebrates.
- Mahagnao Volcano National Park: Located in Burauen, this park offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with hot springs, waterfalls, a crater lake, and lush rainforests.
- Agas-Agas Bridge: This is the highest bridge in the Philippines, towering over a deep gorge in Southern Leyte. It’s a popular spot for thrill-seekers, with ziplining and rope courses available.
Northern Samar
- Biri Rock Formations: Biri Island, located off the northern coast of Samar, is famous for its massive rock formations that have been carved by the Pacific Ocean over millions of years. The rock formations include Magasang, Bel-at, and Magsapad, and offer breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
- Pink Beach: Situated on Sila Island in the municipality of San Vicente, this is a must-visit destination for its unique pink sand. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and free dive in the area.
- Capul Island: This island features a historic fortified church that is a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a Spanish-era lighthouse. The lighthouse is especially scenic during sunset.
- White Sand Beach: Located in Allen, this beach is a hidden gem known for its pristine white sand and clear blue-green waters.
- Malobaroc Beach: Found in Mondragon, this beach offers a tranquil getaway with powdery white sand.
- Cabacungan Beach: Also in Allen, this beach features white sand, clear, shallow waters perfect for kids, and accommodations like cottages and guesthouses.
- Pinipisakan Falls and Sulpan Cave: Found in the municipality of San Jorge, Pinipisakan is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall that cascades into a clear, natural pool. It is a challenging trek to get to, and above the falls is the entrance to Sulpan Cave.
- Busay Falls: Located in San Isidro, this picturesque waterfall is known for its two huge vertical rock walls and a deep plunge pool.
- Langun-Gobingob Caves: Situated in Calbiga, this is the largest cave system in the Philippines and a premier destination for spelunking.
- Dalakit Boulevard: Found in Catarman, the provincial capital, this is a popular spot for relaxing, enjoying the view, and watching activities like skimboarding. It is open 24/7.
Samar
- Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park: Located in Basey, this national park features a vast network of caves, waterfalls, and a natural limestone bridge. Visitors can kayak through the Kadak-an River to see the impressive rock formations and enter the Sohoton Cave.
- Langun-Gobingob Caves: The largest cave system in the Philippines is found in Calbiga. This challenging spelunking destination includes massive chambers, underground rivers, and rock formations. Guided tours are available, with options ranging from one to three days.
- Tarangban Falls: Situated in Calbayog, this stunning waterfall is praised for its refreshing water and lush greenery. A tour guide must be booked from the local barangay officials.
- Lulugayan Falls and Eco Village: Nicknamed the "Mini Niagara of the Philippines," this wide curtain waterfall in Calbiga flows into a natural pool.
- Ulot River Torpedo Boat Adventure: This adrenaline-pumping activity in Paranas involves riding a motorized traditional boat down the river’s rapids.
- San Juanico Bridge: As the longest bridge in the Philippines, it connects the islands of Samar and Leyte and offers a panoramic view of the San Juanico Strait. You can walk or bike across the bridge.
- Looc: Located in Calbayog, this scenic beach offers a zipline that connects to a nearby islet.
- Buri Baras Beach: A public beach in Catbalogan with clean water and inflatable islands. It is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
- Image of Mombon Beach
- Mombon Beach: Located on a small island off the coast of Daram, this tranquil beach is known for its exceptionally clear water.
- Image of Spice Of Life Beach
- Spice Of Life Beach: This secluded, tree-covered cove in Western Samar offers a quiet, sandy beach with calm water.
Southern Leyte
- Napantao Marine Sanctuary: Located in Sogod Bay, off Panaon Island, this area is a diver’s paradise known for its vibrant reef life and a magnificent wall that plunges to 50 meters. It’s especially popular with underwater photographers and is home to pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and other marine life.
- Tagbak Marine Park: Found in Liloan, this is a more private marine sanctuary where you can go snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Entrance fees are minimal.
- Limasawa Island: A historic island considered the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines. Visitors can see a shrine commemorating the first mass, go hiking to a lighthouse for panoramic views, or enjoy the beaches and rock formations at the Limasawa Island Lagoon.
- Tangkaan Beach: Often called "Leyte’s Boracay," this white sand beach in Padre Burgos is known for its clear water, rock formations, and view of Limasawa Island. It is a very affordable destination.
- Molopolo White Beach: This quiet, white sand beach in Liloan has calm waters, making it suitable for children. It is a relaxing spot for swimming and snorkeling, especially for those looking to avoid crowds.
- La Playa De Elena: Located in Macrohon, this beach resort is a great spot for family outings. It has rooms for overnight stays and offers stunning sunset views.
- Agas-Agas Bridge: One of the highest bridges in the country, this impressive structure in Sogod offers spectacular panoramic views of the lush greenery and surrounding mountains. A viewing deck is available for visitors.
- Monte Cueva Shrine: This sacred and peaceful cave shrine in Maasin City has a chapel carved inside a natural rock formation.
- Guinsuhotan Cave and Cagnitoan Falls: A hidden gem in Maasin that offers cool water and beautiful natural scenery. A local guide is recommended for visitors not familiar with the area.
- Maasin Cathedral: Built during the Spanish era, this cathedral is a historic landmark and a place of worship in the provincial capital.
The food culture in Eastern Visayas is celebrated for its fresh seafood, traditional sweets known as kakanin, and the extensive use of coconut milk along with local root vegetables. Given that the region consists primarily of islands, its culinary offerings reflect the bounty of the sea and the agricultural treasures of the region.
When it comes to accommodations, Eastern Visayas provides a variety of choices ranging from luxurious hotels to more affordable lodging options. Notable establishments include the Leyte Park Resort Hotel in Tacloban and the beachfront resorts in Kalanggaman and Biliran, which cater to diverse tastes and budgets.
Eastern Visayas is a place that harmoniously blends culture, history, and natural beauty, offering an enriching experience for any traveler. If you seek to unwind on pristine beaches, discover verdant terrains, and engage with local customs and traditions, Eastern Visayas presents a viable choice.
Destinations in Eastern Visayas
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