DIY TRAVEL GUIDE: Leyte Province (Northern Leyte)

Lakwatseng Ligaw Wednesday, May 17, 2017

 

Leyte is an island in the Philippines that was divided into two provinces, Leyte Province (Northern Leyte) & Southern Leyte. The division of the island into two provinces was due to the difficulty of managing the government affairs of the entire island from the main city (Tacloban). Another reason is the language barrier for Cebuano-speaking South-westerner and the Waray Easterners. Many of them also understand English and Tagalog.
The historical name of the Philippines "Las Islas Filipinas", used to refer to the island of Leyte and Samar until it's adapted to refer to the entire archipelago. Leyte Province (Northern Leyte) has 2 major cities, the capital Tacloban City and the more independent Ormoc City.  Tacloban, was the seat of the Philippine Government during the Liberation of 1944.
It is connected to Samar by the San Juanico Strait, the world's narrowest yet most navigable strait. It's one of the attractions in Leyte for it's beautiful islets are scattered on this emerald green waters punctuated by infinite whirlpools. Most ideal for kayaking, and snorkeling. Built on this strait is the longest and beautifully designed bridge in the Philippines. It connects the provinces of Leyte and Samar.  It seems impossible but former President Ferdinand Marcos made it possible, for his wife Imelda Romualdez Marcos, so people say.
The very popular  traditional and well-known dance, in the Philippines called Tinikling originated from this island. This dance involves two people beating, tapping and sliding two bamboo poles while two or more dancers step over and in between the poles. This dance requires grace, skill and focus. One wrong move and your feet will get caught and crashed by bamboo poles.
This promised land is the largest of the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.  It's most famous for it's role in the re-conquest of the Philippines from the Japanese in the World War II. General Douglas MacArthur, an American General and Field Marshall, made a promise to return to the province when when he left to Australia to prevent the capture by the Japanese soldiers. In his speech he declared, "I came through and I shall return".
|"Tacloban was briefly the capital of the Philippines, from October 20, 1944 to February 27, 1945" |

 On October 20, 1944, he fulfilled that promise and waded ashore Leyte, saying, "I have returned".  A landing memorial was built in Palo, Leyte, though his actual landing happened in Dulag Beach, Leyte. His return, however, did not stop the Japanese from taking over the Philippines, resulting to the four-day Battle of Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle in history.
In 2013, Leyte was included in history yet again, when it was hit by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).  One of the strongest typhoons ever recorded in history. It has taken thousands of life and left millions affected – many have been left homeless.
Tacloban City is the transportation hub and the center of trade and industry, culture, education, communication and tourism of Eastern Visayas. It's the main gateway to get to the tourist attractions in Leyte and other neighboring provinces. To get there, here are the options:

 OPTION 1: BY PLANE
There are 3 local airlines that operate from Manila to Tacloban City and vice versa. Philippine Airlines - the biggest and the country's flag carrier, Cebu Pacific - the cheapest and Air Asia - the newest airline that service Manila to Tacloban. Check their website to get the latest and updated flight details for Tacloban City.
There are no international direct flights yet to Daniel Z. Romualdez International Airport, also known as Tacloban City Airport so you will have to fly to Manila first or to other international airports in the country to get there. Below are the list of international airports in the Philippines. Please check if there ARE flights available from any of these airports to Tacloban Airport.

Name
Location
Bacolod Airport
Bacolod
Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Davao
General Santos International Airport
General Santos
Iloilo International Airport
Iloilo
Kalibo Airport
Kalibo
Laoag International Airport
Laoag

Travel time from Manila to Tacloban via air is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airfare starts from ₱3,500.00 (US$70.00) depending on your preferred travel dates. Visit the airlines website for the latest fare. If you sign-up for their newsletters, you can get updates on sale and promos. Promo sale can go below ₱1,000.00 (US$20.00) for local flights.

OPTION 2: BY FERRIES (From Cebu)
Cebu City Pier 1 Passengers' Terminal
The province can also be reached via the fast ferries and slow ferries or RoRo (Roll-On Roll-Off) vessels from Cebu. Sailing time depends on which port in Leyte you want to get-off and which mode of sailing you prefer. From Cebu, fast ferry takes approximately 5 hours, while the slow ferry (RoRo) takes approximately 12 hours, including land travel to Tacloban City. Below are the details of the shipping companies the operate from Cebu to Leyte.
PIER 1
 Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc.
 Committed to give excellent and quality services for the complete satisfaction of passengers and shippers.
 Address: Cokaliong Tower, Don Sergio Osmeña Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
 Contact Person: Mrs. Anna Lynne Cokaliong 
 Phone#: +63(32)232-7211 to 18
 Email: fjpcustomerservice@yahoo.com | fjpmarketing@yahoo.com
 Website:  http://www.cokaliongshipping.com/
F.J. Palacio Lines Incorporated
Address: Corner Mabini and Zulueta Streets, Cebu City 6000
Phone# (Office): +63(32) 255-4540 | +63(32)255-4538 | +63(32)254-4540
Phone# (Booking): +63(32) 253-7700
 Email: jpcustomerservice@yahoo.com
 Website:  https://www.facebook.com/FJ-Palacio-Lines-INC-262413610437904/about/
PIER 2
 Roble Shipping Inc.
Bringing passengers and cargoes to their destinations by acquiring and maintaining top class vessels and implementing global competence in our procedures to assure safety and comfort in sea travel.
Address: Roble Building, E.S. Baclig T., Padilla Extension, North Reclemation Area, Cebu City
Trunk Line: +63(32)419-1190 to 95 | +63(32)260-1921 to 23
Pier 3: +63(32)412-3183 | +63(32)401-3971
Ormoc Office: +63(53)255-7613 | +63(53)516-2801
Hilongos Office: +63(53)567-8042
 Baybay Office: +63(53)563-7487 | +63(53)335-3550
 Website: http://www.robleshipping.com/

Maypalad Shipping Lines
 Address: Sergio Osmeña Building, cor. V. Sotto Street, Cebu City
 Phone#: +63(32)416-6881 | +63(32)253-5435 | +63(32)412-6882
 Website:  https://www.facebook.com/Maypalad-Shipping-LINES-282920945163170/
PIER 4
Cebu Ferries
 Address: Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, Philippines
 Phone#: +63(32)232-1181 | +63(32)233-7000
 Mobile: +63(918)-994-2421
Weesam Express
Always strive to be the best by offering fast and reliable service.
 Address: Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
 Phone#: +63(32)412-9562 | +63(32)231-7737
 Hotline: +63(53)561-0080 
 Mobile#: +63(917)301-8551 | +63(922)866-0343 | +63(917)301-9161
Ormoc City: +63(53)561-0080
 Website:  http://www.weesamexpress.net/
PIER 7
 Super Shuttle Roro
Address: #38 Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City 6000
 Phone#: +63(32)232-3150| +63(32) 31-0639 | +63(32)234-4121 | +63(32) 45-5581
 Website: http://supershuttleroro.com/

DANAO PIER
 E.B. Aznar Shipping Corporation
 Address: Room 203, Aznar Building, T. Padilla Street, Cebu City 6000
 Phone#: (032) 234-4624 to 29
 Website:  https://www.facebook.com/EB-Aznar-Shipping-Corporation-1701512213470502/
To get the updated trip & fare schedules for both fast ferries and RoRo from Cebu to Leyte, please visit: 

 OPTION 3: BY BUS
 For a cheaper, but longer travel to Leyte fro Manila, you can take one of the buses from Pasay and Cubao terminals.  Travel time and fare depend on where in Leyte you are going. Below are the bus companies that operate from Manila to Leyte:
Philtranco Bus
 Address: EDSA Corner, Apelo Cruz Street, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1300
Phone#:+63(2)851-8078 to 79
Reservation: +63(917)860-4418
 Website: http://philtranco.net/

UltrabusPintados Bus
Mobile#: +63(928)372-0870 (Cubao) | +63(91)-579-9133 (Pasay)
Phone#: +63(2)984-7255
Email: ultrabuscompany@yahoo.com
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1128604103902620.1073741868.1002663613163337&type=3

CUL Transport Address: 12-T Lilac Street, West Fairview, Quezon City
Phone#: +63(2)913-1512 (Quezon City) | +63(2)441-8860 (EDSA) | +63(2)853-9912
(Pasay)
Website: www.facebook.com/CULTransport

Eagle Star Bus Lines
Address: 56 Mirasol St. Brgy. San Roque, Cubao,; Quezon City, Philippines
Phone#: +63(55)560-9008
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eaglestar-Bus-Terminal-Cubao/1456942774540687

Mega Bus Lines Corporation
Address: 451, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Mobile#: +63(912)796-6439  | +63(920)783-6636
Website: https://www.facebook.com/megabuslinescorp329/

PP Bus Lines
Address: 1109, 96 20th Ave, Project 4, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone#: +63(53)321-8075
Mobile#: +63(930)125-2388
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pp-Bus-Terminal/291671087636952

Silver Star Bus Lines
Address: General Araneta Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
Phone#: +63(2)439-8768
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silverstar-Bus/451883928217303 

For the trip & fare schedules, please visit:
Klook.com 

 
We Filipinos are very lucky to have a lot of modes of transportation to choose from. Wherever you go in any province in the Philippines, there are jeepneys, tricycles and even pedicab (cycle rickshaw) to take you to your desired destination. I've been to Brunei and while were there, it made me appreciate our various modes of transportation. We had to hitched hike just to go back to our their museum and back to the hotel.
Leyte Province even after it was hit by super typhoon Yolanda, is already back on its feet and back to their normal operation, including its transportation system. Below are the many ways to get from the airport to all over Tacloban City, see below.

Pedicab (Cycle Rickshaw)
For a short travel or just for the fun of it, you can take a Pedicab in Tacloban. Aside from being one of the means of transportation in the province, it's also one of their means of income. It's part of the livelihood assistance given by the government to the people to give them jobs. Fare is ₱10.00 per trip.

Tricycle
Lake almost all of the provinces in the Philippines, tricycle is the main and the easiest mode of transportation in Leyte. Whenever it's available, you can always ask the driver to take you to places or attractions as long as they are allowed to operate there. The last time we went there, special trip costs ₱60.00 and regular fare is ₱8.00.

Jeepney
Jeepneys are the cheapest way to travel all around the city. It's a bit confusing at first, but drivers and locals are very helpful and willing to help. When you tell the driver the attraction you want to visit, he will drop-you off to the nearest place where you can walk or take a tricycle to take you to that attraction. Most of the attractions in the city are along the highway, anyway so it's not that difficult. Fare is ₱8.00 one way trip.
Bus
To get to the farthest towns in Leyte, local buses are available and located in their own terminals in Tacaloban City. When you feel like you are lost, please ask the locals as they are very helpful.
Taxi
 Taxis are available to fetch you from the airport or hotel to take you any destination within the city and sub-urban towns. Taxi fare in Tacloban city is also metered, but for special trips, pick-up and drop-offs, that rate will be standard. It mostly costs from ₱250.00, always try to haggle to get the better price.
Car Rental
 For convenience, there are a lot of car rentals in Leyte that will take you to your preferred attractions. Price ranges from Make sure you haggle to get the best price. For the list of car for rent, please visit: Rent a Car in Tacloban City
Helpful Tip:
  • When walking around the city and crossing streets, always follow the traffic rules. The city is very strict with the "No-Jaywalking Ordinance". As a tourist you might not be penalized when caught, but it's not always the case. Tacloban, even though it's a city already, is still a bit laid back so please be patient.
  • Some driver will try to charge you more than the agreed price after the trip, like what happened to us. Just make sure to negotiate and stand your ground when this happens to you. 
 
For the complete list of hotels in Leyte, please visit the:  Complete List of Hotels & Inns in Leyte Province
Hotel Alejandro's Twin Bedroom


There's a lot of things to see in Leyte Province, but if you don't have enough time, these are the must see attractions:
1. San Juanico Bridge
Formerly called Marcus Bridge, it is named the longest and beautifully designed bridge in the Philippines.  It measures 2.16 kilometers (1.34mi), connecting the two provinces, Samar and Leyte. It was built to facilitate faster movement between the two provinces. You probably won't believe it, but  this bridge, being the longest in the Philippines, was completed in only 4 years. Faster than the road in our barangay that took a decade before it's completed.  
 Address: Pan-Philippine Hwy, Santa Rita, Leyte, Philippines  
 Total Length: 7,218′   Height: 135′    
 Construction Started: 1969    
 Opened: 1973
2. San Juanico Strait
San Juanico Strait is the world's narrowest yet most navigable strait lies between the islands of Samar and Leyte. Beautiful islets are scattered on this emerald green waters punctuated by infinite whirlpools. Most ideal for kayaking, and snorkeling.  
 Address: Pan-Philippine Hwy, Santa Rita, Leyte, Philippines
 Length: 38 kilometres (24 mi)
 Width:  2 kilometers (1.2 mi).
A family owned farm that offers sumptuous food and beautiful scenery.  There's a man-made lake where you can enjoy a boat ride (for rent) while taking in the view. Across the lake is a bridge, resembling the shape of San Juanico Bridge. Both a restaurant and a park, it has become one of the favorite places for locals and tourists.  
 Address: Baranggay Pagsulhugon, Babatngon Leyte, Leyte, Philippines
 Phone#: +63(53)325-0729  
 Business Hours: 24 Hours (Daily)  
 Entrace Fee: ₱20.00 (if not going to eat and will just take photos inside)
The monument that marks the spot where General Douglas MacArthur landed with the American Liberation Forces in 1944. This was declared a national historical landmark on 2004. True to his famous promise "I Shall Return", he did come back to redeem the Philippines from the Japanese.
Address: Palo, Leyte, Philippines    
Area: 17 acres    
Established: July 12, 1977

5. Sto. Nino Shrine & Heritage Museum
This 2-story building that is often confused with the Sto. Niño Church is located in Real Street. This was built in honor of the city's patron saint.  It houses all of the Marcoses' expensive collections; from floor carpets from Argentina, chandeliers from Czech Republic, mirrors from Austria, tiles from Italy, jars from China, among others.
Address: Real St, Downtown, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines  
Business Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)  
Entrance Fee: ₱290.00 (Group of 4 with just one camera)  
Additional Fees: ₱60.00 (Extra Camera)

6. People's Library and Convention Center
This is located just beside the Sto. Niño Shrine (right side). This huge building according to travel guide is where one can find 82 dioramas of Philippine cultural minorities plus a collection of historical documents and artifacts on Leyte and Samar. Unfortunately, the huge part of this place was converted into a bazaar area. Faded walls, garbage everywhere and stalls in and out of the building can be seen.

 Address: Real St, Downtown, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines (just beside Sto. Nino Museum)
Once the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth Government on 1944 under President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. Constructed in 1917, completed and inaugurated in 1924. The original edifice was renovated, expanded and beautified 40 years after. With it's neoclassical design, the capitol hold its own charm, specially at night when the lights are illuminating its white paint. Murals depicting the First Christian Mass in the Limawasa and General Douglas MacArthur's Landing are standing beside both sides of the Capitol.
 Address: Senator Enage St., Tacloban City, Leyte
 Contact Number: (053) 321-3416
Open Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)
Entrance Fee: None
8. CAP Building (Formerly Price Mansion)
This American-style mansion built by Walter Price in 1910 is located in Romualdez corner Sto. Niño Streets. It was used as headquarter and official residence of General MacArthur during the world war. His memorabilia can still be found in this building. I really wondered why this old house was not renovated, specially when it holds a special part in history and I later found out that it's intentional. No major alterations were made to preserve the architecture of this historical landmark.
Address: Romualdez corner Sto. Niño Streets, Tacloban City
Entrance Fee: None

9. Crucified Christ and the Map of Leyte Pilgrim Monument
The statue has the image of the crucified Christ on one side and what makes it unique with other image is the map of Leyte on the other side.
 Address: Kanruhaw Hill, Tacloban City
10. Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine
Just below the Crucified Christ is the Madonna of Japan Shrine with the statue of Maria Kanon, the Goddess of Peace. This was donated by Japan to the Philippines as a symbol of peace and friendship. Read more>>
11. Sto. Nino Church
This church is considered the most important religious site in the province because it houses the miraculous image of their patron.  The church's belfry is visible from the plane approaching the airport. Here is where my friend got married.  I wasn't able to check the church because of the wedding but I can say it's a big church.   It's a walking distance from Hotel Alejandro, but if you rather ride, the tricycle's fare is ₱8.00 only.
12. Leyte Park
We're told that if we want to go for a night out, we must try the Leyte Park and the floating restaurant.  Assuming that at 10:00 in the evening is the best time to party out, we went there expecting a lot of people.  I guess 10:00 is late for oldies like us!
These are the other attractions that you might want to check when you have more time: 
  1. Hill 522 Ginhangdan Hill 
  2. Hill 120 
  3. Battle of Baluarte Marker 
  4. Hilongos Bell Tower 
  5. Japanese War Memorial Cemetery 
  6. Buga-Buga Hills 
  7. Philippine-Japan Peace Memorial
  8. Boy Scout Monument 
  9. Monument of the Filipino Soldier 
  10. Palo Metropolitan Cathedral 
  11. Sta. Fe Community Museum 
  12. Natural Formations 
  13. Tadyaw Beach Resort 
  14. Mt. Kankahanay 
  15. Mahagnao National Park 
  16. Leyte Mountain Trail 
  17. Tongonan Hotsprings National Park 
  18. Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte. 
  19. Tabuk Marine Sanctuary, Tabuk, Palompon 
  20. Lake Danao 
  21. Cuatro Islas ( Four Islands) 
  22. Mt. Pangasugan Ecopark
For a detailed list of things to see in Leyte Province, please visit: 

Like what we always do when visiting other places, we try their local food.  The only difference, for me is, I would love to always come back to this province to have more of their sumptuous & delicious food! Here are the must try when you visit Tacloban City:
Ocho Seafood & Grill Restaurant
Ocho Seafood and Grill has been serving Tacloban with a fusion of Filipino and Chinese cuisine since 2002. From a normal eatery, it has grown to become one of the city's top food spots and surely the preferred place for the best seafood in town.
Sunzibar
This is my favorite restaurant here in Tacloban.  Their specialty, Nachos Salad, is to die for!  If only I can order a take home, without spoiling the nachos I would! Visit to Tacloban is not complete without eating here.  
Cafe Teresa at Hotel Alejandro
When we stayed at Hotel Alejandro, breakfast is included in their room rate.  I loved their breakfast and I made sure my friends have breakfast at Cafe Teresa. Read More>>
Rafael Farm & Restaurant
This is really a must visit place even though it's off the road and very far.  Their sumptuous food is all worth it Must try: Sweet & Spicy Spare Ribs, Chicken Adobo, Dagmay (their version of Laing) & the very refreshing Calamansi Juice with shredded carrots and cucumber.
Starz Rock Cafe
A very homey cafe.  This cafe tends to get busy late at night.  Their sans rival is a must try. What amazed me was the decorations, very interesting!
Moron & Binagol Local Delicacies
Binagol
Tacloban City is known for their yummy pasalubongs the Moron and the Binagol.  
Moron
Moron is my favorite!  It's almost like "Suman" but with chocolate...  All I can say is it's really yummy.
Timo Romano's Lechon | Nestor Lechon Manok | Tops of the World (local fast-food) | Tacloban Royal Food | Yolanda's Seafood | Bibingka in T. Claudio | Rizal Avenue Barbecue Stalls | Aling Manang's Native Chicken.
Like every Filipino, Leyteños love to party and their festivals are a unique blend of religion, animism, paganism and merry. Naturally no festival is complete without dancing, singing and colorful costumes. Here are the list of events/festivals in Leyte Province, just in case your travel date coincide:
Pintados-Kasadyaan
 Two festivals merged celebrated in Tacloban every June 29 of every year. The word Pintados refers to the body tattoos of the native warriors. It represents courage, beauty and bravery. Bravery because getting a tattoo before is life risking (with risk of infection) and very painful. So the man getting a tattoo before was considered strong and brave. And the more tattoo a man has in his body (from head to toe), the more strong and brave he is.
Palo's Holy Week Traditions
Their own traditions of atoning for wrong doings celebrated every Good Friday in Palo. One of their oldest tradition is the Penitentes, a penitential fraternity of cassocked, barefoot, and hooded members. This is supposedly the replacement for fanatics who whipped themselves or have themselves whipped to atone for wrong doings.
Turugpo
This long day affair is a traditional jousts of native carabaos (pasungay) and horses (paaway) celebrated every Black Saturday in Brgy. Camansi, Carigara. Cockfight (karambola) is another attraction during the event.
Sunduan ha Carigara
Sunduan takes place on an Easter Sunday in Carigara, once a capital of Leyte. Like the other Sunduan celebration in the country, it commemorates the resurrection of Christ. The only difference in Carigara is that their celebration depicts their town's rich history.
Sanggutan Festival
The Sanggutan Festival celebrated every May 18 in Barugo honors the age-old process of coconut wine (tuba). From the word "Sangut", Sangutan or Scythe is a tool used to gather sap from the coconut buds where the coconut wine came from. Sanggutan comes from the word "sanggut" or scythe which is a tool used to gather sap from the coconut buds. The collected sap is then fermented to make coconut wine (tuba). The color in the festivals is dominated by red because they believe that tuba dyes everything and everyone it touches.
Pasaka Festival
A dance parade and street pageantry celebrated every August 14 in Tanauan,  showing the culture of town as it honors its patron saint, Our Lady of the Assumption. Pasaka is the native word for assumption and connotes warm welcome, progress, and religious homage. The dance parade is a symbolic send-off of the town's patron, where dancers in native and colorful costumes carry offering to the patroness as she assures to heaven.
Lubi-Lubi Festival
This coconut themed dance festival is celebrated in Calubian every August 15. There are street dancing and merrymaking depicting the origin of the town. Calubian means "abundance of coconuts, locally called Lubi, which is considered the "tree of life".
Buyogan Festival
It is said to be one of the ten best festivals in the country. Celebrated every August 16 in Abuyog, showcasing the artistic choreography, realistic and colorful honeybee themed costumes. Honeybee is locally called Buyog, where the name of the town originated.
Leyte Gulf Landing's Anniversary
This historical event is celebrated every October 20 in Palo and Dulag. It's to commemorate the day Allied Forces of Liberation led by General Douglas MacArthur landed in province. Government officials from the country, United States, Japan and Australia and even veterans of the World War II attend the event.
Karisyohan han Pasko ha Palo
Celebrated from December 6 to January 6 every year in Palo, Leyte. It's their own way of celebrating Chirstmas, from decorating their houses to community competition, making the festivities in Pal more enjoyable.
 
As promised, I did return to Tacloban, Leyte and I included Samar in my itinerary.  I've been here already, but I will never get tired of going back to the historical sites I've been to.  This time I served as the tour guide for my friends, prepared the 3D/2N Itinerary and arranged the transportation for us. We only have 3 days and 2 nights to explore these two islands so I had to plan carefully as to what to visit.  Below is the sample itinerary of our trip to Leyte and the neighboring province, Samar.

DAY 1, April 6, 2013: Marabut, Samar
5:30am – 6:30am
:
Arrival, Tacloban Airport
7:00am – 8:30am
:
Breakfast at Hotel Alejandro
9:00am – 11:00am
:
Travel from Tacloban City to Marabut, Samar
11:30am – 12:30pm
:
Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pm
:
Swimming/Exploring Caluwayan Beach Resort
2:00pm
:
Check-In at Caluwayan Beach Resort
3:00pm – 5:00pm
:
Rest/Nap
5:30pm – 10:00pm
:
More Swimming & Exploring, Other Activities (check other resort or beaches around)
10:30pm
:
Bedtime

DAY 2, APRIL 07, 2013: Marabut - Tacloban City
6:00am – 7:00am
:
Breakfast
7:30am – 10:00am
:
Boat Ride (Php980.00/hour), Other activities
10:30am – 11:30am
:
Early Lunch (or early check-out so we can have our Lunch at Rafael's Farm
12:00noon
:
Checkout
12:30pm – 1:00pm
:
San Juanico Bridge
1:00pm – 3:00pm
:
Rafael's Farm
3:30pm – 4:00pm
:
General Douglas MacArthur's Landing Memorial Park, Red Beach
4:30pm
:
Check-In at Hotel Alejandro
6:30pm – 8:00pm
:
Dinner at Ocho Seafood Grill & Restaurant
8:30pm – 10:00pm
:
Tacloban Provincial Capitol, Leyte Park, Bars (Look for the Secret Garden)
11:0pm
:
Bedtime

DAY 3, APRIL 08, 2013: Tacloban City, Leyte
6:00am – 7:00am
:
Breakfast
8:00am – 9:30am
:
Sto. Nino Church, Price, Mansion, Tacloban City Hall, Madonna of Japan, Crucified Christ (All in Kanruhaw Hill)
10:00am – 12:00pm
:
Sto. Nino Shrine & Heritage Museum, People's Library
12:30pm – 1:30pm
:
Lunch at Sunzibar 
1:30pm – 2:00pm
:
Buy Pasalubong
3:00pm
:
Checkout
5:55pm
:
Departure, Tacloban City

With a short time we have, we were able to visit at least one of the popular place in Marabut, Samar. 
Need help in preparing your itinerary? Leave a comment below and I'll do my best to help, for free, you only have to share this in return :)

 
On my first time visiting the province, our friend's father drove us around so we didn't spend much. On the 2nd time, however, we had to arrange our own transportation. Below is the sample expenses on our 3D/2N Leyte & Samar Provinces Trip.

DAY 1
Description
Particulars
Total
Fare
Airport to Hotel Alejandro
Php 200.00
Breakfast
Hotel Alejandro
Php 830.00
Fare
Hotel Alejandro to DUP Tours
Php 32.00
Fare
DUP Tours to Caluwayan
Php 800.00
Lunch
Caluwayan Beach Resort
Php 980.00
Snack
Caluwayan Beach Resort
Php 691.00
Dinner
Caluwayan Beach Resort
Php 625.00
Breakfast
Caluwayan Beach Resort
Php 90.00
Boat Ride
Caluwayan Beach Resort
Php 980.00
Accommodation
Caluwayan Beach Resort
Php 4,400.00
Van Transfer
Caluwayan (Rafael Farms/McArthur)
Php 3,800.00

Total
Php 13,428.00

DAY 2
Description
Particulars
Total
Lunch
Rafael Farms
Php 1,193.50
Fare
Hotel Alejandro to Sanzibur to Ocho Grill
Php 52.00
Dinner
Ocho Grill
Php 955.00
Fare
Ocho Grill to Leyte Capitol
Php 32.00
Fare
Leyte Capitol to Gaisano
Php 32.00
Water
Gaisano
Php 61.00
Fare
Gaisano to Leyte Park
Php 32.00
Drinks
@Pier Tres
Php 320.00
Fare
Leyte Park to Hotel Alejandro
Php 32.00

Total
Php 2,709.50

DAY 3
Description
Particulars
Total
Fare
Hotel Alejandro to Kanruhaw Hill
Php 40.00
Fare
Kanruhaw Hill to Sto. Nino Shrine
Php 32.00
Entrance Fee
Sto.Nino Shrine
Php 290.00
Fare
Sto. Nino Shrine to Downtowan
Php 32.00
Fare
Downtown to Sanzibur
Php 32.00
Lunch
Sanzibur
Php 854.00
Fare
Sanzibur to Hotel Alejandro
Php 32.00
Accommodation
Hotel Alejandro
Php 2,045.00
Fare
Hotel Alejandro to Airport
Php 88.00

Total
Php 3,445.00




GRAND TOTAL
Php 19,582.50

# of Persons
4

COST PER PERSON
Php 4,895.6

My first ever complete travel guide, a proof of how much I love the province!
Lakwatseng Ligaw

Posted by Lakwatseng Ligaw