Leyte is a province within the Visayas islands that is gaining popularity as one of the top most-visited tourist spots in the Philippines. Tacloban City and Ormoc City are two of its largest cities. When it comes to tourist spots, Leyte offers you a diverse set of places. Leyte has perfectly preserved bodies of water, thick greenery, ancient buildings, as well as some of the finest white sand beaches in the country. It is no surprise that it has such beautiful islands and beaches given its geographical position. In addition, Leyte is well-known for one of the greatest military battles in history, which helped the Americans retake the Philippines from the colonization by the Japanese during World War II. If you have plans of visiting this province, rest assured that Leyte has a wide variety of resorts, inns, and transient houses, in addition to budget hotels near the beach that are suitable for any budget. Most of these are located especially in the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc.
Read also: Top Delicacies You Should Taste When in Leyte
Here is a rundown of the 10 best tourist spots in Leyte:
1. MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, also known as Leyte Landing Memorial Park, is a significant national historic site in the Philippines because it is where General Douglas MacArthur landed in Leyte Gulf. This historical site memorializes the accomplishment of General MacArthur’s promise to return to Leyte’s Red Beach during World War II. This historic event paved the way for the Philippines’ liberation from Japanese rule in 1944. From this memorial site, we can recall the world’s largest naval war, wherein Japan ended up losing after nearly three years of warfare. If you are interested in seeing this essential element of the Philippines’ spectacular history, you can go to MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park situated in Palo, Leyte Island of Eastern Visayas.
2. San Juanico Bridge
San Juanico Bridge, with a distance of 2.16 kilometers, is considered to be the longest bridge in the Philippines. This bridge links the provinces of Samar and Leyte. If you are a runner, photographer, or an outdoor enthusiast, you will especially enjoy a trip there during the early morning or night when you can capture the magnificent scenery of the sunrise and setting sun. Besides that, you will enjoy the fresh sound of the waves and the sheer joy of reaching its tallest peak to glance at the stunning pools of water, small islands, moving vessels, and so much more.
3. Agas-Agas Bridge
Leyte not only has the longest bridge, but it also has the highest bridge in the Philippines! Agas-Agas Bridge is considered the tallest bridge in the Philippines since it was measured to be 89 meters above the ground. The bridge was built in the year 2006 to allow vehicles to prevent going through a hilly terrain section of Agas-Agas that is highly susceptible to flash floods during the wet seasons. It was finally completed in 2009. This remarkable landmark can be seen in Sogod and is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway, a network of roads that connects Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
4. Mt. Aminduen’s Alto Peak
Mt. Aminduen’s Alto Peak, the highest peak in Eastern Visayas, lives up to its name with a height of 1,332 meters above sea level (MASL). One such peak is well-known between many mountaineers and adventure lovers all over the Philippines. This peak serves you with a 90-degree hiking adventure which indicates that you must cling to ropes on a few of the trail’s steeper sections. Trekking usually takes about 5 hours. As a result, it is only strongly advised for experienced climbers and trekkers. From the top, you will have a spectacular panoramic view of the city’s landscapes. Hence, making it one of Leyte’s best tourist spots for an unforgettable mountain climbing experience.
5. Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park
Another tourist spot in Leyte that can provide you with an amazing trekking experience is the Mahagnao Volcano National Park. Trekking in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park is highly recommended because its trail will bring you just beyond a wide range of plants and animals that highlight the island’s biodiversity. This offers spectacular views with its pits, lake, crystal clear hot springs, multi-colored mud, and lush greenery. There is also a breathtaking waterfall that passes into a steady river, which contributes to maintaining the cool temperature of the environment. It was designated as a national park around the year 1937. It is located in Burauen, Leyte, about 66 kilometers from Tacloban City.
6. Lake Danao National Park
If you are looking for a place to visit with a cooler temperature then you should go to Lake Danao National Park. It is a 148-hectare lake in the shape of a guitar which has a high altitude of 2,130 feet above sea level. This lake is situated 18 kilometers northeast of Ormoc City. It is a comfortable place to unwind whilst also having a meal on a floating lake house with your friends and family. This beautiful lake is also ideal for a cool soak, as well as an enjoyable paddle or boat trip ride. Moreover, you will find a viewing deck where you can admire the aesthetic of the whole lake, which is enclosed by mountain ranges.
7. Kalanggaman Island
From the tallest bridges and mountains, Leyte also has the most beautiful island in the country. Kalanggaman Island has been labeled as the most beautiful island in Leyte and the entire Philippines. The island is shaped like an ant, hence its name which translates to the local term. Among the island’s most impressive features is the long stretch of powdery white sandbars. The serene and crystal-clear waters make water sports very appealing. There are currently no accommodation facilities on the island, hence, setting up tents is your only option.
8. Sambawan island
Sambawan Island is just 5 km off the west coast of Maripipi Municipality, south of the Samar sea. This island is ideal for snorkelers due to its beautiful stretches of sand and refreshing waters, as well as its thriving aquatic organisms. Other than discovering the waters near, you can also relish the mellow vibe of the beach. The semi-curved beach, with rising geological formations surrounded by lush forest floor as a scenery, creates a fantasyland that seems to transport you to another part of the world.
9. Cuatro Islas
Cuatro Islas is a collection of four islets off the western coast of Leyte. Three of the islets, which are called Apid, Digyo, and Mahaba, are within the town of Inopacan, whereas Himokilan Island is part of the town of Hindang. Cuatro Islas is a popular tourist spot for island hopping in Leyte due to its proximity to other islets.
10.Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is a well-known tourist spot in Leyte. This church is known for having the miraculous image of Jesus as an infant. The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is among the 29 presidential rest houses developed by former president Ferdinand Marcos. Almost all of these rest houses were devoted to his wife, Imelda Marcos. A chapel honoring Niño can be found on the ground floor. This has 13 rooms with various themes, majestic layouts, and interiors. On the second floor, there is a ballroom, a conference room, and sleeping rooms for the Marcos family. The museum’s interior is filled with valuable or phenomenal works of art, vintage earthenware, handicrafts, figurines, religious memorabilia, and statuary. A lot of Catholic devotees visit here each year to show their adoration. This is a must-see tourist spot in Leyte!
If the province of Leyte captured your heart because of these amazing tourist spots you can visit here, then I have some good news for you! BRIA Homes has developed affordable housing in Ormoc City, known as the economic hub of Leyte. You may now consider living in an economic, educational, transportation, and cultural hub of western Leyte while enjoying the tourist spots as mentioned earlier all over Leyte! BRIA Homes is gearing up to be an enticing residential community for both the locals and Leyte’s other long-term residents looking to resettle in their home province such as retirees and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), as well as other home seekers seeking ease of access to the breathtaking and unique sceneries in this province of Visayas.
Read more: BRIA Homes affordable house and lot Ormoc The Economic Hub of Leyte
BRIA Homes primes itself on developing affordable house and lot packages and easy-on-the-pocket condominium units that cater to ordinary Filipino families who aspire to acquire their own homes. It had become the perfect choice for average Filipino workers who wanted to invest in a high-quality and affordable home.
Interested property seekers can check out BRIA Homes developments through virtual tours on the BRIA website. You may also send inquiries via the official BRIA Facebook page, or reserve a property online through the BRIA reservation page.
Written by MC Sanchez
