Things to do in Leyte: Into the unknown, I mean, less known

In the Philippine travel scene, the places that will most likely stand out are Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Baguio. And then, we have other known sceneries, mountains, islands, beaches that are equally captivating. They dot across several provinces in the archipelago. In the Visayas, for example, the “10 Underrated yet stunning, must-visit Islands” are really worth exploring. Leyte, however, is a different story. Locals are pretty happy to enjoy everything the province has to offer, but it’s a waste if only a few could experience and appreciate its wonders and beauty.

Hence, I am putting a list, and hopefully, it can help you on your future visit. You probably know Kalanggaman Island already but Cuatro Islas is another experience that you should not skip.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Leyte is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During these months, the weather is sunny and ideal for island-hopping, beach activities, and exploring Leyte’s natural and historical sites. The period from January to April offers the clearest skies and is excellent for outdoor adventures, while December is festive with holiday decorations and events.

Things to Do

• Kalanggaman Island: Famous for its stunning sandbar, this island off the coast of Palompon is a must-visit for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under a palm tree.
• Cuatro Islas: Embark on an island-hopping tour to the four islands of Digyo, Apid, Himokilan, and Mahaba, each offering its own unique charm. From sandbars and powdery white beaches to great snorkeling spots and shady groves, it’s an excellent way to experience Leyte’s diverse coastal wonders.
• Matalom: Home to Canigao Island, Hitoog Cave, and Karap-agan Falls.
• San Juanico Bridge: As the longest bridge in the Philippines, this iconic engineering marvel connects the islands of Leyte and Samar, offering breathtaking views of the San Juanico Strait. You can walk, drive, or even take a boat tour underneath the bridge to admire its unique S-shape and scenic surroundings.
• MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park: Located in Palo, this historical site commemorates General Douglas MacArthur’s famous return to the Philippines during World War II. The park features seven larger-than-life bronze statues of the general and his men, making it a poignant and educational stop for history enthusiasts.
• Lake Danao National Park: Shaped like a guitar, this beautiful crater lake in Ormoc City is a serene escape surrounded by lush hills and cool mountain air. Visitors can rent a floating cottage, go kayaking, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and its natural beauty.

Food to Try

• Moron: A popular rice cake from Tacloban City, this delicacy is made from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and cocoa, then wrapped in a banana leaf. It has a soft, sticky, and slightly oily texture with a distinct chocolatey flavor, making it a favorite “pasalubong” (souvenir food).
• Binagol: Hailing from Dagami, this sweet and creamy delicacy is a mixture of taro, glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, steamed inside a polished coconut shell. The name “binagol” comes from the Waray word “bagol,” meaning coconut shell, and its unique packaging makes it a delightful treat.
• Suman-Latik: Another version of rice cake, this Leyte delicacy is made from glutinous rice and cooked with a lye solution for a unique flavor, wrapped in hagikhik leaves. It is served with a separate sweet syrup called “latik,” made from coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes peanuts, which adds a rich and sweet topping.
• Fresh Seafood: Given Leyte’s coastal location, you’ll find an abundance of fresh seafood prepared in various ways. Be sure to try local favorites like grilled fish, baked scallops, and “kinilaw sa gata” (Filipino ceviche with coconut milk) for a truly authentic taste of the island.

How to get there

By plane, the primary touchdown airport is Tacloban. With daily flights to and from Manila, you can arrange your itinerary that will start from the northern part of the province, say a tour in Tacloban first, followed by Kalanggaman Island, and then journey down south to Cuatro Islas and Matalom, Leyte.

Ferries, whether using fast craft and slow boat (Ro-ro) are available daily from Cebu. Oceanjet and Supercat offer twice to thrice a day trips to Ormoc. Slow boats to Bato, Baybay, and Ormoc are also available from Cebu City Pier.