Things To Do
in Leyte
Leyte is a large island province in the Eastern Visayas region, with Tacloban as its lively capital and gateway to its historic past and island paradises. The landscape blends city life with palm-fringed beaches, volcanic cliffs, and forested uplands. It is renowned for the Leyte Gulf, the iconic San Juanico Bridge, and Kalanggaman Island’s pristine sands, offering a mix of history, culture, and nature.
A well-rounded visit blends historical sites, seafood-rich cuisine, and outdoor adventures across the province.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Tacloban de Leyte under a gentle sea breeze and transfer to your beachfront hotel to unpack. The hotel staff offers you a refreshing calamansi juice as you admire the Pacific horizon. A short walk leads you to the bustling city center to feel the pulse of local life.
Head to the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park to relive history where General MacArthur returned in 1944. Stroll along the shore and read the museum exhibits that chronicle the Leyte Gulf landing. Pause at Leyte Provincial Capitol to photograph its grand dome and surrounding gardens.
Climb Kanhuraw Hill for a panoramic sunset overlooking Tacloban Bay and the silhouetted mountains beyond. Return to downtown and dine at a seaside grill serving fresh seafood and chicken inasal. End the night with a mango shake and a stroll along the baywalk under the stars.
Rise early to catch the golden sunrise illuminating the arches of the San Juanico Bridge. Walk or bike across the longest bridge in the Philippines as fishermen ready their nets below. Stop at a quiet fishing village to share morning greetings with locals and savor hot barako coffee.
Return to Tacloban and visit nearby Capoocan for a farm-to-table lunch featuring roast chicken and fresh vegetables. Wander through rice paddies where farmers are transplanting seedlings and glimpse their daily routines. Visit a local handicraft cooperative to see bamboo weaving traditions upheld by village elders.
Head back to Tacloban City and enjoy dinner at a sidewalk eatery offering kinilaw and grilled pusit under twinkling lanterns. Listen to live acoustic music as you sample the region’s signature sweet turon. End the day with a stroll along the bay, where lamps reflect off gentle waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $12-25 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-45 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within city (short trip) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful island beaches and clear waters
- Affordable prices and friendly locals
- Rich war-time history and culture
- Excellent seafood and regional cuisine
- Limited nightlife outside Tacloban
- Some rural areas have less reliable infrastructure
- Typhoon season can disrupt travel
- Healthcare options are strongest in the city, not rural areas
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Tag-pila ini?" - How much is this?
- "Maupay nga adlaw" - Good day
- "Pwede ko kumuha hin litrato?" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Leyte
Visit one of these nice places.
A long, iconic cable-stayed bridge linking Samar and Leyte with sweeping sea views, best captured at sunrise or sunset.
Historic statue and waterfront park commemorating General MacArthur’s return; ideal for early-morning or golden-hour photography.
Colonial church and adjacent plazas offering colorful backdrops and local life.
Pristine white sandbars and turquoise waters; extraordinary horizons for landscape shots (seasonal conditions apply).
Food in Leyte
Leyte Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet mashed tuber dessert cooked in a coconut shell; commonly found in Tacloban markets and local pasalubong stalls.
Must-Try!
Fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, citrus, and chili; widely served in seaside eateries and market stalls.
A hearty Visayan stew featuring pigeon peas, pork, and green jackfruit; available in many carinderias and local restaurants.
Crispy roasted pig, a staple at celebrations and many restaurants; try it with a crunchy skin and flavorful meat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for seafood, fruits, dried fish, and snacks like banana cue and maruya.
Popular quick bites such as banana cue, maruya, turon, and grilled corn from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats and show respect in sacred spaces.
Waray-Waray is widely spoken; English is common in tourist areas. A few basic phrases can go a long way.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially elders or during ceremonies; be mindful of local sensitivities.
Safety
Tipping in Leyte
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% is common in good service scenarios. Some places include a service charge; always check before tipping.
Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small eateries. Major hotels and larger restaurants accept cards; ATMs are common in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, warm days with lower humidity; excellent beach conditions and outdoor activities, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Frequent showers and higher humidity; occasional heavy downpours. Coastal visibility can improve after rainstorms, but plan for possible travel delays.
June to November brings tropical storms and potential typhoons; monitor weather alerts, secure plans, and expect occasional closures or delays.
Leyte at Night
Hiking in Leyte
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest hike near Baybay City, offering wildlife sightings and coastal views from higher elevations.
Seasonal coastal trails along beaches and dunes; best experienced in dry periods.
Airports
How to reach Leyte by plane.
Main gateway to Leyte and Samar; domestic flights to Manila and Cebu; taxi and shuttle options available to Tacloban City.
Smaller regional airport serving western Leyte; connections to Manila and nearby towns; land transport options available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority language is Waray-Waray; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
A large Catholic population with local fiestas and processions throughout the year.
Presence of Cebuano, Ilocano, and Tagalog-speaking residents; generally welcoming to visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in schools and communities; many local courts host pickup games and leagues.
Local gyms offer training; boxing is a common sport in urban areas.
Casual and organized games, including beach volleyball at coastal spots.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Leyte.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In rural Leyte, vegetarian options may be limited; rely on vegetables, eggs, and tofu in carinderias, and request dishes without meat. Look for kinilaw alternatives with plant-based ingredients or fruit-based dishes when available.