16 places to discover
Alto Peak is the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas, rising to about 1,332 meters on the border of Ormoc City and Jaro in Leyte, Philippines. Located in Barangay Cabintan, Ormoc, it forms part of the central Leyte mountain range and is surrounded by dense forest. Notable for its elevation, biodiversity, and panoramic views, it is a prominent hiking and mountaineering destination requiring a guided trek through forested trails to its summit.
Canigao Island is a small uninhabited islet located off the coast of Matalom municipality in southern Leyte, Philippines. Known for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, the island is a protected marine sanctuary. It features a fringing coral reef ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Accessible by a short pump boat ride from Matalom port, it is managed by the local government as a day-trip ecotourism destination.
Cuatro Islas is a group of four islands — Apid, Digyo, Mahaba and Himokilan — off the coast of Inopacan and Hindang in Leyte, Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Designated as the Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape, it is known for white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and fishing villages. Accessible only by boat from Inopacan, it offers island-hopping, swimming and snorkeling in a protected marine environment.
Kalanggaman Island is a small uninhabited island and sandbar located about 10 kilometers west of Palompon municipality in Leyte, Philippines. It is known for its long white sandbar extending on both ends, clear turquoise waters and pristine beach. Managed by the Municipality of Palompon as an eco-tourism destination, it is notable for its bird-like shape, limited daily visitor capacity and protected marine surroundings.
Lake Danao Natural Park is a protected natural lake and park located in Barangay Lake Danao, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, about 18 kilometers northeast of Ormoc City proper at around 650 meters above sea level. Centered on the guitar-shaped freshwater Lake Danao, the 2,193-hectare park is known for its forested mountains, calm waters, floating cottages, and biodiversity. It serves as a major ecotourism destination and watershed for Ormoc and nearby communities.
The Leyte Provincial Capitol is a neoclassical government building located on Senator Enage Street in Tacloban City, Leyte. Completed in 1924, it served as the seat of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines from October 1944 to February 1945 after the Leyte Landing. Declared a National Historical Landmark, it is notable for its colonnaded facade, historical marker, and role in World War II history.
Lintaon Peak is a hilltop viewpoint and landscaped park in Barangay Lintaon, Baybay City, Leyte, overlooking the Camotes Sea and Baybay City proper. Developed by the Baybay City government as an eco-tourism site, it is best known for its installation of 16,000 artificial white LED roses that illuminate at night. The site offers panoramic sunset views, cool mountain air and photo spots, making it a popular stop for visitors traveling the Baybay highlands.
MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is a protected historic park on Red Beach in Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte, Philippines. It marks the site where General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his 'I shall return' promise on 20 October 1944 during World War II. The park is centered on seven larger-than-life bronze statues depicting MacArthur and his entourage wading ashore, set against Leyte Gulf, and serves as the focal point for annual Leyte Gulf Landing commemorations.
Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park is a protected natural park in Burauen and La Paz, Leyte, centered on the dormant Mahagnao Volcano. Established in 1937 and re-established as a natural park in 1998, it covers about 635 hectares. It is notable for its volcanic crater lakes Lake Mahagnao and Lake Malagsom, hot springs, waterfalls, and forested crater, and for its biodiversity within the Eastern Visayas region.
The M/V Eva Jocelyn Shrine in Barangay Anibong, Tacloban City, Leyte, preserves the bow of the cargo vessel M/V Eva Jocelyn that was carried inland by the storm surge of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on November 8, 2013. The vessel came to rest in the residential area, resulting in significant loss of life. The site has been developed as a memorial and marker commemorating the victims and the event, serving as a place of remembrance and education for visitors.
Palo Cathedral, formally the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord's Transfiguration, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Palo, Leyte, Philippines. Located about 12 kilometers south of Tacloban City, it serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Palo. Originally established by Jesuits in 1596, the present structure has been rebuilt multiple times after earthquakes and war damage. It is notable for its restored neo-Gothic interior and association with papal visits.
Price Mansion is a historic American-era residence in downtown Tacloban City, Leyte. Built for mining engineer Walter Scott Price, it is notable for serving as General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters and the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government after the Leyte Landing in October 1944. The two-storey wooden mansion is a preserved example of early 20th-century colonial architecture and a key World War II heritage landmark in the city.
San Juanico Bridge is a 2.16-kilometer steel truss bridge crossing the San Juanico Strait to connect Tacloban City, Leyte and Santa Rita, Samar in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Completed in 1973 as part of the Pan-Philippine Highway, it was the longest bridge in the Philippines for nearly 50 years. Notable for its distinctive L-shaped design and scenic strait views, it is an iconic landmark and major tourism attraction in the region.
The Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum is a former guest residence turned museum located on Real Street in Tacloban City, Leyte. Built between 1979 and 1981, the complex features 13 ornately decorated guest rooms, a chapel dedicated to the Santo Niño, and extensive collections of art, antiques, and cultural artifacts. Notable for its architecture and curated interiors, it offers insight into late 20th-century Philippine design and religious devotion.
Tabuk Marine Park and Bird Sanctuary is a protected coastal reserve located on Tabuk Islet off Barangay Tabuk in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines. It encompasses mangrove forests, intertidal flats and surrounding marine waters. Established as a municipal marine sanctuary and bird habitat, it serves as a refuge for migratory and resident birds and marine life. The site is noted for its mangrove boardwalk, birdwatching opportunities and role in local conservation and eco-tourism.
Tongonan Hot Spring is a natural geothermal hot spring located in Barangay Tongonan, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, within the Tongonan Geothermal Field, one of the largest geothermal fields in the country. The spring features naturally heated, mineral-rich pools formed by underground geothermal activity. Surrounded by forested hills and near the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant, it is known for warm waters used for bathing and relaxation, offering a natural thermal experience near Ormoc City.