The Philippines is one of the best tourist destination in asia. The country is famous with their filipino hospitality and very nice beaches.
Places like Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Siargao are always packed with tourists espcially during summer season. It become so over crowded sometimes, people who loves partying and nights out will love this place.
However, for those who prefer serene moments, those who wants a little privacy and those who just wanna be alone with nature, there are other best options too.
Now, get your planners and write your next travel vacation destination.
Let's explore Leyte, Philippines
The Limasawa Island
Limasawa, is the smallest municipality in Southern Leyte, Philippines. It is where the first Christian mass of the Philipines were held. The island was named after a rajah who had five (lima) wives (asawa).
Limasawa is a historical place, They have a well preserved coral gardens, the locals are very friendly and helpful, it has a very breathtaking view. You can explore the island by a habal-habal, you just have to negotiate with the local drivers. If you want to go all around the island, you can also hire a boat. The place Is best for snorkeling and diving. Limasawa is a small peice of nature paradise.
How to go there?
From Tacloban ride a van to Maasin City, fare is roughly 270-300 this is 4-5 hour travel
From Ormoc City a van to Maasin City cost around 220-250, travel time is 2-3 hours
From Maasin City ride a jeepney bound for Padre Burgos. Travel time is estimated to be 40 min to one hour and fair is 50-70 pesos.
From the port of P. Burgos youl ride a ferry or passenger boat bound to Limasawa.
Travel Tips:
Limasawa has a limited electricity so better charge all your gadgets before going there. Food are scarce, there are no stores like you can see in the city, so its better you purchase all your food in P. Burgos. Note that limasawa is a small island so don't expect much, it will make you much closer to nature. So if you love that and some adventure then its a good destination.
The Kalanggaman Island
Recently this virgin island became so famous in a span of time. The beautiful sea water, the powdery white sand and yes the famous sand bar was all over the social media. It is one of the best tourist spot Leyte has to offer.
The place is not as crowded as some famous beaches, you can do anything you want from swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
How to go to Kalanggaman Island?
The island is located in Palompon Leyte. You can reached Palompon by air via Tacloban Airport or Cebu Airport.
Ride a van from Tacloban Airport to Palompon, estimated travel time is 4 hours and fare is around 250-300. Upon reaching Palompon ride a bike or a potpot to go to Liberty Park (fare is around 5-10 pesos) where you will pay the needed fees for the Kalanggaman EcoTour. It will take an hour for regular boat to reached the island and 35 minutes if you take a speed boat.
If you are from Cebu Airport, you need to get a taxi and go to pier 3, from there you ride a boat bound to palompon or a fast craft like supercat to ormoc. Estimated travel time for boat is 4 hours with a fare of around 400-600 depending on your accomodation. Fast craft cost around 700 pesos with 2 hours travel time. From Ormoc you will ride a van bound to Palompon.I also hear that you can go to this majestic island when you are in Malapascua Island, another famous island of cebu.
You can also go to Palompon by land. There are lots of buses from Manila going directly to Palompon. However, it will take 24 hours to reached your destination.
When is the best time to go to Kalanggaman Island?
Well, since we are a tropical country you can go to this island anytime of the year except when their are typhoons and storms.
Kalanggaman Island is a virgin island. There is no electricity there so better came there fully equipt. Make sure you charge all your digi cameras and phones. And have your powerbank ready. Bring some blankets and othet necesseties. If you have a tent and sleeping bags then it is much better. And don't forget to bring your foods. If you plan to leave the next day, tell the person assistin you at the Liberty Park so you can arrange a boat to get you the following day.
Next stop is different from the places mentioned above, but is worth the mention. If you love diving then you will be interested...
Napantao Marine Sanctuary
This is a world class diving site. Located at San Francisco, Southern Leyte, one of the town of Panaon Island. This place is not famous by the locals but is widely heard of by the tourists and diving enthusiasts
The place is known because of its coral reefs, various rare fishes, you can even see a white tip reef shark if you dive deeper. It is also the best place to go wall diving.
How to reached Napantao?
There are many flights going to cebu airport and tacloban airport. From cebu airport take a cab or taxi to pier 3 or pier 4, there you travel by boat or fast craft going to Hilongos or to Maasin. From Maasin Bus terminal, you will ride a bus going to San Ricardo.
If you are from Tacloban Airport then you ride a van to Maasin City. From here there are many buses going to San Ricardo.
Hope you find this post helpful and interesting.
Photos are screengrab from facebook, tripadvisor.
Below are some diving links in southern leyte. I am in no way affiliated by them nor receive any compensation from them. Links posted are for the purpose of your reference in case you decide to visit the place.
You can book Here.
Diving links:
Check flight schedule here:
https://www.philippineairlines.com
https://www.cebupacificair.com
Shipping guides:
