Summer in January? Why not?


Leyte is part of the group of islands in Visayas, Philippines. Historically, it is known to be where General Douglas MacArthur landed in 1944 to lead the American reconquest of the Philippines against the Japanese forces during the World War II. Today, aside from history, people visits Leyte for its beautiful beaches and amazing travel destinations.

Let me show you some of the places I've visited during a trip to Leyte with my friends.

Where to stay?


This rustic-themed hostel has been our home during our two-night stay in Tacloban. Yellow Doors Hostel is located in Burgos Street. It is accessible from the airport and it is near cafes, restaurants and stores. The hostel offers private and dormitory-type rooms with free breakfast for their guests.


YDH is a hostel with a unique personality. After Yolanda (Supertyphoon Haiyan) devastated Tacloban City, a lot of volunteers came to help but there were not enough places that can accommodate them. Thus, the owners, Jacques and Trixie Palami, decided to rent out a part of a building and open up the place. Most of the decorations inside the hostel are salvaged materials from the storm. Indeed, YDH is an evidence of Filipino creativity and resilience.

What to do? Where to go?

Revisit History at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park


Located in Palo, Leyte, this park is a protected area to commemorate the landing of General MacArthur in Leyte Gulf on 1944.

Take a walk at the famous San Juanico Bridge


Check off your bucketlist and be at two places at once! San Juanico Bridge crosses San Juanico strait and connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte.

Did you know? San Juanico Bridge was also called "Bridge of Love" as the former President Ferdinand Marcos dedicated it to his wife, Imelda.

Ride the waves at Dulag, Leyte


Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp is an emerging surfing spot in Dulag, Leyte. It is not as hyped as Baler and La Union but the waves in Dulag is as challenging. So ride that board, keep your balance and enjoy surfing the waves!

Board and Trainer fees. Surf board rental is PHP250.00/hour. Instructor fee is PHP250.00/hour, as well.

Enjoy the beach life at Kalanggaman Island


An hour boat ride from the port in Palompon, Leyte is the beautiful Kalanggaman Island. Its prestine water, white sand beach and long stretch of white sand bar makes it a popular beach destination for travelers and locals.

If you have enough time, camp in the island and stay overnight. It's a little paradise!

Did you know? You can go to Kalanggaman Island from Malaspascua Island in Cebu (or vice versa). That would be wonderful island hopping experience, wouldn't it?

Fees. Entrance: PHP225 (overnight); Boat: PHP3000 (max 15pax); Tent for rent: PHP300 / night (4-Person Tent), PHP250 / night (2-person Tent); Cottage: PHP500.

For our overnight trip to Kalanggaman, we bought fish, meat and rice from the market in Palompon and cooked it in the island.

For our stay in Dulag, Leyte, my friend lives there so she sponsored our delicious and mouthwatering meals. Thanks Mars and family! :)

In Tacloban, we tried Ocho Seafood and Grill. It was a bit pricey but it made our tummies happy!

And of course, I want to share with you one of the stars of our trip to Leyte. The best meatball I've tasted so far! The meatballs from Kitchenitos Foodhouse in Tacloban City! It's a must try!! :)


P.S. Shout out to Team Nakulayan! This was an unforgettable trip because of all your crazies!! Lablab! :)      



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Thanks Gene Gonzales for the pictures! :)
Contacts:
Yellow Doors Hostel
https://www.facebook.com/helloyellowdh
SMART: +63 9216000165 GLOBE: +63 9274500984

Palompon Eco-tourism
Landline: +63 (053) 555-9731
Mobile: +63 917 303 7269 or +63 917 303 7267

Sabang Daguitan Camp
https://www.facebook.com/Sabang-Daguitan-Surf-Camp-888141794582083
SMART: +639 287605769

Van Driver
Kuya JR - +639 193411591