Tacloban: A time capsule on the shores of Leyte Island.
In front of Santo Niño Church, the years pass by quietly 🕊️,
on the landing beach, the smoke of the past fades away 🌫️,
searching for old dreams, intoxicated by the river of forgetfulness 💖.
📍Address
Tacloban City is located at the northeastern tip of Leyte Island in the Philippines, with its easternmost part facing Cancabato Bay, which is located at the eastern mouth of the San Juanico Strait. The city's territory extends along the strait, bordering Babatngon to the north.
🚝Transportation
✈️Plane: Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is the main gateway, with several airlines offering flights from Manila to Tacloban, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours.
🚌Bus: Philtranco buses arrive in Tacloban daily from Manila via Catbalogan and Catarman on Samar Island, but the journey takes up to 28 hours.
🚖Jeepney: Jeepneys are available in and around the city, a local specialty, such as the "Palo" jeepney to Red Beach.
🚘Taxi: Taxis are available at airports and other transportation hubs, and it is advisable to negotiate the fare before boarding to avoid being overcharged.
🍽Food Recommendations
🍲Binagol: A sticky dessert baked in a coconut shell wrapped in banana leaves, a local specialty.
🍲Seafood: The San Pedro Bay restaurant at the Leyte Park Resort Hotel and the Socsargen Grill next to the Rovenil Pension offer good seafood, including grilled fish and meat.
🍲Local Snacks: There are many stalls selling pastries and fruits in the city, where you can taste a variety of local snacks.
📸Must-See Attractions
🎬MacArthur Landing Memorial Park: In 1944, MacArthur landed here to begin the Battle of the Philippines, where you can experience history and enjoy the sea view.
🎬Santo Niño Church: With a long history and unique architectural style, it is a symbol of local religious culture.
🎬Tacloban City Museum: The museum displays exhibits related to the history, culture, and art of Tacloban, providing an in-depth understanding of the local development process.
🏠Nearby Attractions
📍Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park: Named after its magnificent stone bridge, it has a network of caves, underground rivers, waterfalls, and stalactites. You can contact Mr. Corals to arrange a tour.
📍Ormoc: A 2-hour drive from Tacloban, you can visit Lake Danao, which is shaped like a violin, and take a speedboat to Cebu.
📍San Juanico Strait: Connecting Leyte Island and Samar Island, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and sunrise and sunset, and experience the island's charm.
✨Travel Tips
✅The local climate is hot and humid, so be sure to take sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures.
✅The people are warm and hospitable, and you can experience the unique Waray-Waray culture and feel the local religious beliefs and traditional customs.
✅You can participate in local festivals, such as the Santo Niño Festival, and experience the lively and joyful festival atmosphere.