Top Things to do in Leyte Province
What to do and see in Leyte Province, Philippines: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Leyte Province, Philippines including Kalanggaman Island, San Juanico Bridge, Lake Danao National Park, Digyo Island, Visayas State University, The Transfiguration of Our Lord Cathedral, Hindang Caves & Wild Monkeys, Castanas Spring Resort, Rafael Farm, Immaculate Conception Church.
Restaurants in Leyte Province
1. Kalanggaman Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By Fat Girls Day O... P - Manila, Philippines
First and foremost the sand is NOT at all like powder. Quality and color and wise. If you look closely, you will see crushed corals and sea shells that are rigid when you walk barefoot, its better to wear your slippers or aqua shoes if you are planning to go around this island. We’ve opted to pitch our tents, but the weather is bipolar bringing random drizzles to heavy rains in the afternoon so we opted to rent one of the Atipi huts for an additional 500php/head. It is made up of wood and there is a vinyl mattress that covers the whole floor area. 2-3 people could fit comfortably inside too much of our surprise the linen is not covered with the cost and the managing person was charging us an additional 300php for the mattress cover. So hello NO to that. So we use our clean clothes to cover the mattress.
Normally, prior to going to the island you’d get offers from inland tours that will arrange everything for you including your boat transfers. So for our group 6, we were charged 2,500php/head with the promise of freshly cooked meals from breakfast-dinner for our overnight stay. They served us food for lunch one big grilled fish, take out grilled pork from their local Mr. Liempo and come dinner what was left over from our lunch meal was served then again to us during dinner. Pretty bad experience. We were promised of good locally sourced seafood, but there was a scarcity at that time to even purchase from the locals.
There are activities available and you could rent equipment. One comment though that the prices are a bit of a ripoff. Actually, every merchant and small stores are all rip offs. I understand that its a challenge to transport goods from the main town then bringing it to the island, but man the prices are 3-5x more expensive. We’ve been to El Nido’s neighboring virigin Islands, Calaguas in Camarines Norte, Siargao but never have I experienced this kind of skyrocketed prices.
Kalangaman is supposedly known for its magnificent sandbars that stretch from both ends of the island. While we were talking to a local boatman and he shares his sentiments towards the local government because they sell Kalangaman’s sand to resorts like the Plantation Bay in Cebu harboring and cutting down kilometer stretches of its sandbars.
As an avid fangirl of Philippine Beaches and I can safely say that for the past 5 years I have been traveling and going to known and secluded Beaches and Islands around the Philippines, but this island is rather disappointing considering the effort that I needed to travel far and long. If you are coming from Luzon or Mindanao this is NOT worth the effort and monetary cost. Your best bet for beach camping are those in the Camarines Norte region i.e Calaguas Island, for reasonable accommodation and really pristine shorelines go to Bantayan Island in Cebu, Siargao Island. Not here.
In any travel plans do your research well, allocate your funds accordingly by choosing the best experiences and places. One more thing, never trust too much with all things that are hyped. Be your own curator.
2. San Juanico Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
The San Juanico Bridge, is an arch-shaped truss bridge in the Philippines stretching from Samar to Leyte crossing the San Juanico Strait. It is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway. It is the longest bridge in the Philippines spanning a body of water with a length of 2.16 kilometers.
Reviewed By Acineto
A fairly long bridge that has nice views over the San Juanico Strait. The bridge winds along the Islands, some of which are apparently resorts. Really nice views on a sunny day. Fairly far from the city, the easiest way to get here would probably be in a car but there were jeepneys that also went over. You can't stop on the bridge to take pictures though.
3. Lake Danao National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By iamlibby - Manila, Philippines
Went there with friends last May 17, 2017. Entrance fee is only 5pesos/pax, parking fee is 10pesos. Floating Cottage was 150/hr and kayak for rent 300pesos. What was surprisingly pricey was the camote and banana cost 100/kg!
Place was a refreshing sight as well as the cold waters. CR is found at a hills spa location, donation of 5pesos is welcomed for maintenance. Overall going there was a welcoming experience!
4. Digyo Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Victorianlad - Melbourne, Australia
The stunning Cuatro Islas has four lovely Islands of which Digyo Island is clearly the best, so I completely agree with TA reviewer casper020687.
The island has the classic white beach and coconut trees, plus small open air nipa-style cottages on which to place one's bags or sit.
The waters were a bright blue on the sunny Sunday when I visited. There is a small sandbar and a sari-sari store for drinks and snacks.
Anyone who criticised this island would be a harsh judge.
Most enjoyable. A banca (departing from the foreshore near Inopacan Municipal Hall) Seating 36 or 60 costs P5000 with crew; one Seating 16 has a daily tariff of P2500. There is an environmental fee payable for Cuatro Islas of P60 a person.
5. Visayas State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By SherwinJoseph - Luzon, Philippines
Visayas State University is the old VISCA. The main campus is located at Baybay, Leyte and divided into two -- upper and lower campus. The upper campus has the main lecture halls and academic facilities. The huge open field, library, administration building, and the new swimming pool is located here. The lower campus is composed of the sports court, the VSU hospital, dormitories, guest villas and hostel, and the beachfront.
Great views! You'll enjoy the views in this campus, the green and huge open space and the relaxing beach area.
VSU has apartelle and hostel for guests. But some rooms lacks basic needs.
6. The Transfiguration of Our Lord Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By mamabelz - laguna, Philippines
most of the things in this Church are new; the only thing left of the original are the tile floors. not much to see. The altar is new; pews are new. door is new.
7. Hindang Caves & Wild Monkeys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By ableroad b
It was fun trekking uphill! My knees slightly hurt but looking back on the experience it was nothing short of wild fun. My friends and I visited the at around 4pm and we were welcomed by wild monkeys. We had the chance to feed them with pineapple pies and they loved it. I couldn't count how many of them because they were a lot. The cave is located at the peak of the mountain so you need to get to climb a little higher. The exterior of the cave is so cathedral-like and is so high! We weren't allowed to enter the caves because it was already dark. But we were able to witness the noisy bats.
On the other side of the mountain lies a zipline site. Too bad it was closed when we got there. Still we got to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sunset. There are tables and chairs where you can rest if you are tired. For a 20 peso entrance fee, the experience was all worth the climb.
8. Castanas Spring Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By 174Gracie - Fresno, California
My family and I went there yesterday and had a great time. The water source is spring water by gravity so it is continuously flowing. There's an entrance fee, 25 pesos for adults and 20 for kids, below 2 yrs old is free. We rented a cottage worth 1000 pesos, not bad, since it's large and we were more or less 20 persons. There's an area for kids with slides, and another area for adults. We were able to bring our own food. They have a small store selling fruit shakes, drinks and chips. There's a karaoke bar where one pays if you want to sing. I didn't ask how much since I wasn't interested. It wasn't too crowded when we were there, probably if it's a weekend there would be more people. The road going to the resort is too narrow and rough, there's no cement. The sign indicating direction to the resort is too small that if one is not familiar it could easily be missed. I hope the owner will make the road more accessible for cars and will make the sign bigger and bolder. Aside from that I have no complaints, the spring water was cold and nice, area is surrounded with coconut trees and they have clean toilets
9. Rafael Farm
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By May M - Manila, Philippines
A great place to unwind as the beautifully landscaped surroundings is conducive for relaxation. A native bahay kubo or Balinese type of hut serves as their restaurant.
A man-made lake is just outside the restaurant and small boats good for 3-4 are available if you want to enjoy the beauty of the place.
We tried their Buco, Calamansi and Cucumber drinks - truly refreshing and a must try!
All other orders were ok: Cassava (sweet potato) with Cocomilk, Caramelized Banana in Cinnamon, and Sweet Banana (The cinnamon powder was overwhelming that we were joking that it should have been called Sweet Cinnamon instead). Chicken Mole.
Price is affordable.
10. Immaculate Conception Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Victorianlad - Melbourne, Australia
This very large Church has an amazing 16 Masses on a normal Sunday and three priests. It was probably renovated in the last 30 years.
It is beautifully decorated inside including a lovely altar with Our Lady being given special emphasis.
There is an historic belfry and a garden of reflection.
A great place to hear the voice of the Lord.
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