Reasons to Visit Leyte - Philippines

Leyte plays an important part in Philippine history. It was one of the first provinces visited by Spanish colonizers during the rediscovery of the Philippine islands. The most significant historical event happened during World War II when General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines to fulfill his I Shall Return promise. The geography of the province presents an array of possibilities for any pleasure seeking tourist. There are beaches along the coast, mountain ranges and volcanoes traverse the island, and the local festivities and establishments will welcome any guest in their hometown. If you are ever in the Visayan region and is thinking about stopping by Leyte, then we have listed for you the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Leyte-Philippines to help you plan your trip.

General Douglas MacArthur Landing Memorial

Your tour should kick-off with a visit at the famous Leyte landing site. The memorial is located in a lagoon at Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. The 50th Leyte Landing Anniversary Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace is also located in the area.

San Juanico Bridge

San Juanico Bridge is the longest bridge in the Philippines. It connects Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City, Leyte and Sta. Rita, Samar. The view from the bridge of the San Juanico strait, plus the bridges architectural design makes it worth the trip and is deserving aspot in the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Leyte-Philippines. The bridge is only 10 minutes away from Tacloban City and is easily accessible to most vehicles.

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum

If you are an art enthusiast then do not forget to stop by the Heritage Museum in Real Street, Tacloban City, among the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Leyte-Philippines. It houses original paintings by national artist, Fernando Amorsolo as well as a wooden bas-relief of the legend Si Malakas at Maganda (First Filipino man and woman). For religious types, drop by the shrine and admire the paintings of the 14 stations of cross done by various Filipino artists.

Lake Danao

Lake Danao is a violin-shaped lake found in Ormoc City, 125 kilometers from Tacloban City. The lake and its surroundings are just one of the many natural wonders Leyte has to offer. Imagine this Top 5 Reasons to Visit Leyte-Philippines with the lakes glass-like waters surrounded by beautiful mountain-ranges and lush tropical forests. The lakes deep waters is said to be a home for giant eels.

Pintados Festival

If you ever drop by Leyte on the month of June, then do not miss out on the opportunity to participate in the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Leyte-Philippines. The people from Leyte had an ancient custom of tattooing their bodies, hence earning them the title Pintados. The festival is held every June 29 in commemoration of the Leytes history, with street dances mimicking wars, rituals of nature worship and parades illustrating other ethnic, cultural and spiritual beliefs.