Leyte is a quiet and laid-back province in the Eastern Visayas region that was struck by a devastating flash flood in 1991 and the Typhoon Yolanda back in 2013. Despite these tragedies, you will only feel how strong and resilient the people of Leyte are with their warm smiles and positive outlook in life.
Watch the teaser video:
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
The province has continued to rebuild itself in the past years and we are thrilled to share with you how Leyte has come to be more beautiful than ever. From the sweetest pineapples you’ll ever taste to sceneries that will take your breath away. Read on to see our must do-list when in Leyte.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
- Taste the sweetest and juiciest Pineapples at SAL Pineapple Plantation
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Ormoc City is known for their “Queen Pineapples”, these are smaller then the usual pineapple but it’s very sweet and juicy. Taste it for yourself when you visit SAL pineapple plantation, the farmers will happily slice one for you straight from the fields.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Admission Fee: P100 per person but free for Sabin Resort Hotel Guests
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
- Experience paradise in Kalanggaman Island
Photo taken by Waltz Siy using Sony RX100V
Kalanggaman Island is a piece of paradise found in Palompon, Leyte. To get here you have to take a 1 hour boat ride to the island and if you’re lucky you’ll get to see some dolphins along the way. As you cruise towards Kalanggaman Island, prepare to be amazed at how the deep blue color of the water slowly turns into a rich sparkling turquoise hue. Nature is just downright mind-blowing!
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
The island is covered in fine white sand teeming with lush coconut trees and other tropical plants every beach junkie will fall in love with.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
There are no private resorts here but you can rent out native huts or tents if you want to camp out overnight. The island also offers outdoor activities for the thrill seekers like biking, banana boat, paddleboard, kayak, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
Make sure you bring a sumptuous lunch with you. Our pick? Lechon with lots and lots of rice! Yum! `
Roundtrip Boatride: P3,000/boat for 15 people and below
Daytrip Entrance Fee: P500/person for foreign tourists, P150/person for Filipinos and P20-P40 /person for Students
Cottage Rental: P300 – P700 depending on the size
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
- Take a hike towards Sayahan Falls
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
We didn’t have time to take the hike towards the falls but we stopped by a viewpoint where you can see the top of the falls from afar. We recommend doing the hike when you go here to really see the beauty of the falls, this is definitely on our list when we come back.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 16-35mm
Entrance Fee to viewpoint: P25
Hike Towards the Falls: Around 45 minutes
Note: You need a guide to go to the falls. A guide costs P300 for 5 people.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Lake Danao
Photo taken by Lucky Alabado using Sony RX100V
Lake Danao is Ormoc’s pride and gem, if you’re looking for a serene place to breathe in some fresh air this is the place to do it.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Take a cool dip if you can handle the cold water or do some fun activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.
Photo taken by Lucky Alabado using Sony RX100V
Photo taken by Lucky Alabado using Sony RX100V
Don’t forget to pack your own food for this trip. We brought 2 bilaos of Grilled Boodle Feast to enjoy in the middle of the lake. If you have an adventurous taste bud, buy some Sisig “Tab Shells”, a local delicacy you can only find in Lake Danao.
Photo taken by Lucky Alabado using Sony RX100V
- Watch the sunset at Lintaon Peak and admire the 16,000 blooms
Photo taken by Lucky Alabado using Sony RX100V
Lintaon peak’s garden of 16,000 LED powered blooms similar to the one in Cebu is the newest attraction in Baybay City. There’s no hike needed to reach Lintaon Peak so expect a HUGE crowd of locals and tourists in the area.
Photo taken by Lucky Alabado using Sony RX100V
Watch the sunset here with a spectacular view of the Camotes Sea and the mountains. When the clock hits 6PM, the 16,000 blooms will light-up making the experience much more magical.
Photo taken by Waltz Siy using Sony RX100V
Entrance Fee: FREE as of this writing
HOW TO GET THERE
- Take a plane to Ormoc with Cebu Pacific
- Book flights with Cebu Pacific through:
WHERE TO STAY
Sabin Resort Hotel
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Sabin Resort is a hotel beautifully located by Ormoc Bay, it’s the perfect place to unwind and relax after a tiring day from your tour around town.
The resort is equipped with a nice spacious pool and an in-house restaurant that serves comfort Filipino food and the best pineapple juice fresh from their farm.
For bookings or Inquiries: http://sabinhotelormoc.com/
Contact Numbers: (053) 561-4499, (053) 561-4243
WHERE TO EAT
- Sutuwaki Restaurant
Location: Larrazabal St., Ormoc City
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Sutuwaki means “Sugba, Tuwa and Kilawin” which sums up what the restaurant’s menu is about. We had the Bulalo, Crispy Pata, Garlic Lapu-Lapu and Grilled Tanigue.
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
- Lorenzo’s Café
Location: Larrazabal St., Ormoc City
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
This is a good place to grab some breakfast or merienda. Try out their selection of sandwiches paired with a tall glass of iced coffee.
WHAT WE BROUGHT TO OUR LEYTE ADVENTURE
- Backpack from Outdoor Philippines
- Protect yourself from the harsh heat with sunnies, a hat or cap and a sunblock
- Use less plastic and bring your own water bottle to keep you hydrated
- Swimwear is always a must!
- Camera from Sony Camera
- Cellphone
- Our favorite playlist and a portable speaker
Products in the set: Outdoor Products Backpack and Sling bag, I love Koi Swimsuit, Board shorts and Rash Guard from Grind Philippines, Lagu sand proof beach mat, Tactics Water Gear essentials (Snorkeling mask, first aid kit, waterproof phone case, 20L dry bag, water shoes) and Sony Cameras (Sony a7rii | 24-70mm and RX100V)
Now that you know the best places to go, where to eat and what to pack, are you ready to #DiscoverLeyte? Book your tickets now to Ormoc,Leyte via Cebu Pacific!
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Check out more of our travel photos at #DMTravelSeriesxCebuPacific & DiscoverMNL on Facebook and Instagram!
Click the link for our LEYTE ITINERARY: http://www.discovermnl.com/leyteitinerary/
WATCH OUR DISCOVER LEYTE TRAVEL FILM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vtv4NI-E-Q&t=112s
Special Thanks to our official airline partner: Cebu Pacific
Our Lens and Camera partner: Sony Philippines | Follow the visual stories at #SonyPH & #SonyxDiscoverMNL
Our Major Sponsors: Ford Philippines, Grind Philippines, Delsey Philippines and Outdoor products Philippines!
Photo taken by Taryn Navarro using Sony a7r ii | 50mm 1.4ZA
Ford Ormoc Dealer Information:
- Bantigue Ormoc City, Leyte
- Tel: (053) 560-8122
Words by: Zyllah Gatchalian
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