What is the best Leyte tourist spot to see? Here is a comprehensive list of tourist spots in Leyte you should not miss. We not only included the most stunning natural attractions but also its historical and cultural destinations. Plan your trip to Leyte with this detailed guide.
Leyte province is marked in Philippine history as the site of the biggest naval battle between the Japanese and Americans during World War II. It saw the beginning of the Philippines’ liberation from the 3-year Japanese rule.
But Leyte is way more than its historical role in the country’s rich history. Today, Leyte province is gradually becoming one of the popular eco-tourism sites in the Philippines.
Leyte’s diverse landscapes boast stunning and breathtaking natural wonders that will surely gratify any visitor.
From towering mountains, lush tropical forests, pristine beaches, and unspoiled lakes, to enchanting rock formations and thermal destinations, there is just nothing like it here. It is more fun in Leyte indeed!
Now if you’re planning to visit, here are the must-see tourist destinations you should see in Leyte!
Behold Must-See Leyte Tourist Spots
1. Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman Island is now of the top tourist spots in Leyte. It boasts of a long stretch of pristine white powdery sands complementing the azure waters. It is an ideal site for swimming and snorkeling. Kalanggaman Island is dubbed as Leyte’s most beautiful island.
- Location/Jump-off: Palompon
- Contact: 053 5559 731
2. Mount Pangasugan Ecopark
Mount Pangasugan is one of the last ecological frontiers of Leyte, home to endangered flora and fauna species. Among these are the Philippine tarsier, Fischer’s Pygmy Fruit Bat, and the Philippine Flying Fox.
It is one of the potential hiking tourist spots in Leyte with a height of 1,150 meters above sea level. Aside from abundant wildlife, Mt Pangasugan is home to numerous waterfalls.
- Location/Jump-off: Baybay City
3. Canigao Island
Canigao Island is another must-see destination if you want to see white beaches and stunning blue waters. Tropical forests cover much of the island, fit for adventure and exploration.
You can set up your tent here or rent one of the cottages for overnight camping. You can navigate around the island for just 20 minutes.
- Location/Jump-off: Matalom
- Entrance Fee: Php 40
- Boat Fare: Php 60
4. Tongonan Hot Spring
Tongonan Hot Spring is a must-see destination in Leyte for you to experience natural therapy. Health experts say that hot springs have therapeutic or healing properties. Have a relaxing dip as the thermal waters cleanse you of illnesses.
- Location/Jump-off: Ormoc City
5. Lake Danao National Park
Lake Danao National Park is one of the most preserved tourist spots in Leyte. It sits in the highland, surrounded by pristine rainforests. Because of the high elevation, it’s much cooler here.
Among the things to do here are swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. There is a view deck where you can have an eagle’s eye view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Location/Jump-off: Ormoc City
- Operating House: 6 am to 6 pm
- Driving Time: 30 minutes from Ormoc City
6. Masaba Falls
Masaba Falls is one of the off-beaten tourist spots in Leyte. It has seven falls in all, each with distinct features to offer. To reach the falls, you’ll need to trek along the river and navigate on forest trails.
That gives you the chance to commune with nature and who knows? You might encounter some of the wildlife species there. Each of the falls has a deep and natural swimming pool where you can jump and have an invigorating swim.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy. Masaba, Palompon
- Trekking Time: more or less 1 hour
7. Mac Arthur Landing Memorial National Park
Leyte Landing Memorial is one of the historical tourist spots in Leyte. Here, you’ll find life-size statues of seven people especially Gen. Mac Arthur who led the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese invaders.
- Location/Jump-off: Palo
8. Napantao Fish Sanctuary
Napantao Fish Sanctuary pictures the richness and diversity of the Philippine seas. Here, you’ll find stunning coral reefs and different and colorful fish species.
The sanctuary is campaigning for the preservation of the remaining coral ecosystems in the country to protect critically-endangered. That also helps sustain the livelihood of the local population.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Lungsodaan, Padre Burgos
9. Sto. Niño Church
Sto. Niño Church is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in Leyte. It houses the miraculous image of the infant Jesus. There is also a museum showcasing religious artifacts and relics. Every year, thousands of Catholics troop here to express their devotion.
- Location/Jump-off: Tacloban City
10. San Juanico Bridge
San Juanico Bridge is the Philippines’ longest bridge. It connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte. It measures more than 2.16 kilometers. While driving here, you’ll catch a stunning view of the seas and the mountains. The sunset view here is also breathtaking.
- Location/Jump-off: Tacloban City
11. Cuatro Islas in Inopacan
Cuatro Islas is one of the most popular tourist spots in Leyte. It consists of four islands namely, Digyo, Himokilan, Apid, and Mahaba, all located in Inopacan.
Each island has unique features to offer. You can explore all these in a day. Among the favorite activities here are swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and cliff diving.
- Location/Jump-off: Inopacan
12. Digyo Island
Digyo Island is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Leyte. It is part of the Cuatro Islas. Digyo Island is the smallest of the four but it is considered the most beautiful.
It has a long sandbar that matches the crystal-clear waters. Though there are cottages available on the island, you can also set up your tent.
- Location/Jump-off: Inopacan
13. Sayahan Falls
Sayahan Falls is one of the newly-discovered tourist spots in Leyte. Its raging waters cascade on the face of a cliff. It measures around 40 feet high and it carved a deep and churning pool. It is ideal for swimming and cliff jumping. Its pristine waters come from tropical forests upstream.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Maglahug, Brgy. Gaas, Ormoc City
- Trekking Time: more or less 2 hours
- Entrance Fee: Php 20 per person
- Guide fee: Php 300 for a group of five
14. Alto Peak
Alto Peak offers you ninety-degree hiking experience. That means you need to hang unto ropes on some steep parts of the trail. Thus, itis only recommended for seasoned hikers and adventurers.
While atop, you’ll catch a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. It is one of the best hiking tourist spots in Leyte.
- Location/Jump-off: Ormoc City
- Trekking Time: 5 hours
15. Leyte Geothermal Production Field
Leyte Geothermal Production Field is the single biggest geothermal power plant in the world. It generates power for the whole Leyte island and neighboring provinces.
You can only view it from a distance but the steams it generates are very obvious. It is now one of the most popular Leyte tourist spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Corner Tongonan, Kananga
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
- Driving Time: 30 minutes from Ormoc City
- Contact: 053 893 6001
16. Tulaan Falls
Tulaan Falls emanates from primary forests upstream, cascading lazily amidst verdant vegetation. It is a perfect respite for those who want to escape urban hustles given the rustic scene.
Expect to trail on dense forests and grasslands before finally catching sight of Tulaan Falls.
- Location/Jump-off: Babatngon/ Tacloban
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
17. Yolanda Memorial Monument
Yolanda Memorial Monument or Yoland Shrine is a stark reminder of the supertyphoon Yolanda which ravaged most Eastern Visayas in 2013. Thousands perished during the disaster. It was the strongest typhoon to ever hit the land.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Anibong, Tacloban City
18. Lake Kasud-suran
Dubbed as the “The Little Lake Danao,” Lake Kasudsuran sits high on the mountain. Tropical forests and palm plantations surround the lake. It’s a must-see destination if you want an escape from city life or to simply immerse yourself with nature. It is one of the remotest of Leyte tourist spots.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Maglahug, Brgy Gaas, Ormoc City
- Jeepney Ride Fare to Brgy Gaas: Php 30 to Php 50
- Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
19. Mahagnao Volcano National Park
Mahagnao Volcano National Park is one of the protected tourist spots in Leyte. It has been under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) since 1997.
The park boasts of a dormant volcano, a freshwater, and an acidic lake, cascading waterfalls, and therapeutic hot springs. It also harbors rich biodiversity.
- Location/Jump-off: Burauen, Mahagnao
20. Karap-agan Falls/ Mahayahay Falls
Karap-agan Falls/ Mahayahay Falls cascades amidst stunning green foliage, giving it an enchanting view. It is a two-tier waterfall, with a naturally-built pool on each cascade.
You can jump or dive into these pools and have a rejuvenating swim. From the first cascade, you can climb your way to the second waterfall. Sit on its base as you relish the mists caressing you.
Today, it is one of the emerging tourist spots in Leyte.
- Location/Jump-off: Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Elevado, Matalom
Tourist Spots in Southern Leyte
21. Limasawa Island
Limasawa is one of the recognized historical tourist spots in Southern Leyte. It is where the first Christian mass in Asia was held, sparking the growth of Christianity in the Philippines.
But there is more to that. The island boasts of stunning beaches with rock formations where you can dive towards the turquoise waters of the sea. You can go snorkeling or swimming all day long with the locals and the marine species.
The Island also hosts other interesting sites such as the National Shrine of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines, and caves.
- Location/Jump-off: Limasawa
- Boat Ride: 45 minutes from Padre Burgos
- Best Time to Visit: March to early June/October to December
22. Tagkaan Beach
Tagkaan Beach makes up a good choice if you’re after less touristy destinations in Southern Leyte. Catch sight of white sand beaches with coral fragments mixed with the sands.
Here, you’ll find amazing rock formations, crystal-clear waters, verdant beach forests, and rich marine life. If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins and pelagic fishes when you snorkel.
- Location/Jump-off: Padre Burgos
- Entrance Fee: Php 5
23. Panaon Island
Panaon Island is internationally known for its rich corals and marine wildlife, being a part of the Mindanao Deep or Philippine Trench. Among the species which inhabit the surrounding seas are whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, seahorses, and turtles.
You can hire boats to catch sight of these. The island is connected to mainland Southern Leyte via Wa-Wa Bridge.
- Location/Jump-off: Panaon
24. Camboro Caves
Camboro Cave is just one of the hundreds of caves in Southern Leyte which await discovery. Inside, you’ll find spectacular and bizarre rock formations, cave corals, and glistening pools.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy. Cambaro, Macrohon
25. San Pedro and San Pablo Islands
The islands, considered as the most beautiful islands in the province, are named after the patron saints, San Pedro and San Pablo.
Who would not love sunbathing on its coral beaches or swim in its crystal-clear waters? Other fun activities to do here are surfing, skiing, diving, and water sports events.
- Location/Jump-off: Hinunangan
26. Guinsohotan Cave
Guinsohotan Cave is one of the top tourist spots in Southern Leyte because of stunning stalactite and stalagmite rock formations inside. Before the cave’s mouth, you’ll pass by Guinsohotan Falls where you can take a relaxing dip before spelunking.
27. Tagbak Marine Park
Tagbak Marine Park is one of the best tourist spots to see in Southern Leyte. Here, you’ll catch sight of crystal-clear waters, beautiful inlets, and mangrove forests. You can hop on one of the boats to explore the rich sea.
- Location/Jump-off: Liloan
28. Napantao Marine Sanctuary
Napantao Marine Sanctuary is one of the protected tourist spots in Southern Leyte and one of the best sites for scuba diving and swimming.
Who would not love gazing at the colorful corals and swimming with countless fish species? Occasionally, you’ll chance on reef sharks and turtles.
- Location/Jump-off: Ilijan Point, San Franciso
29. Sun-ok Fish Sanctuary
Sun-ok Fish Sanctuary is one of the well-preserved tourist spots in Southern Leyte. You’ll find here stunning coral formations where different fishes dwell.
During November until May, you can glimpse of whale sharks. To protect the sanctuary, the locals prohibit fishing and gathering of shells.
- Location/Jump-off: Pintuyan
- Best Time to Dive: October to May
For Your Information
If you need more information to help in setting up your itinerary to Leyte tourist spots, do contact the Department of Tourism -Region VIII via the following:
- Phone: 053 325-5279, 053 321-2048
- Email: dotreg8@yahoo.com / tiopeskrs@yahoo.com / dottacloban@yahoo.com
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Photos Courtesy of Biyahe ni Pusit, DOST Eastern Visayas, Discover Leyte Society, Jed Asaph Cortes, Canigao Island Paradise, Letty Bacho Mercado, Gerry Ruiz, Doryang Lustan, Noel Castillo
