The beautiful province of Leyte in the Philippines is home to some fantastic tourist attractions. Learn about the attractions, beaches, and islands that make Leyte one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in the country. Discover the best places to visit and what to do while there.
ABOUT LEYTE
The charming and hospitable province of Leyte is one of the many tourist sites in Visayas. The longest bridge in the nation, the stunning Kalanggaman Island with its white powdery sand beach, and a significant World War II location are all located in this province. Leyte is also a popular location for waterfalls, scuba diving, and other gorgeous beaches.
Leyte is renowned for its historical importance, especially for its involvement in World War II. The Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the greatest naval confrontations in history, took place on the island and was a pivotal turning point in the war in the Pacific.
HISTORY OF LEYTE
Leyte’s initial capital was Carigara, followed by Palo, Tanauan, and eventually Tacloban. On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur and President Sergio Osmena arrived with American forces at Palo, Leyte to begin the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese Imperial Army.
On March 29, 1521, Rajah Kolambu and Magellan signed the first known blood contract on the island of Limasawa, Leyte, after Magellan set ship from Homonhon, Samar. The Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos gave Leyte the name “Felipina” in honor of King Philip of Spain in February 1543. The name was thereafter given to the entire archipelago. Leyte was the victim of separate raids by Muslim Sultans, Pagdalanum Buhiran and Kudarat, and Suluans. It was given political and military authority in 1735, and Samar came under its control. In 1768, Samar and Leyte were separated.
Leyte’s initial capital was Carigara, followed by Palo, Tanauan, and eventually Tacloban. On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur and President Sergio Osmena arrived with American forces at Palo, Leyte to begin the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese Imperial Army.
LIST OF THE BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN LEYTE
- Agta Beach
- Alto Peak
- Apid Island
- Aqua Azul
- Bituon Beach
- Busay Falls
- Calvary Hill
- Camporo Cave
- Candol Beach
- Canigao Island
- Cuatro Islas in Inopacan
- Digyo Island
- Guinsohotan Cave
- Gunhuban Falls
- Himokilan Island
- Himokilan Island
- Kalanggaman Island
- Karap-agan Falls
- Lake Danao National Park
- Lantaw Palompon
- Leyte Provincial Capitol
- Limasawa Island
- Lintaon Peak
- MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
- Mahaba Island
- Mahagnao National Park
- Malopolo White Beach
- Masaba FallsUwan – Uwanan Gorge
- Monte Cueva Shrine
- Mt. Pangasugan Ecopark
- Napantao Marine Sanctuary
- Napantao Fish Sanctuary
- Ormoc Bay
- Our Lady of Assumption Shrine
- Palo Metropolitan Cathedral
- Palompon Eco – Terrestrial Adventure Park
- Rafael Farm
- Red Beach
- Sambawan Island
- San Juanico Bridge
- San Pablo Beach
- San Pablo Island
- San Pedro Island
- Sayahan Falls
- Silago Beach
- Sogod Bay
- St. Francis Xavier Church
- Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
- Tagbak Marine Park and Bird Sanctuary
- Tahusan Beach
- Tangkaan Beach
- Tongonan Hot Springs
- Tulaan Falls
FESTIVALS IN LEYTE
- Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival
This event, which is held on June 29 every year, is a vibrant display of Leyte’s culture and history. The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival honors the aboriginal warriors of the region and their body tattoos with street dances, cultural performances, and parades. The festival features three main events: the Subiran Regatta, a sailboat race held at the San Juanico Strait’s eastern entrance, Balyuan, a pageant reenacting the historic exchange of images between Basey, Samar, and Tacloban City, and the Pintados Festival, in which participants paint their bodies and dance to the beat of bamboo sticks. - Buyogan Festival
This celebration takes place in the town of Abuyog every August. The Buyogan Festival celebrates the town’s bountiful crops and honeybees by showcasing lively street dances, parade floats, and cultural activities. The Buyogan procession, which is attended by a number of groups, is the festival’s main attraction. Participants don a variety of vibrant costumes that are modeled after the varied forms and hues of bee life. Children depict a miniature beehive with buzzing small bees within. To represent the town’s ethnic background, other participants paint and henna tattoo tribal motifs on their faces and bodies. - Sangyaw Festival
The Sangyaw Festival, which takes place in Tacloban City every June 29th, is a significant celebration of the culture and history of the city. The event includes vibrant street dances, cultural performances, and parades that highlight the history, customs, and landmarks of the city. - Abuyog-Tolosa Danao Festival
This celebration brings together the three Leyte towns of Abuyog, Tolosa, and Danao every September. With street dances, parades, and other cultural events, the celebration highlights the unique traditions and history of each town.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LEYTE
The province experiences two distinct seasons in its tropical climate: the dry season, which lasts from November to May. The dry season is the ideal time to visit Leyte if you want to engage in outdoor activities like beach hopping, hiking, or exploring the region’s natural attractions.
LOCATION
Leyte is located in the middle of the Philippine archipelago, with the Leyte Gulf to the east and the Camotes Sea to the west forming its borders. Leyte is located southeast of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.