Planning a trip to Tacloban City in Leyte this 2024? Check out this comprehensive list of top things to do in Tacloban, tourist spots and best places to visit for your Tacloban Itinerary!
Tacloban is not just your ordinary city in Eastern Visayas region. As a thriving city, it is the gateway to the region as well as serving as a link from Luzon and Mindanao to the Visayas islands. It boasts of rich history, monumental sights, breathtaking attractions, colorful festivals and other man-made and natural wonders. You can find many places and do many things in (and near) Tacloban City. Here's a list of some of Tacloban City's tourist spots, attractions and things to do and experience in the city.
2024 TACLOBAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in Tacloban, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN TACLOBAN (Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience)
What to do in Tacloban City? Here are my top best things to do in Tacloban, tourist spots and places to visit that should be included in your Tacloban itinerary!
1. Cross San Juanico Bridge
A monumental landmark that stretches from Samar to Leyte across the San Juanico Strait. At a total length of 2.16 kilometers, it is considered the longest bridge in the Philippines crossing a body of seawater. Completed in 1973, it was used to be called as Marcos Bridge as it was built during the regime of former president Ferdinand Marcos. It is said that this is a "Gift" and a "Testimonial of Love" by Marcos to his wife and a native of Leyte, Imelda Romualdez Marcos. For more details, click HERE and HERE.
2. Visit Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
One of the most visited tourist spots in Tacloban city. The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is one of the many Presidential rest houses that the late President Ferdinand Marcos built during his term. It is said that former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos had it constructed as the first family’s residence in the City. It’s an interesting site to visit as it tells a lot about the past. It’s well worth the entrance fee for a guided tour. Definitely, a must-see when visiting Tacloban City. For more details, click HERE.
3. Relive History at the Leyte Landing Memorial
Considered as one of the most historical towns of Leyte, Palo is the the site where Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed when he returned to the Philippines together with hundreds of military forces on October 20, 1944. A landing memorial was erected at the Red Beach to mark the spot where MacArthur and his troops landed. The "red" in Red Beach is not because the sand here is color red; rather, it refers to the color of the beach after being drenched in blood during the war. For more details, click HERE.
4. Spend a Relaxing and Rejuvenating Day at Paruparong Bukid Nature Conservation Center
Currently closed until further notice.
Paruparong Bukid Nature Conservation Center is located in Brgy. Lukay, Babatngon, Leyte, just a 30-minute drive from Tacloban City. Situated amidst green fields with a stunning view of nearby mountains, it is a wellness center that offers detoxification programs and other activities such as kayaking, fishing, butterfly and bird watching among others. They also offer food selections that were prepared using veggies and fruits that were organically produced. For more details, click HERE.
5. Pay Homage to the Sto. Niño at Tacloban Church
The Sto. Niño Church de Tacloban is located at the corner of Real and Zamora streets, it is also known as the "Church of Liberation" and is home to the miraculous image of the Senyor Santo Niño. It cannot be missed when traveling to the city as it dominates Tacloban's cityscape with it's tall belfry. Every June 30th, the city celebrates Sto. Niño de Leyte Fiesta, it is observed during the whole month of June.
6. Visit the Neoclassical Leyte Provincial Capitol Building
Built in 1907, the imposing Leyte Provincial Capitol Building has a stunning neoclassical architecture typical of American-era government edifices. It played a significant part of Philippine history as it briefly became the seat of Philippine Commonwealth Government from October 23, 1944 to February 27, 1945. The building features two bas relief depicting the First Christian Mass held in the island of Limasawa and the historical landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Red Beach, Palo Leyte. For more details, click HERE.
7. Go on a side trip to Basey Samar for Banig Weaving and the Century-old Church
Located just 40 minutes away outside Tacloban City, the town of Basey in Samar provinces is known for its centruries-old church and banig-making industry. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is one of the most beautifully-preserved churches in the province. One of its striking features is the bell tower at the left wing of the church. After visiting the church, check on the banig-makers around the town. As they say, Basey has the finest and most intricate weave of the banig having unique designs that is different from the usual mats made from other banig producing towns in the country. Don't leave the town without seeing a banig or buying some souvenirs. For more details, click HERE and HERE.
8. Witness the Festivals
If you happen to visit the city in the month of June, you'll be able to witness three of the most anticipated festivals in Tacloban - Pintados, Kasadyaan and Sangyaw Festivals. On the other hand, if you're visiting in the month of December, head on to the nearby town of Palo to witness their Christmas Festival. For more details, click HERE and HERE.
9. Go on a Food Trip
Don't miss the local flavors by dining at Calle Z Café, "The Jasmine Restaurant" at The Oriental Leyte Hotels and Resorts and Bar-ko Resto and Grill at Leyte Park Resort Hotel. Must-try are Calle Z's Bulalo, Bangus Sisig and Crispy Tenga as well as The Jasmine Restaurant's Hinatukan Na Manok. For more details, click HERE, HERE and HERE.
10. Pasalubong Shopping
Don't forget to bring home some Binagol, Moron, Suman, Sagmani, Sarungsong and Tuba. As well as Samar's Hopia de Pili, Yema, Polvoron and Delicias from Charito's Delights. These make a sure hit as pasalubong when you get home. For more details, click HERE and HERE.
Tacloban City Private Half Day Tour
For ease, convenience and to maximize your time in Taclocan City, I highly recommend getting a Tacloban City Private Half Day Tour. This tour will let you visit the top tourist spots and places to visit in Tacloban City.
This private tour includes a visit to Sto. Niño Shrine, San Juanico Bridge, Leyte Provincial Capitol, Typhoon Yolanda Memorial Monument, Leyte Landing Memorial (MacArthur Park), Souvenir Shop and Pasalubong Center.
Other Things to Do in (and near) Tacloban City, Tourist Spots and Attractions
San Juanico Bridge Cruise in Leyte
- Be in awe at the Philippines’ longest bridge as you sail past the San Juanico Bridge on a relaxing sightseeing cruise.
- Admire the natural landscapes and sights of Leyte as you travel along the San Juanico Strait.
- Make a stop at San Juan by the Bay and enjoy a delicious Filipino lunch at a floating cottage.
- Have your photo taken with one of the Philippines’ iconic landmarks as you travel with your family and friends.
Kalanggaman Island Tour from Cebu
- Take a day trip from Cebu to Palompon, Leyte’s famous pristine sandbar called Kalanggaman Island.
- Bask in the sun and wander along the stretch of white sandbar and crystal clear waters.
- Relish in a delicious lunch overlooking the beautiful waves.
- Enjoy a hassle-free travel with the most convenient way to head to Kalanggaman Island from Cebu.
Hinunangan Twin Island Hopping Private Day Tour
- Take a well-deserved break from the city’s busy streets with a fun island adventure to Hinunangan Twin Islands.
- Swim crystal clear waters and admire scenic landscapes during your visit to Pong Dako and Pong Gamay islands.
- Feel free to ask the tour’s friendly guide your questions about the history and local culture of Leyte as you explore.
- Travel with ease with a convenient, comfortable, and round trip private transfer service from your hotel in Tacloban.
Lake Danao and Pineapple Plantation Private Day Tour
- Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes and tranquil atmosphere of Leyte on a fun private day tour.
- Float merrily along Leyte’s famous Lake Danao and enjoy a swim or kayak activities around the guitar-shaped lake.
- Taste and appreciate the delicious and appetizing flavors of Filipino cuisine during your lunch around the area.
- Feel free to ask the tour’s friendly guide your questions about the history and local culture of Leyte as you explore.
- Travel with ease with a convenient, comfortable, and round trip private transfer service from your hotel in Tacloban.
WHERE TO STAY? Hotels & Resorts in Tacloban
- Go Hotels Tacloban √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Hotel XYZ √ Book discounted room rates here!
- The Oriental Leyte √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Z Pad Residences √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Hotel Estrella √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Asia Stars Hotel √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Summit Hotel √ Book discounted room rates here!
- Rosvenil Hotel √ Book discounted room rates here!
3D2N Sample Tacloban Itinerary (3 Days & 2 Nights)
DAY 1
- Arrival in Tacloban City
- Proceed to your booked hotel or resort √ See here the list of hotels and resorts in Tacloban City!
- Early check-in or just leave your bags
- Have lunch at Calle Z Restaurant
- Go to Paru-parong Bukid Nature Conservation Center
- Enjoy a San Juanico Bridge Cruise √ See cruise rates here!
- Dinner
- Back to your hotel/resort
- Sleep
DAY 2
- Breakfast
- Tacloban City Half Day Tour √ See tour rates here!
- Lunch
- Cross San Juanico Bridge and go to Basey, Samar
- Visit the old Basey Church
- Check out the banig weavers of Basey
- Travel back to Tacloban City
- Visit Tacloban Church
- Dinner
- Back to your hotel/resort
- Sleep
DAY 3
- Breakfast
- Enjoy the hotel/resort's facilities
- Hotel check-out
- Lunch
- Pasalubong and Souvenir Shopping
- Proceed to the airport
- Take your flight to Manila or to your next destination
TRAVEL TIP: If you have more time, you may also include in your itinerary a day on Kalanggaman Island, "Palompon's Island Paradise", or you may also go on Hinunangan Twin Island Hopping Day Tour or spend a day at Lake Danao and Pineapple Plantation. Feel free to adjust this Tacloban itinerary based on your flight schedules, the tourist spots in Tacloban you want to visit and the number of days you'll be spending in Tacloban.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- How to get to Tacloban CIty? √ CLICK HERE!
- Where to stay? Go Hotels Tacloban Review + Photos √ CLICK HERE!
- Leyte & Southen Leyte Travel Guide Blog? √ CLICK HERE!
Indeed, there are just so many things that you can do and enjoy in Tacloban City that will surely make your trip an experience to remember. Go pack your bag and experience the thriving City of Tacloban!
DAY 1
- Arrival in Tacloban City
- Proceed to your booked hotel or resort √ See here the list of hotels and resorts in Tacloban City!
- Early check-in or just leave your bags
- Have lunch at Calle Z Restaurant
- Go to Paru-parong Bukid Nature Conservation Center
- Enjoy a San Juanico Bridge Cruise √ See cruise rates here!
- Dinner
- Back to your hotel/resort
- Sleep
DAY 2
- Breakfast
- Tacloban City Half Day Tour √ See tour rates here!
- Lunch
- Cross San Juanico Bridge and go to Basey, Samar
- Visit the old Basey Church
- Check out the banig weavers of Basey
- Travel back to Tacloban City
- Visit Tacloban Church
- Dinner
- Back to your hotel/resort
- Sleep
DAY 3
- Breakfast
- Enjoy the hotel/resort's facilities
- Hotel check-out
- Lunch
- Pasalubong and Souvenir Shopping
- Proceed to the airport
- Take your flight to Manila or to your next destination
TRAVEL TIP: If you have more time, you may also include in your itinerary a day on Kalanggaman Island, "Palompon's Island Paradise", or you may also go on Hinunangan Twin Island Hopping Day Tour or spend a day at Lake Danao and Pineapple Plantation. Feel free to adjust this Tacloban itinerary based on your flight schedules, the tourist spots in Tacloban you want to visit and the number of days you'll be spending in Tacloban.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- How to get to Tacloban CIty? √ CLICK HERE!
- Where to stay? Go Hotels Tacloban Review + Photos √ CLICK HERE!
- Leyte & Southen Leyte Travel Guide Blog? √ CLICK HERE!
Indeed, there are just so many things that you can do and enjoy in Tacloban City that will surely make your trip an experience to remember. Go pack your bag and experience the thriving City of Tacloban!
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Caloocan is a beautiful place to visit with a tour guide
ReplyDeleteFor those who are looking to check in Eat and buy pasalubong at the same time in Tacloban City:
ReplyDeleteFrom the Tacloban City airport ride the Jeepny byaheng SAN JOSE/ DOWNTOWN area, Fare there is less than P15 & u can help the honest drivers too.
Along Zamora Sts. where Asia Stars Hotel and OTHER Hotels are located. Landmark in the Street corner is Mcdonalds in front is Jollibee, Zamora street is flooded by Binagol and choco suman also great tasting Restaurants and Ihaw ihaw Rice Puso combo in the street during nights.
Went to Paro Parung Bukid Conservation at Feb 23 2023- matagal na closed po sila until further notice.
ReplyDelete