Leyte & Samar

Ecologically minded tourists love this region for the various environmental initiatives that have been introduced to preserve its incredible biosystem – resources that together make this the perfect natural playground for those who love wildlife encounters, water sports and walking amidst stunning scenery ranging from volcanic lakes to reforested mangroves. About a third of Samar is preserved and included in the Samar Island Natural Park, while its twin-island of Leyte has more than its fair share of surprises with its remote and pristine islands.

Biri Rock Formations Gerry Ruiz

Culture & Food

Periods of Spanish and American colonisation mean there is so much culture to be enjoyed – from architecture to traditional regional dances seen at local celebrations, bringing together Roman Catholicism with Hindu-Buddhist-Animist folklore. Tacloban, the educational, cultural and commercial centre of the Eastern Visayas, is a hub for local festivities. But small festivals take place in every town annually. Don’t miss Tacloban’s Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum with its bas-relief of the legend of Malakas and Maganda (the first Filipino man and woman) and its painting of the 14 stations of the cross by Filipino artists. 

Many people in Samar and eastern Leyte are Waray, a largely rural people who have retained many beliefs and much of their folklore from pre-Christian times, and who are famed for their strong and very beautiful women. 

Don’t miss a taste of the local delicacy of binagol (a half-coconut shell filled with mashed taro with condensed milk, coconut milk and egg yolks, sold at pavement stalls), Abuyog’s moron (ground sticky rice cooked in coconut milk flavoured with cocoa) and tuba (coconut wine). Local seafood, fresh or salted, features highly on menus. The culinary tradition of Leyte and Samar blends the local with Chinese, Continental European and American flavours.

Pintados Festival

Climate

There is no pronounced wet and dry season in Eastern Visayas. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year with August to December the heaviest.

XYZ Hotel Tacloban, Leyte

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