"All about Leyte"

Leyte belongs to the Visayas group of islands and lies on the eastern part of the Philippines.

Leyte has a colorful history. The islanders of Leyte were among the first to welcome the Spaniards but they were also among the first to resist the Spanish invaders. The early revolts and uprising against the encroaching Spaniards was started by the freedom, war–like, heavily tattooed inhabitants of Leyte. In Leyte, the early seeds of nationalism were planted.

In 1521, after the perilous crossing half way around the globe Magellan reached the island of Homonhon. The friendly natives welcomed and fed the starving sailors. After stocking up on supplies, Magellan set sail for to the island of Limasawa, Leyte. He entered into a blood compact with Rajah Kolambu. On Eastern Sunday, March 31, of that year, was celebrated the First Mass in the Philippines. Some historical researchers, however, are now disputing this. However a recent publication by the National Historical Institute supports its initial claim that Limasawa was the site of the First Mass.

The Spanish occupation of the Phillippine islands was riddled with revolts and uprising. First off on the scene was a religious uprising lead by Bancao, the Limasawa chief, and his high priest, Pagail in 1622. The revolt began in Carigara and spread to neighboring towns before it was quelled. This revolt lasted for 27 years. Then the Sumuroy rebellion which was gaining popular support in Samar found its foot hold in Leyte. Rebels burned churches and convents in retaliation of the excesses and avarices of the friars. 

In 1768, Leyte and Samar were separated into two provinces. Leyte now is a politico-military province. The set up continued until the end of Spanish rule, when Gen. Vicente Lukban took over Leyte and Samar in the name of the Revolutionary Government.

World War II put Leyte on the map of world history. Leyte is the site of the fiercest and largest naval battle in world history. Known as the Battle of the Leyte Gulf in the World War II, the four day battle culminated in the beachhead landing of the Allied forces headed by Gen. McArthur. The successful naval and air battle in the Leyte Gulf includes the naval fighting of the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Battle of Cape Engaño and the Battle off Samar. 

In the Battle of the Leyte Gulf, the Japanese first launched its kamikaze attacks against the Allied forces. The Battle of the Leyte Gulf is celebrated annually with a ceremony known as the Leyte Landing, in which the heroic courage of both the Filipino guerrilla soldiers, and Allied forces are remembered and honoured.

On May 22, 1959, the province was divided into Leyte and Southern Leyte. In 1992 Biliran became a separate province of its own. 

Leyte is now divided into three provinces: Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte. Southern Leyte is includes the island of Panaon. Biliran is a small island on the northern coast connected from the Leyte mainland by a bridge.

The major cities in Leyte are, Tacloban City, Ormoc City on the northwest of Leyte, Bayabay City on the western coast, and Maasin City on the south. 

Recently, Tacloban City turned into a Highly Urbanized City ( HUC), by virtue of the November 2008 plebiscite. As a Highly Urbanized City, it is independent of the supervision of the Leyte Province, and a lone congressional district. Proponents of the HUC status believed that by being an HUC Tacloban City government will attract more investors and business.

Leyte is known for the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant in Tongonan, a demonstration of using natural resources to provide electricity to the province and even neighbouring islands. 

The prime exports of Leyte include coconut, and abaca. It is also the home of coconut wine called “tuba”. Aged for six months to a year, this “tuba” is then called bahalina, priced liquor in every occasion. The municipality of Palo is known for its smooth bahalina, whose recipes and techniques are guarded family secrets. 

The town of Dagami in Leyte produces binagol, moron, sagmanai and roscas. These delicacies are a must-have in every town fiesta, and occasions. Binagol (sweetened taro pudding with nuts) is made from talyan - a root crop specie like gabi that is endemic to Palapag Northern Samar. Talyan is grounded, and mixed with eggs, coconut milk, sugar, butter, nuts and chocolate. The mix is packed into the half of a polished coconut shell called “bagol,” covered with banana leaves steamed, tied securely with a string, and then steamed. Hence the name binagol which means placed in a “bagol”. 

“Moron” is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable. It is made of ground rice cooked in coconut milk, flavored with tablea, and wrapped in banana leaf. Sagmani is another suman made of gabi or sweet potatoes cooked with coconut cream, sugar and sometimes coconut meat.

What to do?

There are many things to do around Leyte catering to one’s interest, budget, and preference.

Historical Sites

Leyte is one historical island, from welcoming the party of the Ferdinand Magellan when he circumnavigated the world to being the site of the bloodiest Naval Battle in world history. Tacloban, the capital of Leyte was the seat of the Philippine Government during the Liberation of 1944. History buffs will enjoy combing through the different historical sites in Leyte. 

Gen. Douglas Macarthur Landing Memorial

The Liberation of the Philippines by the Allied Forces in 1944 headed by the party of Gen. McArthur is immortalized by life sized statues in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. This event is celebrated annually every 20th of October. It is also the site of the 50th Leyte Landing Anniversary Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace. 

Hill 522 Ginhangdan Hill

 
 

Ginhangdan Hill is entrance to the first liberated town of Palo in 1944 . The town suffered heavy bombardment to destroy the garrisons built by the Japanese artillery units. Foxholes built by the Japanese still exist. A memorial marker built by Mie Prefecture in memory of the lives lost in the battle. Guinhangdan is in Palo, Leyte, 12 kilometers form Tacloban.

Hill 120

Hill 120 is also called Catmon Hill which is located in Dulag Leyte. On October 20, 1944, the first American flag was raised by the Liberation Forces on this hill after heavy fighting. The Hill offers a panoramic view of Leyte Gulf and surrounding coastal towns. A historical park, it features a landscaped garden with tropical flowers and shrubs with benches, and concrete tables with canopy as well as restrooms. There is also an open-air stage where memorial programs are held annually.

Battle of Baluarte Marker

Baluarte in Brgy. Minuhang, Barugo, Leyte, is the site of the historic battle between Filipino guerrillas and Japanese Imperial Forces at dawn of August 24, 1944. The Battle of Baluarte suffered no casualty on the Filipino guerilla’s side while everyone in the Japanese Imperial Army was all killed except for one. 

Hilongos Bell Tower

 
 

The Hilongos Bell Tower is the highest existing bell tower built during the Spanish era. The Bell Tower also served as watch post for marauding pirates from the south in Mindanao. 

Japanese War Memorial Cemetery

The Japanese War Memorial Cemetery in Brgy. San Diego, Burauen is one of the few Japanese cemeteries in Leyte. Thousand of Japanese soldiers are buried in this cemetery. Japanese tour groups frequently visit the site to pay respects to the Japanese soldiers who died in the bloody battle of 1944. A remnant of the airfield built by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II still exists for visitors to see.

Buga-Buga Hills

Buga Buga Hills was the mountain stronghold of Gen. Suzuki. Thousands of Japanese soldiers died defending Buga Buga Hills from the Allied Forces, who also lost a huge number of their men in an effort to cordon off the hill and isolate the Japanese troops. Buga Buga is another favourite among Japanese Tour groups. Bone hunting expeditions are also popular in the area. Buga Buga Hills is located in Villaba Leyte. 

Philippine-Japan Peace Memorial

 
This impressive memorial in Carlota Hills, Ormoc City was a gift from the Nagoya and Gifu Prefectures. A token of friendship and peace form the Japanese people to the Philippines. La Carlota Hills affords visitors with a panoramic view of Ormoc City. 

 Boy Scout Monument  

 
The Boy Scout Monument is the very first Boy Scout Monument created in human form in 1941. It is found in a Rotunda at Fatima Village, Tacloban City on the way to the airport. 

Monument of the Filipino Soldier

 
The monument is a tribute to the Filipino World War II soldiers and veterans who offered their supreme sacrifice for the freedom. Located in the Rotunda at Brgy. Pawing, Palo, Leyte.

Palo Metropolitan Cathedral

The Palo Cathedral was built by Augustinian friars in 1596. The church was converted into an evacuation hospital of the Allied Forces of Liberation and a refuge of civilians during World War II. From the Church, can be seen the famous Hill 522. The Cathedral features artworks in intricate finishing by local artisans such as the gold-plated altar and carved Stations of the Cross. 

Sta. Fe Community Museum

 
The Community Museum in Sta. Fe is a fine example of historical awareness on grassroots level. Initiated by the municipal government of Sta.Fe, the museum was built to house antiques dating back to the Spanish per, Chinese porcelain jars, and WW II mementos. The museum is in the compound of the Sta. Fe Municipal Hall

Natural Formations

Leyte is a complete outdoors experience, found all in one island. Enjoy go mountain climbing, anywhere in Burauen , to Lake Danao in Ormoc. Stumble into breath taking waterfalls hidden in dense jungles in Biliran . The world famous San Juanico Strait is perfect for kayaking . The protected fish sanctuaries of Sogod Bay are perfect for snorkelling, and diving for whale sharks. The long undulating coastline of Leyte will give you stretches of beach for swimming and picnics. The towns of Tanuan all the way to Tolosa and Dulag are popular skim boarding sites. Southern Leyte offers numerous caves of varying sizes for caving adventures. Relax and laze on the many pristine white sand beaches of Cuatro Islas, Higatangan, Maripipi, and Sambawan. Oftentimes you have the island to yourself, away from the throngs of the crowd. 

San Juanico Strait

The world’s narrowest yet most navigable strait lies between the islands of Samar and Leyte. Beautiful islets are scattered on this emerald green waters punctuated by infinite whirlpools. Most ideal for kayaking, and snorkelling. 

Tadyaw Beach Resort

Hands down, this is one of the best beach resort in Leyte, on the Pacific side. Tadyaw, in Tolosa Leyte is a landscaped garden resort, with manicured lawns. It has abundant space in between picnic kiosks, good shower area, and outstanding restrooms. The sparkling jet black sand beach is a good site for skim boarding. The resort has a small restaurant that serves short orders. 

Mt. Kankahanay

 
A virgin forest at 4,000 ft. above sea level. Mt. Kankahay in Jaro Leyte is a haven for hunting game, but shooting game is no longer advised. A good site for mountain climbing. 

Mahagnao National Park

Mahagnao National Park in Burauen is an established national park since 1937. It is a dormant with a huge crater turned that turned into a lake. There are multiple hot springs for soaking, and lagoons for swimming. See beautiful giant ferns, wild orchids, and wild birds. 

Leyte Mountain Trail 

The Leyte Mountain Trail is an outstanding trekking area which starts from the Mahagnao Natural Park in, Burauen to Lake Danao Natural Park in Ormoc, a distance of approximately 40 km. This rainforest tour of three to four days takes you to the beautiful lakes of – Mahagnao, Malagsum, Casudsu-ran and Danao. Be amazed by the spectacular Guinaniban Falls, and the breathtaking view of mountains, forests, plains and the island of Samar and Leyte from the crest of the central Amandiwing Mountain Range. Enjoy the heady profusion of tropical flora and fauna including colourful insects, butterflies, dragonflies, bugs, giant millipedes, deers, wild boars, monkeys, birds, orchids, and giant ferns. There are four resting huts along the trail. At present the trail currently closed to hikers and mountaineers for security reason. An alternative route is to visit each part from separate entry points – Mahagnao in Buarauen, and Lake Danao in Ormoc. We will update you as soon as this trail is declared open. 

Tongonan Hotsprings National Park

The Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant is located inside the Tongonan Hotsprings National Park. This is the first geothermal power plant to operate in the Philippines. This valley of geothermal power can supply electricity to the whole region when fully developed. 

Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte.

Kalanggaman is a two hectare small island paradise between north of Cebu and Leyte. The island belongs to the town of Palompon, Leyte; it is about an hour ride by boat either from Palompon or Villaba, Leyte. The island has two white sand bars, one which protrudes towards the east and the other at the southern end. The eastern sand bar stretches for more than 200 meters into the sea, while the other one is only half as long which is submerged under water during high tides. There are no inhabitants except for fishermen who make the island as their rest stop before they embark again for fishing. The crossing from Kalanggaman to Leyte is noted to be treacherous especially towards late in the afternoon. It is always advised to go there in the morning.

Tabuk Marine Sanctuary, Tabuk, Palompon

Tabuk Island is a mangrove sanctuary protected by the municipality of Palompon. The 3-storey watch-tower in Tabuk Island is perfect for viewing the mangrove forest, and the adjacent main town of Palompon. It is also perfect for catching the colourful sunsets. A boardwalk through the mangrove forest takes you to see numerous fishes swimming freely. Wild ducks and migratory birds make this spot a stopover in their journey. On the other side of the mangrove is thousands of sleeping giant bats hanging upside down on trees. There are also picnic cottages next to the sea for swimming. 

Lake Danao

Located in Ormoc City, 125 km. from Tacloban City. A violin-shaped lake 2,100 feet above sea level and 3 km, long; hemmed by cloud-capped-mountain ranges of undetermined depth; wild animals roaming its surrounding forest; hunter’s paradise; lake said to be the habitat of giant eel.

Cuatro Islas ( Four Islands)

 
A forty-five minute pumpboat ride off the coast of Inopacan town in Leyte are four lovely islands namely, Digyo, Apid, Mahaba, and Himokilan. These small islands are bordered by fine white sand and beautiful coral gardens, the best in Leyte Island. A total of 287 species of reef building corals can be found in the islands waters. Cuatro Islas is also a rich fishing ground. Himokilan, the largest of the four, and Mahaba Islands are both inhabited. Himokilan is home to the big and delicious coconut-cracking crabs called. Digyo, the smallest of the four, is a declared sea turtle sanctuary. With only four families living in it, Digyo is practically empty except for coconut trees, shrubs, grasses, and fine white sand. There are no beach resorts in the four islands; therefore it is a must to bring lots of water and food for the day. 

Mt. Pangasugan Ecopark

 
This jungle valley in Brgy. Pangasugan, Baybay, Leyte was once the research site of a team of scientist from nearby Visayas State University (former VISCA) whose aim was to study and catalogue endemic flora and fauna among others. The local government turned the valley into an Ecopark when the research ended. Pangasugan is one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the Philippines. Its rich ecosystem includes plant and animal species many of which are considered endangered like flying lemurs and tarsiers. Guided tours to the jungle is available at the Baybay Tourism Office.