Despite its distance and the effort you need to exert in planning a trip to Southern Leyte, we can assure you that this province is worth the trip.
Endowed with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and a vibrant marine life, Southern Leyte is definitely an underrated destination.
Here are 5 of the best islands and beaches in Southern Leyte that should be included in your travel bucketlist:
1. LIMASAWA ISLAND
Officially considered as the site of the first holy mass in the country, Limasawa island is not only popular due to its historic significance but also due to the beautiful beaches around the island. The emerald green color of the waters surrounding the island is one of its best assets.
One of the best options here is Dakdak Beach located approximately 10 minutes from the port. Worth mentioning (although not a beach) is the Limasawa island lagoon which is probably the most popular spot in the island. It’s around 30 minutes from the town proper.
The lagoon receives its water from the sea, and exudes a crystal clear and turquoise green hue. It looks like one big saltwater swimming pool surrounded by limestones which you can use as a diving point. There are many resorts located in Limasawa Island, but one of the most popular and worth trying is Island Lagoon Resort (check rates below).
Rates & other information
(Island Lagoon Resort):
- Entrance fee: P35 (daytime tour), P50 (overnight)
Cottage fees:
- Umbrella cottage: P150
- Seaside cottage: P300-P500
Room rates:
- Couple room: P1,000
- Standard room with aircon: P2,500
Other information:
- Open: 8 AM – 6PM
- Contact number: 0916-360-8595
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eveestemada/
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.limasawalagoon.com/
How to get there?
Exact location: Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
BY VAN: If you are from Tacloban City, the best way to get to Limasawa is through a van. Van terminal options include Van Vans and Grandtours. Fare is around P250 and travel time is approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Maasin, you can ride a multicab for Padre Burgos port. Fare is around P30 and takes around 30 minutes. You can approach boatmen in the port and tell them you’re going to Limasawa. Travel time is around 45 minutes.
BY PRIVATE CAR: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and type in “Padre Burgos Port” as the destination. Parking space is available.
2. TAGBAK MARINE PARK
A single cottage partially submerged in green waters, located in the middle of an islet and a marine park. Tagbak Marine Park is one of the most popular spots in the town of Liloan for some swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
You can also get to enjoy some privacy in the islet because they only allow one group per day to book the cottage. This is an effort of the local government to avoid overcrowding and protect the marine park. So make sure to book in advance prior to visiting the place.
Rates & other information
Entrance fee:
- Adult: P10 (local), P50 (foreign)
- Children: P5 (local), P20 (foreign)
- Cottage rental: P300 (maximum of 10 persons)
Other information:
- Boat rental: P200 (to and from the cottage)
- Additional boat rental: P200 (in excess of 10 persons)
- Kayak: P150 per hour
- Snorkeling mask with flippers: P100 per hour
- Stand-up paddle board: P150 per hour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMPLiloan
- Contact number: 0997-372-1452
How to get there?
Exact location: Tagbak, Liloan, Southern Leyte
BY BUS: If you are coming from Tacloban City, head on to the New Bus Terminal and ride a van bound for Sogod. Travel time is around 4 hours. Upon arrival at Sogod, ride a jeep for Lilo-an (travel time of 1 hour). The municipal hall is near the terminal and you can ask for directions in getting to Tagbak Marine Park at the Municipal Tourism Office.
BY PRIVATE CAR: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and type in “Tagbak Marine Park” in Lilo-an as destination.
3. SAN PEDRO ISLAND (PONG DAKO) & SAN PABLO ISLAND (PONG GAMAY)
Considered as the “Unspoiled Twin Islands” of Southern Leyte, San Pedro and San Pablo Islands face each other, competing for attraction with their pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life. The bigger island of San Pedro (Pong Dako) is a true nature trip.
The island has no electricity and locals have a simple and laid-back life. They boast of rich marine life and clear waters. The smaller island, San Pablo (Pong Gamay), lies adjacent to San Pedro. It also boasts of clear blue waters, with some cottages half submerged in the waters already.
Rates & other information
- Entrance fee: None
- Cottage fees: Ranges from P200-P500 depending on the resort you choose.
Boat fees:
- P1,000 (1-10 persons)
- P1,500 (11-15 persons)
- P2,000 (16-25 persons)
How to get there?
Exact location: Hinunangan, Southern Leyte
BY BUS OR VAN: From Tacloban City, you can ride a bus or van bound for St. Bernard, Southern Leyte at the New Bus Terminal in Abucay. Instruct the driver that you’re going to stop at Barangay Canipaan, Hinunangan. This is where you usually hire a boat to get to the twin islands.
BY PRIVATE CAR: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and type in “Barangay Canipaan, Hinunangan” as the destination. Parking space is available.
4. BITOON WHITE SAND BEACH RESORT
One of the best white sand beaches in Southern Leyte! Bitoon offers stretches of powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. However, unlike other white sand beaches, Bitoon remain an untouched gem and is not overly commercialized.
Rates & other information
- Entrance fee: P20
Other information:
- Contact number: 0998-4005-7040
How to get there?
Exact location: Bitoon, Liloan, Southern Leyte
BY BUS: From Tacloban City ride a van bound for Sogod, Southern Leyte. Travel time is around 4 hours. Once in Sogod, ride a jeep for Lilo-an (travel time of 1 hour). The resort has a sign board on the right side of the highway prior to reaching the town proper of Liloan.
BY PRIVATE CAR: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and type in “Bitoon White Sand Beach Resort” in Lilo-an as destination.
5. TANGKAAN BEACH
Turquoise and crystal clear waters plus one of the best spots for snorkelling in the town of Padre Burgos. These are some of the reasons why Tangkaan beach is a hit for locals and tourists. Unlike other resorts, they have concrete tables and benches instead of cottages.
These are surrounded by huge limestones with small bushes and vines that provide shade. Padre Burgos is the jump-off point for Limasawa Island, so make sure to visit Tangkaan Beach before or after your Limasawa trip.
Rates & other information:
- Entrance fee: P5
- Table rental: P60
How to get there?
Exact location: Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte (located near Padre Burgos Port)
BY VAN: From Tacloban City, ride a van for Maasin. Fare is around P250 and travel time is approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Maasin, you can ride a multicab for Padre Burgos port. Fare is around P30 and takes around 30 minutes.
BY PRIVATE CAR: Navigate using Waze or Google Maps and type in “Padre Burgos” as the destination. Parking space is available.
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