Eastern Visayas is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and historical significance, particularly in relation to World War II. The region consists of three main islands; Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. Including cities; Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Baybay City, Maasin City, Borongan City, Calbayog City, and Catbalogan City.
What’s fascinating in this region is it’s a home to diverse tourist attractions, including the stunning San Juanico Bridge connecting Leyte and Samar, and the Pristine beaches of Kalanggaman Island.
In this article, we will be tackling the must-visit attractions of each of the cities in Eastern Visayas. With diverse attractions ranging from lush nature to rich history, this region promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
LAKE DANAO, ORMOC CITY
Lake Danao is a notable guitar-shaped lake located on Leyte Island, covering 148 hectares (370 acres). It is crucial for the local community, supplying drinking water to at least seven towns in Eastern Leyte, including Tacloban, and providing irrigation for rice fields in municipalities such as Dagami and Burauen.
Positioned at 650 meters (2,130 feet) above sea level, the lake enjoys a cooler climate, similar to Tagaytay, making it a refreshing destination compared to much of the Philippines. If you want to visit this attraction, go to Lake Danao Natural Park for more exploration and fun activities.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
Water Activities: Monday – Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
- Kayak: Php 250.00
Cottage Rental Fee:
- Floating Cottage –
- P250 per hour
- P2,000 / Exclusive Rental (whole day)
- Land Cottage –
- Small Occ: P300
- Large Occ: P500
- Tug Fee – P200 per floating cottage
Entrance Fee
- Local Tourist: P50.00
- Foreign Tourist: P100.00
- Student: P30.00
- Senior Citizen: Free (present your ID)
OTHER INFORMATION
- Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Email Address: melsister@rocketmail.com
- Contact Number: 0948 717 4640
- No Reservation: First come, first serve
- No liquor is allowed
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeDanao/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Brgy. Lake Danao Ormoc City, Leyte, Ormoc, Philippines, 6541
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “Lake Danao Ormoc” as your destination.
- By Commute: To get to Lake Danao by public transport, look for the terminal near the public market at Ormoc City for jeepneys and multi-cabs bound for Brgy. Lake Danao. It’s a 30-45 minute ride. Fare is around Php 25 – Php 40.
ST. NIÑO SHRINE AND HERITAGE MUSEUM, TACLOBAN CITY
The Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is one of 20 presidential rest houses built by former President Ferdinand Marcos for his wife, Imelda, who hailed from Tacloban. This opulent structure functioned as a chapel, museum, and guest house, featuring 21 bedrooms. In 1979, a religious landmark dedicated to Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Tacloban, was added. After the Marcos regime ended in 1986, the property was taken over by the Presidential Commission on Good Government.
Despite its lavish design, Imelda reportedly only stayed in the house once. Today, the shrine is a popular tourist destination, largely due to its connection to the Marcos family and its historical significance.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
Entrance Fee:
- For a group of five: Php 200.00
- Additional Php 20.00 per person if exceeding five
- Use of camera: Php 30.00 per camera
- Use of video camera: Php 200.00 per camera
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Opens Daily: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Telephone No: (053) 321 9775 / (053) 401 8172
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Real St., Downtown, Tacloban City, Leyte
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “St. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum” as your destination.
- By Commute: You can ride a bus or plane to Tacloban. Once there, jeepneys and tricycles are readily available in Tacloban City. Ask the driver to drop you off at the St. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum.
ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA, BAYBAY CITY
The church was established in 1995 and features a striking design. Its front wall is covered with tiled stone and is supported by pillars topped with winged angels blowing trumpets. An overhang at the entrance is accompanied by walls that have rectangular and arched windows depicting holy figures.
On one side of the church, there is a quadrangular steeple with arched openings, topped by a belfry, a dome, and a cross. The parish celebrates its anniversary on June 10th, while the feast of its patron saint is on June 13th.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
- No entrance fee
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Everyday Mass
- 5:30 AM
- Every Sunday
- 5:30 AM
- 7:30 AM
- 5:30 PM
- Mass Schedule every 13th of the month
- 6:00 AM
- 8:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 2:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Pomponan, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines, 6525
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anthony de Padua” as your destination.
GUINSUHOTAN CAVE & CAGNITOAN WATERFALL, MAASIN CITY
Cagnituan Falls, also known as Cagnituan Falls and Cave, is a must-visit destination in Maasin. Located in the upland barangay of Cagnituan, it sits at an elevation of 276 meters above sea level.
The falls are nestled in a forest, where visitors can swim in the cool, fresh water that flows from the cave and cascades into a natural pond, making it a popular spot for locals. The unique rock formations in the cave add to its appeal, highlighting the site’s natural beauty.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
- Entrance Fee – Php 20.00
- Guide Fee – There is no guide fee in going down the cave thus it can be negotiated with available local guides
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Brgy. Maria Clara, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “Guinsuhotan Cave” as your destination
- By Commute: Starting from Tacloban City, you can take vans or bus that are bound to Maasin, Southern Leyte. Inform the driver that you want to be dropped off at Brgy. Maria Clara. From there, you can take habal-habal or motorcycle taxis bound to Guinsohotan Cave or Cagnituan Falls.
HILANGAGAN BEACH, BORONGAN CITY
Hilangagan Beach is a hidden gem located behind a mountain in Brgy. Punta Maria, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. This secluded beach features natural swimming pools created by pebbles, tiny seashells, and dead corals, known locally as ‘hilangag’ or ‘lungag.’ These pools offer a unique and relaxing swimming experience, especially during high tide. The beach is also renowned for its white sandy shores and stunning views of the sunrise.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
- Entrance Fee: P10.00 / head
- Cottage with attic:
- Day Rate – P600.00
- Overnight Rate – P700.00
- Tables with Chairs:
- Regular: P100.00
- Small: P50.00
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Contact No: 09357481048 / 09068636587
- Camping with tent is possible
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Brgy. Punta Maria, Borongan City, Eastern Samar
- By Commute: Tricycle ride from Borongan City Transport Terminal bound to Brgy. Punta Maria (Fare is P46.00 per head). Travel time is approximately 30-40 minutes.
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “Hilangagan Beach” as your destination
SAMAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, CALBAYOG CITY
The Samar Archaeological Museum is crucial for preserving the history and cultural heritage of Samar Island in the Philippines. Established in 1969 by Fr. Cantius Kobak, a Polish missionary passionate about the island’s history, the museum reflects his commitment to sharing its rich past.
Visitors to the museum can explore a diverse collection of artifacts, including knives, arrowheads, bowls, burial jars, and wooden coffins. Each item offers insights into the daily life, traditions, and customs of the ancient inhabitants of Samar, highlighting their resilience and creativity. The museum serves as a valuable resource for understanding the island’s ancient civilization and its contribution to Philippine history.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
- Admission fees are affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Open Hours (Tuesday to Saturday): 9 AM – 5 PM
- Contact Number: 0931 017 4398
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Christ the King College Compound, Magsaysay Blvd. Siyudad han Calbayog, Samar
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “Samar Archaeological Museum” as your destination.
IMELDA PARK, CATBALOGAN CITY
The park has undergone significant upgrades since July 9, 2021, adding colorful brick pavements and new lighting. It now features a children’s play area with various attractions like colorful slides, swings, and a merry-go-round, making it suitable for families. Adjacent to this area is a giant chess board designed for adults.
Additionally, Imelda Park showcases local products through a showroom in a former gazebo and includes the new Foodspark Samar, which promotes local cuisine as part of the Secret Kitchens of Samar campaign. They also feature brand new Electric Kick Scooters for rent where you can roam around the park to acknowledge the beautiful landscape without ever getting tired.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES:
- No entrance fee
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Open 24 hours
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Poblacion 6 (Brgy 6, Catbalogan City Proper, Catbalogan City, Samar)
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above or “Imelda Park” as your destination.
There you have it, these are the popular attractions all around Eastern Visayas. So, pack your bags and embark on your next adventure, knowing that every trip contributes to a greater understanding of the diverse tapestry that is our planet.
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