5 Things to Enjoy in Leyte That is Not Kalanggaman Island

After troubling yourself about where to stay in Leyte, the next thing to worry about is arranging your itinerary to maximize the experience. And when people think of Leyte, the first thing that comes to mind is Kalanggaman Island. Famous for its blue waters and fine white sand bar, this island has attracted many tourists from all over the world. However, Leyte has more to offer than this beautiful strip of sand. Here are 5 non-mainstream tourist destinations in Leyte that is not Kalanggaman Island.

Ulot River Torpedo Boat

Resembling the thrills and adventure of white water rafting, riding a torpedo boat along this 10.5km river is perfect for adventure seekers. Let the water lead you to Deni Point where you can enjoy additional activities like having snacks, sipping some fresh coconut juice while wading in the water, or taking a plunge at this refreshing natural stream.

Sohoton Cave

Cradled in Sohoton Natural Park, this cave is full of astounding rock formations. Explore a glorious world that is not known to many and be amazed by stalactites and stalagmites that form columns inside this cave. Apart from spelunking, you can also opt to ride a kayak to head to its majestic natural bridge.

Fire Dance

Considered as one of the best hotel in Palo, Leyte, The Oriental Leyte have exquisite dining options that provide you more than just the delectable dishes. Enjoy your evening with fire dance performances as you munch on your sumptuous meals at Samsara Restaurant or the Sand Bar.

MacArthur Park

A great historical marker to all Filipinos, this park is a protected area that commemorates the return of General Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Filipinos from Japanese colonization in 1944. Perfect for some history and cultural immersion, this place also doubles as a good Instagram bait where you can take stunning vacation photos.

San Juanico Bridge

Spanning 2 kilometers in length, this ingenious infrastructure used to be the defining icon of Leyte. The San Juanico bridge takes the form of the letters S and L to symbolize the initials of the provinces it connects, Samar and Leyte. You can witness the sight of this engineering marvel without having to go far if you decide wisely on where to stay in Leyte.

Three Must-See Locations in Leyte

Leyte is an oft-overlooked destination in the Visayas. Known chiefly for its role in the American conquest of the Philippines and the site of General Douglas MacArthur’s infamous “I have returned” speech, Leyte still has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and leisure value.

First place to visit is the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park. This site commemorates the American military general’s return to the Philippines to claim the country from the grasp of the Japanese. It is located at the Leyte Gulf and features 7 bronze statues of American soldiers wading in a shallow pool towards the island. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Leyte due to its historical significance as well as the awe-inspiring view of its double life-sized statues.

Napantao Marine Sanctuary should be on your itinerary as well. A world-class dive site, Napantao Marine Sanctuary featuring stunning coral reefs, aquatic flora, and beautiful schools of fishes that you can discover underwater. Napantao goes as far down as 50 meters deep, so there’s definitely plenty to see when you strap on your diving gear and explore its depths. The sanctuary employs professional divemasters to guide you during your dives and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your safety during your explorations in the ocean.

Lastly, you must not forget the San Juanico Bridge. Spanning 2.16 kilometers, this bridge connects two Visayan destinations - Samar and Leyte. It is the longest bridges in the country which crosses a body of water, the San Juanico Strait. A quick road trip down the whole length of the San Juanico Bridge would make a memory to cherish, offering unforgettable views of the little islands and the whirlpools in the strait.

If you’re headed to Visayas, you’d want to know where to stay in Leyte. Look no further than the Oriental Leyte. This resort in Leyte offers you glamorous accommodation as well as beautiful facilities to make your stay enjoyable and hassle-free. After a tiring day spent discovering the wonders of the city, recharge in your well-appointed room or wind down with a meal at the Samsara Restaurant and Sand Bar. Check availability and prices through their website at http://leyte.theorientalhotels.com.