uarauen, 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.
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.
The Philippines is an island of a hundred festivals. We live tropical life to the core, the hot sun and the warm seas makes us very gay and fun loving. We live for each day and celebrate life to the fullest. Like every Filipino, Leyteños love to party and our festivals are a unique blend of religion, animism, paganism and merry. Our celebrations are punctuated by food galore and “tuba” a coconut wine. Naturally no festival is complete without dancing, hours and hours of dancing and singing!
Palo’s Holy Week Traditions ( eve