Top Destinations in Southern Leyte

TOP DESTINATIONS
IN SOUTHERN LEYTE

NOTE: Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces are NOT the same.

The Province of Southern Leyte has so much to show, sell, develop, and enhance in terms of tourism potential. It has world-class dive sites, caves, extreme adventures sites, waterfalls, safari, river trekking, crater lake trekking, fish feeding, rain forest tramping, scuba diving and whale shark interaction, island escapades, beach fun, religious journeys and, soon, bungee jumping, zip lines, wall/column, cable car/lift experiences at the tallest bridge in the Philippines, which is located in the Municipality of Sogod. Almost all municipalities have tourism attractions. Read More: http://southernleyte.gov.ph/general-information/180-tourism

Banahaw Cold Spring

Photo from: http://www.southernleytetimes.com/lifestyle51.html

The Banahaw Cold Springs located at Macrohon, Southern Leyte, Philippines.

The water is so cold perfect for escaping the summer heat. It’s deep and very clear. It is surrounded with trees. When I first went there it is still so private and nothing much is going on but this year when I went there, many things had change and it has been improved but also many people will visit and sometimes it is a little bit crowded. But for me it is still a paradise. I will really recommend you to visit this place whenever you’re around. Read More: http://vinachaider.blogspot.com/2012/05/banahaw-spring.html

Bitu-on Beach

Photo from: http://wikimapia.org/30806419/Bituon-Beach-Resort

Bito-on Beach is near Barangay San Roque in Liloan in Southern Leyte, Reachable by boat, it offers the tourist a splendid view of the skies, perfect for strolling on the beach. While you can lie on the beach and feel the sun, others prefer to look at the various seashells that appear on the seashore. You can take a bus ride from Maasin through 157 kilometers of road via Mahaplag and Sogod to San roque. At the port, take a 10 min banca ride to the opposite island beach Maamo. It is a 30-minute boat ride from the town proper. Read More: http://bombshell1461.blogspot.com/2010/07/liloans-unseen-beauty.html

Cagnituan Falls

Photo from: https://travelphilippines08.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/trip-to-cagnituan/

Cagnituan Falls and Lagoon are just within the Capital City of Maasin, it is one of the most visited nature sites because of its twin experience, the cave with its subterranean river and the inviting pool of the water falls.

The Guinsohotan Cave is a large subterranean cave, 15 km from the city center and 276 meters above sea level. Those who do enter the cave by wading or swimming can find small “in-cave” waterfalls, bats and impressive rock formations.

The water coming out of Guinsuhotan Cave flows down in cascades to form a natural lagoon, Cagnituan Lagoon, frequently visited by bathers and patrons of cool therapeutic treatment. These two sights, which belong more or less together, are placed in Barangay Cagnituan and can be reached from Barangay Maria Clara by using a Habal-habal.
The last part of the way is a walking part: you pass by small groups of houses, fields and palms. In the background there are the mountains covered by large vegetation. Read More: https://greedypeg.org/southern-leyte/Cagnituan-Falls-and-Lagoon.html

Cambaro Cave

Photo from: http://greedypeg.org/southern-leyte/Cambaro-Cave.html

Just in case you’ve had enough of the tranquil seas Padre Burgos has to offer, then better do some stretching and get ready to go spelunking! Barangay Cambaro is considered to be the Cave Capital of Southern Leyte because here, you can find 100 caves waiting to be explored! Are you ready to behold its jaw-dropping and unique rock formations, cave corals and many more? Bet you are!

A newbie at caving? Don’t fret because youre lady tour guides will guide you every step of the way, literally! Tour guides are mostly females because men in the prefer farming. Rock on, girls! Read More: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/newstv/biyahenidrew/546809/padre-burgos-southern-leyte-the-undiscovered-diving-frontier/story/

Guinsohotan Cave

Photo from: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/maasin-southern-leyte-a-city-in-the-province/

Guinsohotan Cave and Falls are located in Cagnituan, Maasin, Southern Leyte, Philippines. It has clear waters good for swimming and picnicking. Busay Falls is also nearby. Together with the Cagnituan Lagoon, they are just within the Capital City of Maasin, it is one of the most visited nature sites because of its twin experience, the cave with its subterranean river and the inviting pool of the water falls.

The water coming out of Guinsuhotan Cave flows down in cascades to form a natural lagoon, Cagnituan Lagoon, frequently visited by bathers and patrons of cool therapeutic treatment. These two sights, which belong more or less together, are placed in Barangay Cagnituan and can be reached from Barangay Maria Clara by using a Habal-habal. Read More: https://greedypeg.org/southern-leyte/Guinsohotan-Cave-and-Falls.html

Kuting Beach Resort

Photo from: http://southseatravelservices.com/product/day-fun-kuting-reef-resort-macrohon-southern-leyte/

Conveniently located in Macrohon, Kuting Reef Resort is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. Only 1009 km away, this 2-star hotel can be easily accessed from the airport. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

The facilities and services provided by Kuting Reef Resort ensure a pleasant stay for guests. For the comfort and convenience of guests, the hotel offers 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, room service. Read More: https://www.khaosanroad.com/ta-90907-kuting-reef-resort-hotel-macrohon-macrohon-southern-leyte-philippines.html

Limasawa Island

Photo from: https://thebeyondbeauty.wordpress.com/limasawa-island/

Limasawa is a municipality on an island of the same name in Southern Leyte. Though it was not as touristy as the Chocolate Hills or the Magellan’s Cross, it’s fast becoming popular for its dive sites and historical value. If you could remember, it is on this island where Ferdinand Magellan held the first mass in the Philippines, a game-changer in the country.

Aside from snorkeling and diving, you can check out the shrine of the first mass in the Philippines where you can learn more about our history, how Christianity started in the country, and even about disputes between Limasawa and Butuan on where the first mass was originally held. There is a tour guide stationed on the shrine who can give you facts and figures about Magellan’s voyage to the Philippines.

After checking out the shrine, you might want to check out the spot where Magellan erected a cross in the Philippines for the first time. It will require endurance as you will have to go up through 450 steps. Prepare your legs!!! Read More: http://www.matetreyes.com/2016/02/southern-leyte-diaries-part-4.html

Maasin Cathedral

Photo from: http://pinoychurches.blogspot.com/2017/06/maasin-city-southern-leyte.html

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Maasin, commonly known as the Maasin Cathedral is a baroqueRoman Catholic church in Maasin, Southern Leyte, Philippines. The church is home to one of the oldest parishes of the country, the Maasin parish established by the series of waves of missionaries namely the Jesuits, Augustinians and finally, Franciscans.

Originally built in 1700 by Jesuit priests, the church suffered several destruction and damage over the years, but has been rebuilt many times by the orders succeeding the Jesuits. Its present-day structure is constructed at 1968 and subsequently became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maasin which covers the municipalities of Southern Leyte, including the towns of Matalom, Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan and Baybay of province of Leyte. Read More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasin_Cathedral

Monte Cueva

Photo from: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/76461/maasin-shrines-lure-marian-devotees

Also known as the Shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and Our Lady of Assumption, this is a famous spot especially on Holy Week and on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday on September 8. Quite famous for pilgrims, this climb of more than 500 steps upward is accentuated with the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Exhausting as it may seem, the journey uphill becomes rewarding enough once you reach the top and be welcomed by the awesome mouth of the cave. Masses are held there on schedule and on special occasions. Read More: http://travel-licious.blogspot.com/2012/04/monte-cueva-de-la-virgen.html

Napantao Marine Sanctuary

Photo from: http://www.sogodbayscubaresort.com/napantao/

The Napantao Fish Sanctuary is located at Ilijan Point, in San Francisco, Southern Leyte. It can be reached by motorized banca in about two hours from Maasin upon prior arrangement with private boat operators.

The Napantao Fish Sanctuary is full of healthy corals, clear water, rich marine life; the highly diversed underwater terrain in the area promises to be a challenging and exciting dive that a resident school fully grown surgeon fishes welcomes the “intruder” to a celebration of marine bliss and tranquility; hideout full of huge sea fans and soft corals; the place is virtually intact.

Visitors should bring their own equipment and provisions such as water, foods, etc. Bathing, swimming and snorkeling is allowed in nearby beaches and adjacent reef areas; best time to dive: October to May. Read More: https://greedypeg.org/southern-leyte/Napantao-Fish-Sanctuary.html

Panaon Island

Photo from: http://www.writeopinions.com/panaon-island

Panaon Island is famous for its world-class dive spots and fantastic snorkeling. The dive spots on Panaon Island are some of the best in the world. The town of Liloan has some of the largest reef area in Southern Leyte. What an amazing area. The water is crystal clear. The blues are some of the deepest. This side of Panaon Island is enriched with magnificent coral formations. The Island is commonly visited by large, beautiful, dolphins. Here you will even see the largest of fish – the fantastic whale shark!

It is also an excellent location for encountering pods of dolphins during normal diving or snorkeling expeditions. These are some of the most spectacular dolphins in the Mindanao Deep. Often small boats go out among these beautiful creatures. It is not unusual for those aboard to experience the opportunity of swimming with these enchanted creatures. Read More: https://exploretraveler.com/panaon-island-southern-leyte-philippines/

Puting Buhangin Island

Photo from: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1380885-d6581014-Reviews-Puting_Buhangin_Island-Padre_Burgos_Southern_Leyte_Province_Leyte_Island_Visayas.html

The first time we saw this cove, we were enchanted! I have been here several times but don’t mind going back again and again. The nearby sandbar is amazing! Not much area for snorkeling but the beach waters is clear and the sand fine and white. There’s a nearby cave to explore. Relatively unexplored and untouched. It’s not your typical resort with beach facilities but more of a rough it up kind of stuff. Definitely worth a visit when you are in the area. Read More: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1380885-d6581014-Reviews-Puting_Buhangin_Island-Padre_Burgos_Southern_Leyte_Province_Leyte_Island_Visayas.html

Santa Sofia Beach

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Santa Sofia is a beach located in southern Leyte at Tangkaan, or Tancaan, Point in Barangay Padre Burgos. The relatively uncrowded stretch of alabaster sand is lined with mangrove and palm trees that provide natural shade. Calm, clear waters make Santa Sofia an excellent beach for swimmers and snorkelers. Once out of the water, climb the concrete watchtower for spectacular views of Sogod Bay and Limasawa Island. The nearby Buenavista Fish Sanctuary also offers diving and snorkeling opportunities. Read More: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/beaches-leyte-island-philippines-54943.html

Tangkaan Beach

Photo from: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g1380885-d2725580-i149074686-Tangkaan_Beach-Padre_Burgos_Southern_Leyte_Province_Leyte_Island_Visaya.html

Tangkaan Beach in Padre Burgos, S. Leyte is the only white sand beach that can be found in the whole mainland of Leyte. The beach in the eastern part of Leyte is made of black sand, while in the western part it is mostly of pebbles and stone and rocks. However, Tangkaan beach proves to be different. Not only has it white sand for the beach but it also has some beautiful rock formations. The sea is clear and surprisingly it has beautiful corals teeming with small fishes just two or three meters from the shore during low tides. The name itself has a story. ‘Tangka” means to attempt. In the past, there have been several attempts by the Moros to raid the place, but they could not get to land their boats because of the strong currents. Hence, the name Tangkaan. This strong current, I found out when I went on snorkeling. I did not even have to exert any effort to swim as the current was fast. The good thing was that the current was not going out into the open sea but just along the island. Read More: https://beachanatic.blogspot.com/2007/08/tangkaan-beach-in-padre-burgos.html

Southern Leyte is in Region VIII

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