Leyte is a historic island province of the Philippines that is proud of its extensive history and is located in the eastern Visayas region. Leyte was there throughout both the tremendous uprising against the Spaniards and the historically significant bloody conflicts that took place during World War II. The famous invasion of American troops during World War II, led by General Douglas MacArthur and taking place on this island on October 20, 1944, took place here under the command of General MacArthur. A bloodbath of young warriors who lost their life during World War II is a solemn reminder to the thousands of tourists who visit the province each year to witness its historic attractions. These landmarks draw visitors by the thousands.
Leyte, like the other islands in the Philippines archipelago, is well-known for its grandeur and possesses a variety of natural features, including hot springs, forests, hills, lakes, and beaches with attractive scenery. On the other hand, this region is more evocative of the atrocities that have been committed in the past and the aftermath of war than of its natural beauty.
Main Tourist Attractions of Leyte, Phillipines
CAP Building
This structure in Tacloban, which can be found on Justice Romualdez Street, was once known as the Prince Mansion. During the Second World War, in the year 1944, General Douglas MacArthur made his home in this imposing palace, which also served as his headquarters. The structure is typical of the American colonial houses that were constructed in the early part of the 20th century.
Sta. Fe Community Museum
This museum may be found at the Santa Fe Leyte Municipal Hall on the island of Leyte. The museum is home to a wide variety of relics as well as antiques. In addition to mementos from the battle, you can see things such as ceramics and bottles that date back to the Spanish period. All of the antiques were gathered by the citizens of Santa Fe with the assistance of their mayor and the tourist council for the local government.
Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum
In Tacloban, you may find this location on Real Street. The museum has paintings that were created by local artists depicting all 14 of the Stations of the Cross. A bas-relief carved out of wood is also available for guests to see. It tells the story of the first couple to settle down in the Philippines. In addition, the museum has quite a few pieces of artwork created by Fernando Amorsolo.
Red Beach
The distance from the city of Tacloban to Red Beach is about 10 kilometres. During World War II, in the year 1944, this is the location where Allied Forces, led by General Douglas MacArthur, landed on the island. From this vantage point, you will get an absolutely breathtaking view of the Leyte Gulf. In addition to that, it is an excellent location for water sports including swimming and water gliding. You may also unwind at one of the beach resorts, which often provide a full range of recreational and leisure options.
San Juanico Bridge
This bridge is both the longest and one of the most elegantly built ones in the nation. The bridge spans the San Juanico Strait and connects the villages of Cabalawan with Sta Rita on the other side. From the bridge, you will get a wonderful view of the San Juanico Strait, which has enchanting whirlpools and several small islands.
Leyte Provincial Capitol
This structure dates back to 1907 and may be seen in the vicinity of Sen. Enage Street and Magsaysay Boulevard. When Sergio Osmena Sr. was in power in the Philippines in 1944, this building served as the nerve centre of both the Commonwealth Administration of the nation and the municipal government of Leyte. The murals on the walls in this room commemorate the First Christian Mass in the Orient as well as the arrival of General Douglas MacArthur.
Buga-Buga Hills
These hills may be seen at Villaba, which is about 125 kilometres from Tacloban. Throughout the course of World War II, the region remained firmly under General Suzuki’s control. At this location, a large number of American soldiers were willing to give their lives in order to protect the area from invasion by Japanese troops. This location was also the scene of the deaths of thousands upon thousands of Japanese troops. The memorial commemorating these troops is often visited by visitors from both the local area and far afield.
Mahagnao National Park
Burauen, where Mahagnao National Park is situated, is about 66 kilometres from Tacloban. The park first opened its doors in 1937 and is known for its untouched woodlands. Large ferns, incredible craters, lakes, and a whole host of other natural wonders await you in this region. The park is known for its high level of comfort, which is one of the primary reasons for the high number of visitors it receives.
Tongonan Hot Springs National Park
The Tongonan Hot Springs National Park can be found in Ormoc Valley, which is about 123 kilometres away from Tacloban. The valley is an excellent location for the production of geothermal power and the distribution of electrical power to the surrounding region. The region was home to the country’s first geothermal power plant, which began operations here in the valley. The visitors will find the park’s environment particularly refreshing due to the temperature, which is often calm and quiet.
Lake Danao
This lake can be found near Ormoc, which is around 125 kilometres away from Tacloban. The elevation of the lake, which stretches for around 3 km in length, is about 640 m above mean sea level. It resembles a violin in size and form. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species, and it also provides a stunning panorama of the mountain ranges in the surrounding area when seen from a distance. In addition, there are a great number of wild creatures in the forest that is nearby.
Mt. Pangasugan Ecopark
There are just a few rainforests left in the nation, and Mt. Pangasugan Ecopark is one of them. The ecopark is widely regarded as one of the most important ecological parks in the nation and is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species. The park is home to a large number of endangered animal species, including flying lemurs and tarsiers, amongst others.
