8 Things To Do in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

     We decided to promote tourism in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines which was recently ‘super’ damaged by the super typhoon Haiyan in 2013. We know that the destruction was 5 years ago–  but this typhoon was so powerful that it took few more years before citizens of this inspiring city started to move on. To contribute for the city’s re-growth, we would love to share 8 things you can do in this place:

1.) Try their creative restaurants

     There are actually a lot. My friend– Charles Young, who is a local of the city toured me to some of his favourites. I could mention few for now– then I want you to explore this city for various creative tastes it could offer. First on my list was Rovinare by Jose Karlo’s Coffee. The Coffee shop was established by the current Ms. Philippines 2018 candidate no.4 Ana Patricia Asturias, who recycled some typhoon haiyan ruins into artful pieces currently used as interiors or displays in her coffee shop.

2.) Visit Price Mansion

     The Price Mansion was once the Philippine President’s official residence after General Douglas MacArthur re-established the Philippine Commonwealth in 1944 in Tacloban with Sergio Osmeña as President.

3.) Traverse San Juanico Bridge

     The longest bridge in the Philippines, San Juanico Bridge, can be traversed starting from Tacloban City. I rented a tricycle for 350 philippine pesos or 7 US dollars to traverse the whole architecture.

4.) Stay at Yellow Doors Hostel

      This is the only hostel in the city. If you are travelling solo and on a budget (around 500 philippine pesos or 10 US dollars per night), you may try booking at this hostel. The establishment is very well maintained and staffs are very polite. I stayed in a dorm room (co-shared by boys and girls) with 6 beds. On my first day, I only had one roommate– a college girl. We never talked and just acknowledged each other’s presence by a smile when she was about to check out. I got offended at the first few hours we were together in the room (because it seems she was on a hurry to go outside whenever I am moving in my area). I hope she doesn’t think that I am a pervert or a rapist. Anyways, her attitude could have been a blessing in disguise as I have a girlfriend and do not have any intention to be unfaithful.

     On my second day, I only had one roommate again- this time an American NGO worker named Jacob. He was very busy on his laptop that I lost my chance to have an American friend who will invite me someday to America.

5.)  Visit the Romualdez Museum

Visit the Romualdez Museum which is the ancestral house of the most famous First Lady in the Philippines, Imelda Romualdez Marcos. There is an entrance fee of 200 philippine pesos (or 4 US dollars).

6.) Pay respect to the Mass Grave Holy Cross Gardens near San Juanico or MV Eva

The tricycle driver Melvin Eval who toured me in San Juanico bridge encouraged me to pay visit as well to the mass grave where thousands of Yolanda victims lie. In below video, he shared to me that the roads we passed by were full of dead people after the typhoon.

7.) Hop to nearby town Palo, Leyte for Mac Arthur Park

8.) Pray at Sto. Niño Church

It is just so wonderful to visit a church in every place that you visit. And I was amazed to the Sto.Niño Church here in Tacloban City.

Additional Helpful Information:

1.) For tricycle tours, you may contact Melvin Eval +639363993559