Visiting Leyte for the First Time? These 10 Spots Are Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

When we think of popular travel destinations in the Philippines, Leyte might not be at the top of your list. But we’re here to change that! From historical landmarks to underrated gems, these places will have you saying, “See you, Leyte,” as you head home with a deeper appreciation for the province’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Here are ten spots that are worth adding to your itinerary: 

1. MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park (Palo, Leyte)

Declared a national historical landmark, the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is an iconic site featuring double life-sized bronze statues that honor General Douglas MacArthur’s historic return to the Philippines during World War II.

To gain a deeper understanding of the park’s significance and discover more of what Leyte has to offer, visit the MacArthur Park Historical and Tourism Photo Exhibit! It’s just a short five-minute walk away.

2. San Juanico Bridge

If you’re heading to Samar after a meaningful visit to Leyte, you’ll be crossing the San Juanico Bridge—the longest bridge in the country that spans 2.16 kilometers.

While it is undergoing repair, this bridge remains a destination in itself. Apart from offering the majestic view of the San Juanico Strait, just crossing the bridge itself is a healing experience. Plug your earphones, play your favorite song, and roll down your car windows as you bask in the moment.

3. Tabuk Marine Park Fish and Bird Sanctuary (Palompon, Leyte)

The Tabuk Marine Park Fish and Bird Sanctuary is a small mangrove-covered island located right in front of Palompon’s tourism office. Upon arriving by boat, you’ll cross a long bridge leading to a gorgeous lighthouse, where you can climb the stairs and take stunning photos of the surrounding view.

Fun fact: We hadn’t planned to visit this island, but we’re so glad we did! As you walk through the heart of the mangrove forest, you’ll come to appreciate how this island continues to serve as a natural barrier during typhoons—quietly protecting the coastline with every storm that passes by.

4. Kalanggaman Island (Palompon, Leyte)

It’s no brainer when we say that Kalanggaman Island was one of the best highlights of our Leyte trip! If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers peace over parties and large crowds over beach raves, this pristine sandbar island is a must-visit.

As soon as you step onto this island, you’ll lose your signal—but that should be the least of your worries! Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, as you can find so many ways to relax and unwind. You can prop up your favorite beach read, take a peaceful nap under the shade of a coconut tree, or try water-based activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. If you’re lucky and visit the island when it’s not high tide, you can walk through the sandbar and indulge in the breathtaking views.

5. Lintaon Peak (Baybay, Leyte)

We were just as shocked to find out that Lintaon Peak has an entrance fee of only ₱20. With just a ₱20 bill in hand, you can hike (or hop on a habal-habal) and witness a paradise that your phone camera can’t quite capture. The moment we soaked in the views, it felt like all our exhaustion vanished into thin air.

Also at Lintaon Peak, you’ll find a sea of flowers at the stunning 16,000 Blossoms! We suggest wearing a light outfit or a flowy dress—perfect for beautiful photos. And for the lovebirds, this spot might just be your next romantic getaway, ideal for an unforgettable date or even a proposal.

6. Sky Café (Baybay, Leyte)

For the girls and gents who love coffee and good views, Sky Café is worth waking up early for. Between 5 to 7 AM, you can bask in a sea of clouds while enjoying your favorite silog meals and having a hot cup of coffee, chocolate, or green tea.

While it was unfortunate that we didn’t get to witness the majestic sea of clouds due to rainy weather, the view we had all to ourselves was still just as breathtaking!

7. Palo Metropolitan Cathedral (Palo, Leyte)

Palo Metropolitan Cathedral holds so much history. Built in 1596, this church was not only a witness but also a key part of the liberation during World War II, serving as a central hospital for Filipino refugees. It also stands as a tribute to those who tragically lost their lives during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The quiet atmosphere brings in a sense of reverence for the enduring faith and resilience of those who survived, and solemn remembrance for those who passed.

Aside from Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, there are many more churches worth visiting, such as Sto. Niño Church in Palo, the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, San Isidro Chapel, and the Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony de Padua in Baybay. And if you’re visiting these sacred places for the first time, don’t forget to say a prayer and make a wish.

8. Binaybayon Boardwalk (Baybay, Leyte)

When you think of food parks in the city, vibrant exteriors and overpriced meals probably come to mind. But Binaybayon Boardwalk offers more than just food—it’s a place where you can enjoy the relaxing sea breeze, connect with family and friends, and have meaningful conversations.

Of course, a trip to Binaybayon Boardwalk wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their famous barbecue and a fresh array of seafood. They also take pride in Baybay’s Chicken Barbecue, known for its savory, flavorful skin and soft, tender meat that will leave you craving more.

9. The Farm at Guinciaman (San Miguel, Leyte)

If you’re looking for a break from the bustle and chaos of the city, The Farm at Guincaman is a charming agri-tourism estate where you can book accommodations and truly unwind. They offer three rooms: the Superior Room (₱4,000), Deluxe Room (₱4,200), and Family Room (₱10,000), each providing a breathtaking view of the farm and easy access to a variety of activities.

We were fortunate to experience an ATV adventure. As someone who hasn’t driven any kind of vehicle—and whose most recent “driving” experience involved bumper cars at amusement parks—I thought I’d struggle. But thanks to the very accommodating kuyas who guided us, we were able to navigate the trails with ease. In addition to the ATV ride, they also have a playground for kids, a lush botanical garden, a thrilling mini zipline, and more.

10. Leyte Pasalubong Center (Palo & Baybay, Leyte)

Once you’ve visited all these spots, a quick stopover to buy pasalubong for your family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones is a must! The Leyte Pasalubong Center in Palo offers a wide variety of local treats to satisfy your cravings, including chocolate and ube moron, kamote chips, dried fruits, and more They also have wearable products, woven bags, mugs, as well as postcards and stamps that you can have mailed or delivered to your loved ones.

There’s also a pasalubong center in Baybay, where you can find crowd favorites like langka chips and dehydrated pineapples. For only ₱100, you can enjoy sweet (but not overly sweet) langka chips that you won’t find anywhere else!

If you’re planning a trip to Leyte soon, it might be a good time to book your flight in advance and start mapping out your itinerary. AirAsia is currently offering one-way fares to and from Tacloban starting at ₱516. Bookings are available until July 3 for travel between July 2 and March 31, 2026.

Thank you so much, AirAsia, for this unforgettable experience!

Read more: These Food Trip Spots in Boracay Will Satisfy Your Cravings

Did we miss anything on the list? Tell us in the comments!