Leyte Sightseeing

In terms of historical significance, very few can match with Leyte or Southern Leyte. It is perhaps best known as the sight of the largest sea battle in history, and also where the Americans made their return to liberate the country. But there are other equally important landmarks that are worth visiting.

The General Douglas Macarthur Landing Memorial

It was at Red Beach, Palo, Leyte in 1944 that General Douglas Macarthur and the Allied Forces made their triumphant return, and today the spot has become a landmark in itself.

While the beach is a thing of beauty in itself, the main attraction are the statues of the famous General and members of the American Liberation Forces, standing over 10 ft tall. These sculptures are situated in a lagoon. It is also where the reenactment of the landing takes place.

The Sun ok Fish Sanctuary

Not far from Maasin is Pintuyan, where the Fish ok Fish Sanctuary is found. As the name suggest, it is a fish lover’s dream.

There are not just a multitude of different fish types to be found, many exclusive to Leyte itself, but the presence of coral reefs, both hard and soft, in various different hues, have made it one of the most popular sites in the province. Aside from this, the fact that the whole area is just below a rocky hill means you also have the option of going rock climbing.

The San Juanico Bridge

Half an hour from Tacloban City is the San Juanico bridge, one of the most well maintained bridges in the province, and a landmark on its own.

As the longest in Leyte, crossing the bridge offers the traveler a glimpse of the San Juanico Strait, along with the serene waters, the clear blue skies and several small islets.

Limasawa Island

When Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521, he commemorated the event through a Christian mass, the first in Asia. It took place at Limsawa Island, and there remains a marker that serves as a reminder of the event.

Aside from being one of Leyte’s most renowned memorials shrines, it is also drawing in tourists because of its many beautiful corals and wide array of marine life.

The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

This museum holds one of the most impressive collections of paintings, relics and historical works in the country. It is on Real Street in Tacloban City, and the contents can be divided into several sections.

The first are the religious works; there are paintings depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross, as well as images of saints. There are also several art pieces depicting figures from Filipino mythology, the most notable being the bas relief of Malakas and Maganda, the first Filipino man and woman.

Finally there are the works of the great Filipino artists, and among the most prized collections of the Santo Nino museum are several works of the great Fernando Amorsolo.

The Sinugdan Commemoration

As the place where the very first Christian mass was held, a celebration is held on the island every Easter Sunday.

The event is always held on the last day of March, regardless of when Holy Week takes place. The program a day long and promotes a number of activities. These include a reenactment of the major events, and also a showcase presentation depicting the finest cultural traditions and practices of the people.

Our Lady of Assumption Church

The religious devotion of the people of Leyte can be seen in the numerous churches in the area, and one of the most beautiful and

respected is the Our Lady of Assumption Church.
A lot of people flock to the Our Lady of Assumption Church, and while a majority of them are locals, a growing number of foreigners are also visiting the church. With its elaborate structure and numerous statues of saints and martyrs, it has become a tourist hotspot.