Tacloban

Overview

Tacloban spreads along the eastern coast of Leyte, a regional capital whose history runs from the 1944 Allied landing at nearby Palo to the memory of Typhoon Yolanda, both marked in the city and its surroundings. The long San Juanico Bridge links Leyte to Samar from the city's edge, and the bay and hills behind it open onto a string of day trips: the Kalanggaman sandbar, the caves and kayaking at Sohoton, and the Cuatro Islas group. Waray cooking and a compact downtown make it a comfortable base for the east.

Standout experiences

• 01 MacArthur Landing Memorial

  The bronze landing tableau at Red Beach in Palo, marking the 1944 return to the Philippines.

• 02 San Juanico Bridge

  The country's longest sea bridge, crossing to Samar with wide views of the strait.

• 03 Kalanggaman Island

  A famous island with twin sandbars and clear water, reached on a day trip from Palompon.

• 04 Sohoton Caves

  Caving and kayaking among limestone and river scenery in nearby Basey, Samar.

• 05 Santo Niño Shrine

  A former mansion turned museum, with hilltop views over the city below.

Getting there

Fly into Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (TAC), the city's air gateway, served from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Clark by Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, Cebgo, and AirAsia. The airport sits inside the city, reached by jeepney, taxi, or ride-hailing. Cebu ferries also land at Leyte ports, and buses cross the San Juanico Bridge from Samar.

When to go

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, Leyte's Festival of Festivals, is held on June 29 and brings dance parades and street celebrations. June also opens the rainy season. The drier months run December to May, and November is the city's wettest month by rainy days. Tacloban sits in the typhoon belt, so travel plans in the wet months should stay flexible.