Tacloban City + San Juanico Bridge + Mac Arthur landing - Day 5

DAY 5: CITY TOUR + SAN JUANICO BRIDGE + MAC ARTHUR + FLY HOME

Since its been raining for days, we decided to hire a tricycle at Php500.00. He agreed to pick us up from our lodging then brought us to the following sites listed below.  Apparently since it’s a holiday. ALL of them are closed even the Parks were padlocked. Ngiiee.  A lesson learned!

• San Juanico Bridge.  Connects Leyte & Samar.  Is the Philippines’ longest bridge, spanning almost 2.16 km over the picturesque San Juanico Strait. It definitely is the longest and beautiful!

San Juanico bridge

• Leyte's Capitol.  I find this place very impressive! We got the perfect sunny weather to take photos. I noticed that almost all the government agencies around the area are well-maintained. A must see when you are in Tacloban City

• Leyte Park Resort/Hotel (This is overlooking the bay), Botanical Garden, Philippine Japanese Peace Park, Madonna of Japan, Family Park, University of the Philippines, Tacloban City Hall are near Leyte Park Resort/Hotel. You can pass by it.

• Mac Arthur Park, Palo. 

Lunch at Yolanda’s Seafood and Grill. They have fresh seafoods, you just point what you like and they'll cook it for you. The typical filipino style of Dampa or STK. A must try! Shrimps cooked in Sprite.  This is very near the airport.. maybe around 5 to 10 minutes away. Behind the eartery, there is a beach.  Our tricycle driver said its nice to watch sunset here.

Head to the airport.

Day 5 expenses:  Php1,070.00 (2 pax).  Rental of tricycle (Php500.00) + lunch (Php540.00) + Terminal Fee (Php30.00)

Due to bad weather forecasts, we weren’t able to go the BILIRAN ISLAND. The tourism office said its recommended to go during summer. During the BER months the water current is strong and not advisable.  What one can expect in Biliran. Island hopping to Maripipi, Dalutan and Higatangan.  Have awesome seascape, sculptured rock formations and moving white sand bar. The area have white sand beaches and waterfalls. 

Helpful contacts in Leyte & Samar:

Region 8, Eastern Visayas Department of Tourism.  Located at Rm 204 and 205, F.Mendoza Commercial Complex, 141 Sto Nino Street, Tacloban City, 6500 Leyte, Philippines. +(63) (53) 321.20.48, 523.02.95, 321.33.69, 325.58.93  dotreg8@yahoo.com

www.visitmyphilippines.com or www.leytetravel.com

There are a lot of ATMs in Tacloban city:  To name a few that I saw... Security Bank, BPI (I saw around 3 branches), Landbank, Union Bank.

Tricycle for hire:  Mang Gerry: 0915.288.8531. You can hire him for the city tour, including Mc Arthur Park in Palo, etc. Even pick and drop from the airport.

Basey Municipal Tourism Office. +(63) (50) 276.14.71. Office of the Mayor +(63) (55) 276.12.07

Sohoton Services Association. c/o Mr. Richard Aliado.  Brgy Inuntan, Basey, Samar, Philippines. (63) 918.786.16.42

Baybay Tourism Office. +(63) (53) 563.8374. Office of the Mayor +(63) (53) 563.9495 +(63) (53) 335.2045   www.mybaybay.com   

Biliran Tourism Office. 2/F, Capitol Building, Calumpang Naval.  +(63) (53) 500.96.27  www.tourism.biliran.com  

Tacloban City, Leyte - Day 4

DAY 4: CITY TOUR, TACLOBAN CITY

a mural painting ( notice how huge it is)

Since it a Sunday and its going a holiday on Monday - Nov 1, we started the day by going to Sto Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum (also known as Imelda Marcos’ Museum). Take note: they are closed during holidays.  They are open Monday to Sunday. 

Entrance: Php200/head                                  

Take photos: Php30.00. There is an additional fee if you want to take photos. Odd rule.

I was born during the Marcos regime. That is why I find it very historically interesting to go around the Museum.  I was actually calculating how much Million of  Pesos (maybe billions?) they spent in building the place. Then our tour guide said that the house was never lived into.  Imelda Marcos only used it to entertain guests. …Well I have now seen with my own eyes that’s how Madame Imelda is. All for display and beautification purposes. 

Ferdinand Marcos' bedroom

Imelda R. Marcos' bedroom

Imelda R. Marcos' bathroom

How ironic can it be… her room is way grand compared to President Ferdinand Marcos.  She has her own big bathroom with Jacuzzi, while Pres Ferdinand Marcos’ shares his bathroom with his bodyguard. He he he.  There are 13 guest rooms at the ground floor, wherein there is 1 diorama per room. As I have observed… the stories were all about Madame Imelda Marcos too. There is even a painting of her family tree – Romualdez side and also a huge canvass painting of Madame herself.  No wonder it’s called IMELDA MUSEUM.

We had a bad luck day. It kept on raining, so instead of walking to Sto Nino Church, we took the tricycle. The Sto Nino Church, across it is the Rizal Park.

Douglas Mac Arthur

Then we went to CAP Heritage Building (formerly Price Mansion). Which served as Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur’s command post. There is a room keeping all the news clippings, photos and a few artifacts about Gen Douglas Mac Arthur.

We ended our day early due to non-stop rain :(.

We had our lunch at Guiseppe’s located along Avenida Veteranos, Tacloban City.  They have free WIFI.  It’s considered as the finest restaurant in the City.

Day 4 expenses:  Php1,534.00 (2 pax).  Jeepney to downtown (Php7.00 each) + Imelda Museum (Php230.00 fo4 2 pax) + tricycle around (Php70.00) + lunch (Php580) + dinner (at home) +  lodging (Php300 each)

Quatro Islas, Inopacan, Leyte & Baybay, Leyte - Day 3

DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO QUATRO ISLAS, INOPACAN, LEYTE

From Ron & Fire’s guesthouse, we took a 5 min. walk to the NEW BUS TERMINAL and rode an air conditioned van at Php180.00 each going to MAASIN.  Tell the driver to drop you off at INOPACAN.  The van trip to Inopacan takes 2.5 hours.  The van departs every hour which starts at 5:00 am. They depart once the van is full. 

(Allocate a time for this. We experienced waiting for 2 hours! Yes!  There were actually 3  passengers who were there earlier than us – she said that this is unusual. The longest time she waited was 1 hour- STILL!  We arrived at the terminal at 6:00 am).

Upon reaching INOPACAN, we went down at the waiting shed in front of M Lhuiller.  Then we rode the pot-pot (also known as pedicab) which brought us to the banca area. Actually you can walk for 5 mins.

1^st island – Digyo Island.  It was a 35-minute boat ride.  Digyo island is the smallest and nicest island among the 4.  We stayed in Digyo island for 1 hour, when were about to leave, the rains came… we have no choice but to take shelter in the cottages.  Sad to say, the rains took for hours!!  to the point when it stopped it was time to go home : ( 

The other islands are: Apid island, Himokilan island, Mahaba island.  I heard in Himokilan, you can eat coconut cracking crabs or known as “tatus”. In the other island you can buy your food and eat there. Just ask the boatman.

Actually our main itinerary was to stay overnight at Digyo Island. Bring a tent or at least sleep in one of the cottages. The area is safe and serene. (I even saw a toilet) but since the weather is uncooperative we changed our itinerary. 

I read reviews that it’s best to arrange your boat transfers to avoid the hassle of negotiating on-the-spot and be a victim of over-pricing. Which what we did.

Our bangkero, Mang Pidot (63) 916.889.8993

We rented our banca for Php1,500.00. It’s very small just like a fishing boat.  Though I really have no problems whether it’s a big boat or small boat. For safety, better request that you want life vests on the banca. There was no provision of it when we rode.  Mang Pidot said his boat price depends on its size. There is the Php3,000 worth and Php4,000 worth boats.

           The wife of Mang Pido, entertained us. She even allowed us to take a shower at their house. By the looks inside the shower area, its normal that guests takes a shower there. Btw, they didn’t charge me for showering.  Though when I bought my shampoo sachets at her sari-sari store. I said  and I don’t want to get my change anymore.  Since it’s my way of thanking the family for giving me access to their shower :-)

From Inopacan we want to stop by BAYBAY.  We rode whatever public vehicle that comes first.  With this, I’ve experienced riding the non-aircon provincial bus.  After 45 mins, we reached Baybay.

 

Sad to say, since its been raining, we took the pot-pot (pedicab) ride going to the church.  Which was just 5 minutes walk from the bus/van terminal.  The best time to be there is during sunset. The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion church (built during the 18^th century) is beside the bay.  There are Spanish-style houses that are being restored, keeping the “old theme”

You can also walk towards the wharf area and catch ships as it docks to the port. Looking at it on a rainy afternoon, I can imagine what a sunset sceney we would experience if only the weather cooperated.

I would also suggest one should stay overnight at Baybay then travel the next day at the nearby attractions within Baybay.

That evening, we had dinner at Ocho Grill located along Sen Enage Street, Tacloban City. The best meal we had during our entire stay. It’s even reasonably priced.  We paid Php446. We ordered the yellow fin tuna skin, kilawin, 4 pcs. prawns & a fish soup.  I guess this is the best in Tacloban City! No wonder its so popular!

Day 3 expenses:  Php3,251.00 (2 pax).  Air-conditioned van Tacloban-Inopacan via Maasin (Php180.00 each) + Snacks (Php135) + banca (Php1,500) + potpot ride/s (Php5.00 each) + Bus to Baybay (Php25 each) + Van from Baybay to Tacloban City (Php150 each) + dinner  (Php446) + tricycle (Php40.00)  + lodging (Php300 each)

Date of trip: October 30, 2010

Basey, Samar - Day 2

DAY 2: DAY TRIP TO BASEY, SAMAR

Basey was the center of Eastern Visayas during the Spanish Era.  The Golden River, which cuts across the town and empties into San Juanico Strait, was a major waterway especially for the remote barangays.

From Ron & Fire’s guesthouse, we took a 5 min walk to the NEW BUS TERMINAL and rode a non-air conditioned van at Php25.00 each. The van trip takes 45 minutes.  The van departs every hour which starts at 5:00 am. The depart, once the van is full.  (Allocate a time for this). The van’s end stop is at the Basey’s Tourism office.  It’s at the Basey Tourism office where you’ll book your package tours.

To reach the caves, waterfalls, we took a boat ride which lasted for 1.5 hours.  You need to prepare and bring packed lunch, snacks and water (allocate extra for the boatman and his assistant).

  

The 1.5 boat ride at the Cadac-an River or also known as “Golden River” is a scenery already.  You can catch birds flying low, see nipa huts residing at the edge of the river, watch fisherman catch their fishes,   see locals taking a bath on the river & wash their clothes, see kids playing while on bancas, see bancas loaded with bananas – this is how they transport their food, we even saw a funeral procession on water (I was so shocked that I wasn’t able to take a photo).

There are 3 destinations in that area:

1^st attraction: SOHOTON CAVES & NATURAL BRIDGE.  569.9 meters. Located in between Brgy Mabini and Brgy Inuntan.

Basey, Samar: Sohoton Caves

The experience at the Sohotan Caves is very light. The name of our guide is Mang Nico who is accredited by DENR. The entire tour only took 45 minutes (actually it depends on the group’s spacing if you will take a lot of pictures and ask a lot of questions)

As advertised there is a hanging bridge. But it’s now not passable. It needs fixing. Then there is the Natural Bridge, you can only go if it didn’t rain the day before. 

Basey, Samar: Sohoton Caves

  




















Tour costs: Motorboat Php1,200 + Guide fee Php350 + Light Php300 + Entrance Php25/pax for locals. (if foreigner Php200.00, if student or child Php20.00) + Golden River cruise permit Php50/head + 10% operating expenses fee.

2^nd attraction:  BALANTAK WATERFALLS.

The waterfalls is really nice. We were lucky. Since it has been raining, the waterfalls is bigger compared to summer season.

To reach the waterfalls, you need to take a motorcycle (habal-habal)  ride or hike for 3 kms.  Just a precaution, talking to habal-habal driver/s is quite stressful. For locals it only costs Php20.00 but it goes as high as Php100/head if they know you are not from there.  We were able to negotiate Php150/habal-habal with 3 passengers in it.  Yes, we even have to pay for the 1 boatman and the 1 tour guide.  The habal-habal ride lasts for 10 mins and for those who aren’t used to ride motorcycles + rocky road. Be forewarned it’s an adventure!

From the foot where the waterfalls area is, you take another light hike for 10 minutes.

Tour costs: Motorboat Php1,200 + Guide fee Php200 + Cottage Php100 + Entrance Php25/pax for locals. (if foreigner Php200.00, if student or child Php20.00)  + Golden River cruise permit Php50/head + 10% operating expenses fee.

Basey, Samar: Balantak Waterfalls

3^rd attraction: RAWIS CAVE.  We didn’t go to this anymore since it’s recommended to have proper gear here.  You have to be in rubber shoes or better yet in boots and pants.  It’s recommended for more adventurous people.

Tour costs: Motorboat Php1,200 + Guide fee Php300 + Light  Php300 + Entrance Php25/pax for locals. (if foreigner Php200.00, if student or child Php20.00)  + Golden River cruise permit Php50/head + 10% operating expenses fee.

** It’s best to do all the 3 attractions at one-go. So that boat fee and river cruise permit are paid once. Just be there early. Be conscious on what they are billing you. The entrance fees can be discounted. Try to haggle if they can take out the cottage fee (it’s useless especially if you won’t be staying long).

St. Michael Archangel Church 1846

…..back in Basey city, we walked to the nearest church – St Michael Archangel parish built in 1846. What I love most are the stained glasses – I find it huge and very intricately made and maintained.  Plus they were able to keep the old tiles.


Though we missed going to the oldest church/chapel in Leyte which was a little farther.  We walked back where the tourism office is (that’s where the jeepney terminal is located).  Rode the van again – the last trip going back to the city is at 5:00 pm.

We had our dinner at Stephanie Smoke House located along Avenida Veteranos, Tacloban City. – It’s an eat-all-you-can buffet for Php200/person. No leftovers.  My favorite is the buko pandan. They mixed coconut milk in it :-)

Day 2 expenses:  Php2,722.00 (2 pax).  Jeepney Tacloban-Basey & vice versa (Php50.00 each) + caves & waterfalls tour  (Php811/person but shared by 4 pax) +  lodging (Php300 each)

Date of Trip: October 29, 2010

Tacloban, Leyte - Day 1

DAY 1: MANILA TO TACLOBAN CITY

We took the flight from Manila to Leyte.  We arrived at the Daniel Z Romualdez (in San Jose, Leyte).  From the airport, you can travel to Tacloban City via jeepney. 

How to travel to the city:

# 1. The Php50.00 jeepney. This can be found within the grounds of the airport. There are conductors shouting to attract passengers to ride the jeep. 

# 2. The 12.00 jeepney. This can be found if you walk out of the airport grounds towards the main road, where the jeepneys, cars and tricycles pass by. Just hail them. 

# 3. Take the cab. Php250.00

# 4. Hire a tricycle. Php150.00. I recommend the tricycle driver – Mang Gerry. Contact no. 0915.288.85.31. 

Our lodging:  RON N’ FIRE’S PLACE.

www.ronandfiresplace.com  Ideal for backpackers.  It is located at Block 23 Lot 47 of Kristina Heights, Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines.  Email: firelady547@yahoo.com, ronnydiba@yahoo.de   Tel:  (63) (53) 321.60.33, (63) 918.511.0770 (Ms. Firie) or (63) 917.499.0035 (Mr. Ron)   Php300.00/night/person

The advantage of this lodging is it’s a “house”.  You are free to use their kitchen and laundry area. They have gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, pans, plates, bowls, spoon & fork, cups and mugs.  They also provide free supply of coffee and tea. But when we were there, they don’t have a creamer, so might as well bring some.  Plus FREE WIFI.  Though they don’t have hot shower… though what I did was, I just boil hot water every time I take a bath :-).  They also provided us 1 towel/person.  We were also lucky, when we were there; we were the only occupants, we don’t need to share the bathroom. 

Since we were just 2, we picked the room with king size bed.  Outside our room (which is supposedly the living room) there are 3 sets of double-deck beds.  The house was actually maximized to accommodate more backpackers. 

Another advantage of our lodging is its 5 mins walk to the NEW BUS TERMINAL. If your itinerary is mostly outside Tacloban City, it’s very convenient.  While it takes 15 minutes walk to reach the ‘city’ or specifically “Rizal Street” where the wet market is.   If you don’t want to walk, you can take the green-colored jeepneys that passes by the main road. It goes to downtown or to the heart of the city.  From the city going back to the lodging, we always take the tricycle - Php40.00

If you are arriving around noon at the airport. I suggest you eat lunch at YOLANDA’S EATERY before heading to the City. It’s 5 mins away from the airport by tricycle/jeepney. They have fresh seafoods that you can order and they’ll cook it for you. I recommend the shrimps cooked in sprite.

We just settled in on our first day. We just had dinner at Sombrero (as recommended by our landlord).  Oh better to bring flash light with you. It seems it gets brown out almost every other day in Tacloban.

Day 1 expenses: Php1,901.50 (2 pax).  Terminal fee in Manila (Php200.00) + Jeepney to town (Php50.00 each) + tricycle (Php50.00 + Php40.00) + Dinner & dessert at Sombrero (Php 350.00) + Supermarket (Php361.50) – bought bread, spread, alcohol, soap, etc + lodging (Php300 each) 


Date of travel: October 28 to November 01, 2010