Travel Like A Local

Day 1 – City Highlights & History Morning • Arrival in Tacloban (Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport) • Breakfast at Jose Karlos Coffee (near the city hall, good for local + western breakfast) • Sto. Niño Shrine & Heritage Museum – Imelda Marcos’ ancestral home turned museum • Leyte Provincial Capitol – Iconic neoclassical building Lunch • Ocho Seafood and Grill – Famous for fresh seafood dishes (try the buttered scallops) Afternoon • M/V Leyte Landing Memorial (MacArthur Landing) – Historic spot where Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed in 1944 • Price Mansion – WWII headquarters of Gen. MacArthur (if open for tours) Evening • Sunset at San Juanico Bridge – The longest bridge in the Philippines • Dinner at Sunzibar – Known for their spicy ribs and Tex-Mex dishes ⸻ Day 2 – Nature & Island Vibes Morning • Early breakfast • Kalanggaman Island (via Palompon, ~2 hours from Tacloban) – Famous sandbar, crystal-clear waters • Alternative if you want nearby: Canigao Island (shorter travel, simpler vibe) Lunch • Picnic on the island (usually arranged with the boat operator) Afternoon • More swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking • Return to Tacloban in the late afternoon Evening • Dinner at Chew Love – Quirky, artsy café with local comfort food • Light stroll along Balyuan Park if you still have energy ⸻ Day 3 – Culture, Souvenirs & Leisure Morning • Breakfast at Café Lucia or K Patisserie • Madonna of Japan – Scenic park with views of Cancabato Bay • Palo Cathedral – Beautiful post-war church rebuilt after WWII • Yolanda Memorials – Mass Grave in Palo and Yolanda Shipwrecks Lunch • Calle Z Café – Good for Filipino fusion food Afternoon • Pasalubong shopping at Tita A’s or Pasalubong Center – Buy moron, binagol, and other local delicacies • Relax at The Oriental Hotel rooftop café for coffee with a city view Evening • Early dinner or snacks before your flight/departure ⸻ 💡 Tips for the trip • Best to book island trips in advance (Kalanggaman, Canigao) for smooth transport • Traffic is light, but factor in bridge travel time for San Juanico sunset trips • Wear light clothes & bring a hat or umbrella – Tacloban sun can be intense • Always have cash on hand as smaller spots don’t take cards