DOK’s Blog

The province, being part of Leyte island, is believed to be influenced by *Datu Et*e, ruler of the historic community of Mairete, meaning *Land of Ete*, which was centered in Tacloban. The area which is to be Southern Leyte is believed to have been occupied by animist Visayan ethnic groups from Bohol. There is no proof that the indigenous animist Waray of Samar, who at the time occupied northeast Leyte, ever occupied Southern Leyte.
by: Wikipedia

The 10 Best Tourist Spots in Southern Leyte

1. Monte Cueva Shrine, Maasin, Southern Leyte

“Monte Cueva” literally means ‘mountain cave’. But it’s not just an ordinary kind of cave up in the mountain in Brgy. Rizal, Maasin, Southern Leyte. Inside the cave is the shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and Our Lady of the Assumption.

This place was donated by Odong and Loring Chung to the Diocese of Maasin and was then developed to have a quaint chapel inside the natural cave and it has been drawing pilgrims over the years especially during the lenten season. The first mass was held way back in 1999 but the big statue of Mama Mary on this site was built in 1992.

2. Tangkaan Beach

Tangkaan Beach is one of the white sand beaches in Southern Leyte. It is also famous for its beautiful and exciting rock formations. The name itself has a story. ‘Tangka” means to attempt. In the past, there have been several attempts by the Moros to raid the place, but they could not get to land their boats because of the strong currents. Hence, the name Tangkaan. Tangkaan Beach is just three kilometers away from Padre Burgos.

3. Napantao Marine Sanctuary

Napantao Marine Sanctuary is one of the best tourist spots in Southern Leyte if you love diving and interested in marine lifeforms. It features a natural large wall underwater that drops around 50 meters coated with beautiful and colorful diverse corals where schools of fish can be found. Turtles and white tip reef sharks can also be sighted. The best time to go diving at Napantao Marine Sanctuary is on dry season (March to May) since visibility underwater is good during sunny days.

4. San Pablo Island

Pong Gamay or San Pablo Island is the adjacent island of Pong Dako. its twin island, Pong Gamay also takes pride its crystal-clear and calm water and a relaxing island life. It will surely soothe your soul and take away all your stresses. Swim, camp-out and take a plunge to one of the island’s attractions, a 12-meter deep lagoon called Lelang Lagoon.

5. San Pedro Island

If you want to experience serentity and nature, Pong Dako will surely fill your expectations. Pong Dako or San Pedro Island is half of the twin islands, that boast a great marine biodiversity and crystal-clear water that is still considered unspoiled from any commercialization. The island has no electricity and the locals have avery simple laid-back like – no gadgets, TV nor Wi-Fi.

6. Limasawa Island

Limasawa is famous as it is believed to be the site of the first mass in Philippine soil, officiated on Easter Sunday of March 31, 1521 by Father Pedro de Valderrama under the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan. The island is one of the early Pacific contact sites between the East and the West.

7. Molopolo White Beach

Molopolo Beach has fine white sand similar to Aklan’s Boracay Island, perfect for creating sand forts and building sand castles. Some portions, however, mixed up with sea phylum, coastal rocks, and other beach strands. One can also drench into its tranquil and clear waters and may enjoy swimming and doing some water activities at the beach.

8. Bitoon Beach

Bitoon Beach has powdery white sand just like Molopolo beach. The water is translucently crystalline but bristly sea urchins lie underneath. Make sure to wear aqua shoes if you don’t know how to swim or float.

9. Tagbak Marine Park

Shades of the sea come from hues of dark blue, lies between green and mauve. Small rock outcrops formed opposite the chalet and one could kayak around the area; surf around with a stand-up paddle; and discover marine life in their coastal habitats underwater by snorkeling and diving.

10. Buscayan Beach

Little did people know that Macrohon of Southern Leyte was graced with white sand coasts and crystal clear waters. One of which was the Buscayan Beach, located at Brgy. Buscayan, Macrohon of the Leyte South.
Buscayan brags its floury, white sand beach (some parts mixed up with empty sea shells and corals) perfect for family and barkada outings. This unblemished beach spot had an impressive display of rock formations in nearby shores creating a great pedestal for your subject, applying the sea as backdrop setting on snaps. The beach, lined up with coco trees, sparkling white sand beaches, and calm waters, has its natural wonder that will stir your imagination to the hilt.