This underwater paradise hosts over 20 marine protected areas, world-class dive sites, and is home to 350 of the 520...
Sambawan Island is Biliran’s answer to paradise. White sands, thriving marine life, and warm blue waters washing up the tree-lined...
These relics have an amazing story to tell. Come see the cast-iron bells that went on a 177-year voyage through...
This 750-meter long uninhabited island off the coast of Palompon in the Province of Leyte is blessed with long stretches...
This ocean-side park reminds us of an important event in history-the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur alongside President Sergio Osmeña,...
Ever riden a wooden canoe through 20 raging kilometers of wild streams? This traditional mode of transportation is now known...
The area is a monolithic wonder composed of 7 rock formations of various sizes lapped up and carved over time...
28 kilometers northeast of Tacloban City rests this magnificent stone bridge that connects two mountain ridges above the surging Kadak-an...
Aside from white beaches all over, the Philippines also offers delightful pink beaches! That’s because the swirl of currents in...
Ultimate Dive Travel provides affordable and luxury scuba diving packages in the Philippines designed to help you and your family...
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Fun Things To Do
Sun and Beach
Being a region of open beaches, bays, straits, hidden coves and lagoons, as well as the "narrowest" agoons, as wetl as the narr navigable straight in the world, there is no shortage of fun under the Philippine sun right here! The pristine Kalanggaman Island, Cuatro Islas, and the up and coming destination of San Vicente Island are only three of the dozens of sandy locations in Eastern Visayas. Find a beach to call your own right here in Region 8!
Nature
This region of beautiful coastlines packs alluring secrets-being home to some of the most majestic waterfalls in the country! Check out Tarangban and Lulugayan Falls in Samar, the cascades of Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls in Biliran, or any of the numerous falls that dot Eastern Visayas to feel both the rush of adventure and the serenity of nature.
Food and Hospitality
Nature is not just a background in Eastern Visayas' culinary scene-it is a part of life! Here, the vibrance of the natural world enhances every sumptuous meal and tranquil night's sleep. Experience the best of Eastern Visayas in any of the warm and welcoming resorts, hotels, seafood grills, and hang-outs all over. You should also check out the myriad of delicacies that can only be found in Leyte, Samar, and Biliran! Some of these are the chocolate moron, the binagol, and the pastillas de leche from carabao's milk.
Events and Culture
The merged celebration of the Pintados Festival and Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban Cityy showcase showcase the region at its most festive through traditional Waray body painting, a remnant of the tattoo culture and the music of the island's natives called by the Spanish conquestadores as Los Pintados. In fact, music and dance can be found all over the region! Watch the frenetic Subiran Regatta of one-manned native sailboats for a nautical thrill and visit Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte or Capul Island in Northern Samar for a historic trip.
Top 5 Festivals
Pintados Festival and Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals
Pintados Festival showcases the practice of body
tattooing as described by Antonio Pigafetta, a
Venetian explorer who joined Magellan's voyage
er who joined Magellan's vovas
around the world. While the 25-year old Kasadyaan
Festival of Festivals highlights the cultures of Leyte
and other festivals from Visayas and Mindanao
it's also a spiritual spiritual expression ofo gratitude gratitude
for the people's strength aft
WHEN: June 21
WHERE: Tacloban City
Sangyaw Festival Parade of Lights
A bright display of lights illuminates the night
of June 29 at Tacloban City with this special
festival. Colorful dancers in themed costumes
with lights perform around the main
of the city to honor the Sto. Niño de Tacloban.
WHEN: June 29
WHERE: Tacloban City
Piña Festival
Honoring the city's patron saints, San Pablo and
San Pedro, the festival has become another
great addition to the long list of reasons visitors
flock to the city each year. Ormoc's Piña Festival
is a true celebration of the things that are
impor
important to Ormocanons and taking the center
stage is the city's icon-the "Queen Pineapple"
WHEN: June 23
WHERE: Ormoc City
Manaragat Festival
"Manaragat" or "people of the sea" pays homage to the city's Patron Saint, Señor San Bartolome Apostol whose intercession has maintained the richness of Maqueda Bay and Samar Sea. It has grown from being a town fiesta and religious activity to a convergence of cultural extravaganza and environmental awareness.
WHEN: August 23
WHERE: Catbalogan City
Padul-ong Festival
This religious folk festival in Borongan City honors the day the province received the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. One of the highlights of the festival is a reenactment performance of how the statue was believed to be brought to the
Philippines from Portugal. Prepare to be amazed by the dazzling costumes and elaborate street dance shows as the Boronganons honor their beloved patroness.
WHEN: September 7
WHERE: Borongan City
things to know
How to get there
Eastern Visayas is primarily served by Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban), with regular flights from Manila and Cebu. Additional airports in Calbayog and Catarman provide access to Northern Samar. Ferries connect Leyte and Samar to Cebu, Bohol, and other nearby islands, making regional travel flexible.
How to get around
Transportation options include taxis, jeepneys, multicabs, tricycles, and vans in major cities like Tacloban and Ormoc. For exploring countryside attractions, travelers often hire private vans or join guided tours. Island‑hopping destinations like Kalanggaman and Biliran are accessible by boats and chartered trips.
Where to stay
Eastern Visayas offers a range of accommodations: business hotels in Tacloban, beachfront resorts in Leyte and Biliran, and eco‑friendly stays near nature attractions in Samar. Options range from budget inns to boutique hotels and family‑friendly resorts.
Internet
Internet connectivity is reliable in major cities and tourist hubs. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi‑Fi, and mobile data from Globe, Smart, and DITO works well in populated areas. Speeds may vary in remote beaches, caves, or mountain areas.
Language
The region primarily speaks Waray‑Waray, with Cebuano and Filipino also widely used. English is commonly spoken in tourism, business, and transportation, making communication easy for visitors.
Currency
The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). ATMs and banks are available in major cities like Tacloban, Ormoc, and Catbalogan. Smaller towns, island‑hopping operators, and local markets may prefer cash, so carrying pesos is recommended when traveling outside urban centers.
Timezone
Eastern Visayas follows Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. The Philippines does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains consistent year‑round.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Eastern Visayas a memorable region to visit?
Eastern Visayas is known for its raw natural beauty, historic landmarks, and island adventures. Travelers come for the iconic San Juanico Bridge, the serene beaches of Biliran, the caves and waterfalls of Samar, and the cultural heritage of Tacloban. The region blends nature, history, and coastal escapes in a way that feels refreshingly authentic.
How do travelers usually reach Eastern Visayas?
Most visitors fly into Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban, the region’s main gateway, with direct flights from Manila and Cebu. Other access points include Calbayog Airport, Catarman Airport, and ferry routes connecting Leyte and Samar to nearby islands and provinces.
What activities and attractions are popular in Eastern Visayas?
Top experiences include crossing the San Juanico Bridge, exploring Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park, relaxing on Kalanggaman Island, visiting the MacArthur Landing Memorial, and discovering Biliran’s waterfalls and hot springs. Adventure travelers also enjoy spelunking, river treks, and island‑hopping.
Is Eastern Visayas suitable for families and first‑time travelers?
Yes. Eastern Visayas offers a mix of gentle nature activities, cultural sites, and well‑developed city centers like Tacloban. Its attractions are accessible, and the region is known for its warm hospitality, making it ideal for families, couples, and first‑time visitors.
