Tag Archives: Tacloban
More photos (from some one else) of why I enjoyed Leyte
More photos (from some one else) of why I enjoyed Leyte.
Leyte, Philippines
Philippines: The Recap
So when ever traveling there is always something to be learned. My trip to the Philippines was no different. It all started with Manila.
Manila:
- I learned this from my very first trip to India, but completely forgot. Do not trust those at airports. On my first trip I got conned into getting a room and paid 5 times the normal price. In Philippines I was kind of pressured into giving tips (that unwarranted in a country that does not give tips) for a large amount compared to the Philippine peso.
- People say to leave Manila quick and see the other sites. I say that is boo-hockey. I found I did not have enough time to see Manila. I did not get to see the “university belt”, only barely saw Intramuros, and never got to see the sunset or sunrise of Manila Bay. Not to mention the other things I didn’t even get to do.
- Visit Divisoria, and Wagas Market. Wasag Market you have to worry about at late night, as I was warned that there are snatchers around. But I had the most fun eating in a small shack of a home with people from the streets. I learned a lot.
General:
- Wander around the beach. Many times I walk the beach and locals would just invite me over to eat and enjoy sometime with them.
- Enjoy some Tuba. It is a great way to meet some people. When people are getting drunk off of some tuba it is always a good time for everyone there. If you are the kind who doesn’t drink, drink some slowly and take your time.
- Leyte I was told was no big deal to see. I say the opposite. I visited a springs, enjoyed the beach, climbed up a mountain, went on a pilgrimage, and that was a fraction of what I could have done.
- Although Bohol is a tourist trap, run with it. I usually do not do tourist traps, but it was actually fun for a day, at least. Do the Chocolate Hills, the tarsiers and all the other touristy things. It was actually fun for the day.
- Make new friends. Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, it is a great way to meet some people and have new fun things to do.
- Stick to your budget. There are times where I was told A when I heard, or expected B. But sticking to my budget, B worked out, A would have costed me more money.
- Book your flights online. It is cheaper.
- Eating vegetarian is hard, but if you keep looking around you can find vegetarian options. Usually have to avoid the fast food/chain restaurants. Especially the chain restaurants may say vegetable/veggies, it mostly still has meat in it.
- A size Medium Tshirt from the Philippines does not fit the same as a size Medium from the USA.
Edit: 9/25/11 8:15AM
- I forgot the most Important thing I learned. That I am now thankful for what I have. There were conditions I saw that I never have been in. My friends live in way poorer situations than me. I am very lucky for the things I have in my life, and it makes me realize that I have almost too many things in my life. That is the most important thing I got from my trip.
- I also learned that the Ferry in Maasin to Ubay no longer leaves at 8:00 am, but instead at 7:30 PM.
- My friend Jess is an amazing cook.
There was a lot I learned. I hope this helps others in the future. Or you can just explore and let us know what you have learned as well. Happy future travels to all.
Philippines Days 4 -7: Mac Arthur to Maasin
So when some one told me there was nothing to do in Leyte I knew they had to be lying. This morning as I woke up, I looked out the sliding windows of the guest house I was staying at and said to myself, “Now I Know they are lying”. The view of the ocean and sun rising was a sight to see.
At first started with some confusion in Tacloban, but my anger and confusion was quickly defused when I got to meet my good friend Jessa. That night we ate at the resort diner, where I had chopsuey and pinakbet, two vegetarian safe pinoy foods. But later that night there was also an anime costume contest. The contestants paraded their costumes for everyone around. This was a sign of the huge Korean influence in the Philippines.
The next morning my friend and I went shopping and then headed off to her home town of Mac Arthur. If you were to ask someone what there is to do in Mac Arthur, they would say “absolutely nothing” and that is about right. And that is also what I did. I did nothing, and enjoyed it. What I mean about nothing, is I relaxed, with the nice beautiful scenery of palm trees and a gorgeous ocean on the beach. Not to mention doing absolutely nothing with the locals who are very welcoming to the tourists. Always willing to invite to sit down and eat and drink some tuba. What is tuba you ask? Well it is not a musical instrument, but a coconut wine equal to moonshine, and damn good; at least when coke is added. This occurred more times than often, where I enjoyed some good
Times with some Filipinos.
Yesterday my friend Jessa and I made way to Castañas Springs in Balinsasayaw, Abuyog, which is about an hour and 15 minute trike trip from Mac Arthur. It is a gorgeous natural spring that is perfect for swimming, if you ask me. But if you ask my friend it was too cold.
After returning to Taragona Beach Resort, place I stayed for 1500 pesos ($35), we ate and cooked dinner like we had for most of our stay. The next day we would start our adventure very early to make our way to Maasin, a great place for hiking and cave dwelling. Unfortunately, the hiking and cave dwelling was not going to happen. Trying to hail a van passing by in Mac Arthur was hard as many vans were already full. Instead we made our way to Tacloban to catch a van. We waited about 3 hours for the van to fill up til we finally left. Now our adventure in Maasin awaits us, which is probably just a disco and some beers now, but tomorrow we head off to Ubay via ferry to the island of Bohol.
7 Days until Philippines: Biliran & Leyte
So there I was telling someone about where I was going to explore on my next trip. I informed the person that I was wandering off to the islands of Philippines. “Oh where are you going?” she asked. “I will start off on Manila and then fly off to Tacloban.” I replied proudly. “Oh so you are going to see Biliran and such?” At that time I hesitated as my brain went into clockwork. Before this statement the thought of visiting Biliran had never entered my mind.
Biliran is an island north of Leyte and mostly known for it’s fishing villages as well as wondrous amounts of waterfalls. But that is all I really know. So my big concern is where do I go if I was to visit Biliran? I also know that Naval is the main city (if it can be called a city) of Biliran. You can get to Biliran by taking a bus/jeepney from Tacloban. Where can else can a person visit? What is there to see in Biliran? Where is there to stay on the island? The places seems like a great idea to visit, but seems like I could use a bit more guidance.
Some rice terraces in Biliran
After possibly wandering around aimlessly around the island of Biliran (if I get some good advice), I will be heading my way to Southern Leyte. Here can be found the Island of San Pedro, just outside of Huanangan. There is also the coral reefs of Padre Burgos and Sogod Bay. Some great dive spots as well as well as some untouched beaches. I will also possibly explore the caves near Maasin, the capitol of Southern Leyte. Not many people have made thier way around these areas as they are not high on the tourism list, and that is why I would like to visit these places.
Waterfall in Pedro Burgos of Southern Leyte
But before I find my way around to these areas, I start by landing in the city of Tacloban. Tacloban is near the really long bridge of San Juanico, which connects Leyte to Samar. It is also near the Red Beach, famous for General MacArthur’s landing into Philippines. There is even a wonderful statue of his landing there. But is there night life in Tacloban? That is my real question.
So after I land in Manila I will possibly be exploring the Island of Biliran and Leyte. I could use any advice anyone has on these two areas. What do you have to offer?