(Philippines) - Things to do in Tacloban

For a truly worthwhile visit to Tacloban City, Leytes capital, here are top 5 things to do in Tacloban-Philippines.

Things to do in Tacloban - Philippines

Reminisce World War II

Tacloban has so many stories to tell about its experiences in World War II. Thus, it would be worthwhile to visit places in Tacloban that had to do with the Japanese Occupation and the return of the American forces under General Douglas MacArthur 4 years after their promised return. Places like San Pedro Bay where the Japanese Imperial Navy was stationed at Tacloban, the Leyte Landing Memorial at Red Beach in Tacloban depicting Macarthurs landing, the Redona Residence where then President Sergio Osmena, Sr. took refuge during the Liberation Period, and the Price Mansion where General MacArthur set up headquarters in Tacloban City.

See the San Juanico Bridge

The longest bridge in the Philippines and in Asia is one that runs across San Juanico Strait in Cancabato Bay and connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte. The part of the bridge that is nearest Leyte has an L shape, and the one nearest Samar is S shaped. Its a rare thing to be able to take pictures of oneself and ones family at the San Juanico Strait and the bridge and make sure that this is the second thing done among the top 5 things to do in Tacloban-Philippines upon setting foot on Leyte.

Witness the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival

Celebrated for a whole month, the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a fun-filled traditional event held each June 29th of the year and includes Kasadyaan Feast, Pintados ritual dances, and the Pagrayhak parade. A highlight in the celebration is body tattooing as an art form. There are also a lot of merry native music playing, street dances, plaza programs, and other cultural shows and exhibits. So, when in Tacloban in June, be sure to have this activity as top 5 things to do in Tacloban-Philippines.

Sightseeing at City Hall

The city hall of Tacloban is not just for official government business---its also for sightseeing. Perched on top of Kanhuraw Hill, it is overlooking Tacloban City, San Pedro and Cancabato Bays, San Juanico Strait, Samar Island, Cataisan Point, and the Philippine-Japanese Memorial. Its surroundings are ideal for a family trip with its landscaped garden, concrete chairs and tables, and a canteen. Its a practical but worthwhile thing to sightsee at the city hall of Tacloban and is fourth in the top 5 things to do in Tacloban-Philippines.

Swim at the Beach

There are 2 beaches very near Tacloban City that bathers can choose from---White or Red beach. White Beach is ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and water skiing. Fun is enhanced by the numerous beach kiosks, beach houses, and the fishermans village. Red Beach is historical, being the place where General Douglas MacArthur and the American forces landed in 1944. The place is ideal for swimming, wind surfing, and picnicking. Both beach fronts have resort hotels with posh restaurants and sports facilities. Enjoying these beaches is fifth in the top 5 things to do in Tacloban-Philippines.

(Philippines Board)