Melo Villareal
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tacloban City
Tacloban is a first-class city in Eastern Visayas and is the provincial capital of Leyte. It is one of the most populous cities in Eastern Visayas, with 138 barangays and over 250,000 residents. It is located right at the edge of Leyte, facing the San Juanico Strait and the distant mainland Samar.
Leyte Provincial Capitol photo via Wikimedia Commons
Although it was devastated by typhoon Yolanda (or Haiyan) in 2013, and is, undeniably, most known for the tragedy that hit it, the city and its residents show how resilient Filipinos can be. It is not just a tourist destination that boasts the San Juanico Strait, the MacArthur Landing Memorial, or the Madonna of Japan Park—it is a mark of the Filipino people that should not be missed.
In this Tacloban City Travel Guide Blog, we listed some tips on how you can do your own DIY Day trip to Tacloban City. We also included a sample Tacloban Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.
How to get there
Here are the ways to get to Tacloban City:
By Plane (Recommended)
- Fly from NAIA (Manila) to Tacloban Airport (Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport)
- Travel time: about 1 hour 15–30 minutes
- Cost: roughly PHP 2,400 – PHP 6,500+, depending on promos
This is the fastest and most convenient option. Multiple daily flights are available via major airlines.
By Bus (with ferry crossing)
- Ride a bus from terminals like PITX, Cubao, or Pasay
- Travel time: about 13 to 21+ hours
- Cost: around PHP 1,400 – PHP 2,500+
The bus will board an RORO ferry to cross between islands.
By Bus + Ferry (separate transfers)
- A combination of bus rides and ferry crossings
- Travel time: around 15–20 hours
- Cost: can be slightly cheaper but less convenient
By Car (drive + ferry)
- Drive from Manila and take ferry crossings to Leyte
- Travel time: about 15–20+ hours, depending on stops and ferry schedules
Summary
- Fastest: Plane
- Cheapest: Bus + ferry
- Most flexible: Car + ferry
The transportation options for getting around Tacloban City:
Jeepneys: Jeepneys are a primary mode of public transportation in Tacloban, offering frequent, cost-effective service throughout the city. Fares vary depending on distance.
Tricycles: Abundant and widely available for short-distance travel within the city. They’re convenient for point-to-point trips and are a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Multicabs and Buses: Multicabs and buses operate within the city on longer routes, providing an additional affordable public transport option.
Maxim App: The Maxim ride-hailing app is available in Tacloban, providing a convenient alternative to traditional transport, similar to Grab in other Philippine cities.
Taxis: Taxis are available for more convenient and comfortable travel around the city.
Car Rentals: Car rental services are available from multiple providers in Tacloban for independent travel.
Important Note: Tacloban is a large city with heavy traffic, so traveling by public transport may delay your schedule. There is no developed metro or tram system, but the variety of transport options means you can still navigate effectively once you familiarize yourself with the routes.
Places to stay in Tacloban City
Z Pad Residences
Location: Dadison St., Tacloban City, Leyte, Tacloban, Tacloban City, Philippines, 6500
Price: Php 664 via Agoda.com
Do not let the low price make you hesitate to stay at Z Pad Residence. Its rooms are equipped with basic amenities such as a private bath and Wi-Fi, and its prime location makes it even more worthwhile.
Hotel XYZ
Location: P. Zamora St. Tacloban City, Tacloban, Philippines, 6500
Price: Php 2,663 via Agoda.com
For just under Php 3,000, you can get a comfortable queen-sized bed with a private shower in central Tacloban. And, you also get a complimentary breakfast included in your room. Facilities include a sauna and airport transfer.
Danel Pensionne House
Location: Brgy 77, Greenville Street 1, Greenville Subdivision, Marasbaras, Tacloban, Philippines, 6500
Price: Php 1,200 via Agoda.com
If you plan to stay longer than one night, it is worth booking a room at Dannel Pensionne House. The rooms are cozy, and the garden surrounding the property gives the atmosphere a fresh feel.
The Ambassador Hotel
Location: Real Street, Brgy. 31, Tacloban, Philippines, 6500
Price: Php 2,000 via Agoda.com
Do not miss the excellent location and rooms of The Ambassador Hotel. Each room is equipped with toiletries, linens, a telephone, and a flat-screen television, and it’s reasonably priced. The hotel also has a small café.
Travelers Suite
Location: Rizal Avenue, Tacloban, Philippines, 6500
Price: Php 450 via Agoda.com
If you are on a tight budget or traveling in a group, places like Travelers Suite can be invaluable. Rooms are clean and spacious, and suitable for solo travelers. Check-in time is 1 PM, and check-out time is 12 NN the following day.
Basic Rooms Hotel
Location: Brgy. 63 Corner Real Mannga Sagkahan Tacloban City Leyte, Tacloban, Tacloban City, Philippines
Price: Php 1,039 via Agoda.com
Economy single rooms give you a shower and bathtub, Wi-Fi, and a comfortable bed, and they fit any mid-range budget. Despite being called Basic Rooms Hotel, the hotel is actually complete with all, and not just basic, amenities and hotel services.
Also See: Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Tacloban City
Things to do and see in Tacloban City (and neighboring towns)
Visit the Madonna of Japan Park and Kanhuraw Hill
During the Second World War, Japan briefly occupied the Philippines. Tacloban was one of the cities where Japanese forces camped. Although the Philippines and Japan were not on good terms during that time, the residents of Tacloban erected the Maria Kannon, or the Madonna of Japan, after the two nations reconciled. The park is located on Kanhuraw Hill.
Have a river cruise at the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park
This National Park, established in 1935 to preserve the geography of this part of Tacloban, is one of the most-visited natural tourist destinations in the city. In addition to photography near the caves and mysterious rock formations, activities here include river cruising and kayaking. Make sure to visit the three huge caves.
Visit MacArthur Park in Palo Leyte
The MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park is a protected area of the Philippines that commemorates the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur in Leyte Gulf at the start of the campaign to recapture and liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation on 20 October 1944. The war memorial is located in the municipality of Palo on Leyte Island in Eastern Visayas and is one of the region’s major tourist attractions.
Food trip in Rizal Avenue
Filipinos are foodies. This is evident in literally every city that you go to. And in every town, there is one spot where all the goodness of food is gathered. In Tacloban, that’s on Rizal Avenue. Tacloban is famous for its barbecue, and the consecutive smoky barbecue stalls here in Rizal will keep you company throughout the night.
Bathe in Tulaan Falls and Beach
Tulaan Beach in Babatngon, Leyte, is less than an hour from central Tacloban. This distance from the urbanized center of Eastern Visayas promises a peaceful trip. It’s so idyllic here that you will fall in love right after seeing it. Tulaan Beach is a basin, bordered by Leyte and the distant island of Biliran. Tulaan Falls is about 30 minutes of trekking from the beach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiDkhF1BgI-/
See the Yolanda Memorial Monument
Yolanda Shrine, also known as the Yolanda Memorial Monument, is a shrine and monument located in Barangay Anibong, Tacloban, Leyte, in Eastern Visayas. The memorial was named after Typhoon Haiyan of 2013, which is known in the country as “Super Typhoon Yolanda”.
Jog on the San Juanico Strait
It is iconic, free, and offers a view of the connecting landmasses and the open ocean.
Also Read: Food Trip: A Taste of Tacloban
Sample Tacloban City Itinerary and Budget
- 10:00 AM Arrival at MNL airport
- 10:30 AM to 12:05 PM MNL to TAC airport
- 12:05 PM to 1:00 PM Hotel check-in and lunch
- 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Gallivanting
- 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Go to the market or shops for souvenirs
- 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Food trip or dinner
- 7:00 PM onwards Rest
Tourism Contact Info
Department of Tourism – Region VIII
Address: Brgy. 25, Kanhuraw Hill, Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City, 6500 Leyte
Phone (63 53) 325-5279 / 321-2048
Email dotreg8@yahoo.com / tiopeskrs@yahoo.com / dottacloban@yahoo.com
Facebook: DOT REGION VIII, EASTERN VISAYAS (Leyte, Samar, Biliran)
Tacloban Travel Tips
- Traveling in groups can significantly reduce your expenses, especially for transportation and accommodation. There are many specialty lodging options, hostels, and inns where you can stay with your group.
- The same concept applies if you plan to visit places with fees, such as Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park.
- Tacloban is a predominantly Waray-speaking city.
- Unlike most parts of the Philippines, the rainy season in Tacloban is from November to December. If you don’t fancy the idea of having some downpour during your stay, visit the city earlier in the year.
- If you want to visit in time for the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, schedule your trip on June.
Watch Tacloban City Tourism Video
*Prices of Hotels in Tacloban City are subject to change without prior notice. Always check Agoda for the updated and lowest rates available.
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