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Eastern Visayas
LOCATION
Tacloban is located in the Northeastern part
of the island of Leyte, one of the major
islands that comprise the Eastern Visayas
region. The City of Tacloban lies at 11o 14'
36" North latitude and is situated about 360
miles Southeast of Manila.
HOTELS & RESORTS
One of the country's top resorts is found in
Tacloban City. The Leyte Park Resort offers
guests with elegant quarters, warm service,
sumptuous food and a unique ambiance. Other
fine hotels/resorts in the city -- Asia Stars
Hotel, Vic-Mar Resort, Tacloban Plaza, and
Hotel Alejandro -- boast of well-equipped and
up-to-date convention facilities and
well-trained staff to meet the client's need.
Tacloban also offers a number of economy class
hotels, inns and pension houses with very
affordable rates to cater visitors who wish to
stay in the city for a longer period.
SHOPPING & DINING
For the individual who cannot do a way with
shopping, Tacloban City offers the best show
windows in the region with displays ranging
from designer clothes, appliances, and jewelry
to native products. At fine boutiques in the
city, shoppers can browse through famous brand
names of RTWs coming from Manila and Cebu.
Handicrafts from all over Eastern Visayas as
well as those coming from other regions find
their way to the city. Most especially stores
that sell handicrafts can be found at
Tacloban’s shopping center, while others are
located behind the public market. A popular
item among visitors is the sip-hid (soft
broom) which if compared with the same product
from other places is much more sturdy and
lasts longer. Marine products are abundant in
the city. Dried fish, squid and preserved
shellfish meat are available year-round at
very affordable prices. Another produce that
commands a high demand among transients and
local folks is the "banig" (mat). Made from
weed called "tikog" artisans weave this
material into fine products and given
aesthetic qualities via unique drawings and
geometric designs.
Tacloban also offers a variety of cuisine, to
cater the most discriminating palates, from
native and Chinese dishes to Italian
specialties. Seafood lovers will find a grand
time at the table with a fare of fresh fish,
shrimps, and crabs readily available and
cooked in whatever style one wishes.
GETTING THERE
Three airline companies - Philippine Airlines,
Air Philippines, and Cebu Pacific Air serve
Tacloban with daily 1-hour flights from Manila
and half-an-hour flight from Cebu. Several bus
companies ply between the city and Manila.
Travel time is 22 hours. Tacloban is also
connected to Davao via a 16-hour land trip.
The busy sea lanes between Tacloban and Manila
is dominated by WG&A Super Ferry and Sulpicio
Lines. The Cebu-Tacloban sea route is serviced
by K&T Shipping Lines. Adventurous travelers
can pass through Ormoc City via a 2-hour Super
Cat or Water Jet cruise from Cebu and then
take another 2-hour trip to Tacloban via Ormoc.
GETTING AROUND
Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) ply the major
thoroughfares of the city and to its suburbs.
Motorcabs for hire are readily available for
routes not serviced by PUJs. Minimum fare is
P3.00 (in 1999). Car rental companies have
offices at strategic locations in the city. |
