Tacloban City Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Tacloban City will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

ABOUT

The provincial capital of the province of Leyte, Tacloban is highly urbanized and the most populous city in Eastern Visayas.  In 2013, it suffered catastrophic destruction caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Typhoon Haiyan), one of the most powerful tropical cyclones in history.  The typhoon destroyed several structures including houses, business establishments, tourist attractions, and even the airport.

But with the combined efforts of the government, private sectors, and the whole Filipino community, the city has been rebuilt and restored to what it is now.  Most of its tourist attractions still stand up to this day and the city in general has become more attractive to tourists after the disaster.

Location

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season.  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Tacloban City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Tacloban City in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Fast Facts

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Tacloban City:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS. The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Tacloban City …

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Tacloban City.

1 | Have a quiet moment at Tacloban Church

Catholic devotees would surely love to visit Tacloban Church, also referred to as Sto. Niño Church.  The current church structure built in 1860 was made of adobe and coral stones.  The church, now painted with pure white, has a dome-like ceiling and curved windows and openings.  At the altar is a golden retablo where the image of Sto. Niño is enshrined.  The five-story belfry, also in white, stands proud after surviving the disaster that battered Leyte and its neighboring islands.

2 | Visit the Sto. Niño Shrine and Museum

The 2-storey structure used to be one of the rest houses former President Ferdinand Marcos had built for his wife Imelda who hails from Tacloban.  The lavish structure with extravagant furnishings used to be a venue for many state dinners and gatherings of the biggest people of the country.  It is now under the requisition of the Presidential Commission on Good Governance since 1986.

The structure has 21 bedrooms, a chapel, and a museum which houses several antique and art collections, ivory carvings, gold statues, silver chairs, chandeliers, mirrors, and other valuable pieces gifted by royalties and notable people to the Marcos family. 

3 | Take a picture of San Juanico Bridge

San Juanico Bridge is the Philippines’ second longest bridge spanning a body of seawater.  It measures 2.16 kilometers and connects Samar and Leyte across San Juanico Strait.  You can take pictures while walking along the bridge or cruising San Juanico Strait.

4 | See Kanhuraw Hill and Madonna of Japan

Kanhuraw Hill used to be a campground for Japanese soldiers during World War II.  Presently, a statue of Madonna of Japan, also referred to as Madonna Maria Kanonat, stands on the hill as a symbol of friendship between Japanese and Filipinos.  There is also a stone monument to honor the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in this battlefield.

Tacloban City Hall is located next to Kanhuraw Hill.

5 | Hike to Tulaan Falls

If you love hiking and waterfalls, you will surely love Tulaan Falls.  It may not be as picturesque as those in Iligan but it is a charming one surrounded by trees and wild ferns.  You have to hike through dense forests and come across a stream to reach the waterfalls.  It has a natural pool where you can take a refreshing dip after the hike.

5 | Try the local delicacies

Tacloban has a lot of delicacies to offer and you should at least try one when exploring the city.  Binagol is the city’s most famous delicacy.  Its main ingredients are glutinous rice, taro pudding, and nuts.  It is placed in a halved coconut shell and covered with banana leaves.  Another delicacy to try is moron, a rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar, and chocolate tablea.  Other delicacies originated from Tacloban are bukayo and suman-latik.

6 | Nearby attractions

Not too far from the heart of the city is the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park.  The memorial site commemorates the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur that led to the largest naval battle of World War II.  Samar Island is just a little over 2 kilometers from Tacloban via the San Juanico Bridge.  The island is blessed with beautiful beaches, a massive cave system, waterfalls, and natural parks.

NOTE: The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival occurs annually in Tacloban City every June 27 and Sangyaw Festival, also in Tacloban City, every June 29.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Tacloban City.

1 | Ocho Seafood

The top restaurant on the island, Ocho Seafood Grill is popular for its reasonably-priced tasty seafood dishes.  Customers can choose from the fresh seafood displayed and have it cooked the way they want.  There are also meat options for those who are not too fond of seafood.  Their must-try dishes include fish sinigang, chopsuey, porbidang kangkong, and calamari.

2 | Giuseppe’s Restaurant

Owned by a couple with passion for cooking, Giuseppe’s Restaurant serves Italian cuisine and is well-loved for its pizza, grilled salmon, and steak.  The price is not cheap for local standards but considering the food, great ambience, and friendly staff, Giuseppe’s Restaurant sure does provide a satisfying dining experience.

3 | Jose Karlos

Located just across Sto. Niño Church, Jose Carlos is a cozy little cafe great for hanging out with friends and family over a slice of cake or coffee.  The prices are reasonable and it is one of the best places in the city to enjoy free wifi. 

4 | The Q Kitchen

The Q Kitchen of XYZ Hotel serves Filipino, American, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines.  Customers rave about their tasty foods on top of great service, nice ambience, and good location.  Their must-try dishes include pad thai, spare ribs, and baby back ribs.  They have generous serving and prices are reasonable therefore a good dining experience be it with family or friends.

5 | Dream Cafe

Dream Cafe serves western favorites including burger, pizza, and steak as well as local dishes such as bulalo and sisig.  Claimed as the best restaurant in Tacloban by reviewers, Dream Cafe is reasonably priced and provides excellent service on top of serving good quality foods.  The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks including cocktails, spirits, whiskeys, and wine.

6 | Fahrenheit Food Center

For affordable meals in the city, Fahrenheit Food Center is the best spot to go to.  It offers a variety of Filipino dishes as well as favorites such as burgers and pasta.  Customers rave about their cheeseburger, beef caldereta, and crunchy chicken.  Fahrenheit Food Center has three branches in Tacloban City.

7 | Calle Z

For Filipino comfort foods on the island, the best dining spot to consider is Calle Z Cafe.  Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the restaurant is a part of an old house which survived the devastating typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).  The restaurant serves good foods with affordable prices.  Some of its must-try dishes include bulalo, crispy tenga, and sizzling bangus sisig.

8 | Sunzibar

Sunzibar is a Mexican restaurant serving tasty fusion dishes.  It is best known for its Sunzibar Rum Ribs with meat so tender it falls off the bone, as their menu says.  The restaurant also serves good nacho chips, nacho salad, and pasta.

9 | FyZz Gastropub

Located on the 9th floor of XYZ Hotel, FyZz Gastropub serves Japanese food and an impressive selection of drinks including imported liquors.  The restaurant has a nice ambience with a rustic feel and offers a great view of Tacloban City.  The price is a bit high for local standards but it is justified considering the wonderful dining experience the restaurant provides.

10 | The Little Green Kitchen’s Village Chefs

Want to try Asian dishes with a twist? Head to Little Green Kitchen’s where you can try sinigang with watermelon and crispy kangkong salad among others.  The restaurant has a cozy ambience perfect for romantic date nights.

KNOWN FOR: Binagol and Chocolate morón

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Tacloban City.

1 | Z Pad Residences (Budget)

2 | Hotel XYZ(Mid-Range)

3 | The Oriental Leyte (Luxury | Resort)

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Tacloban City or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Hotel XYZ is the best property to experience this destination.

BUDGET

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation

A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.  AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda, Booking.com, and AirBnB. 

Food

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Tacloban City in 2023:

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:  1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:  20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight
• Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

ADVICE

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Tacloban City.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

Crime

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Tacloban City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

Safety

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid  
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips  

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Health

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

1. Grab (taxis/ride shares)
2. Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
3. WhatsApp (phone calls)
4. Skyscanner (flights)
5. Rome2Rio (transportation)
6. Agoda (accomodations)
7. Booking.com (accomodations)
8. AirBnB (accomodations)
9. Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
10. Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Itinerary

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW: Tacloban City 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling in Tacloban City or in the Philippines in general.

Smoking

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

Alcohol

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines

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