Devastated, wrecked and shattered-those are the words that described these places due to Yolanda tragedy-history’s strongest recorded typhoon 5 years ago. This tragedy was one of the worst disaster happened in the Philippines that alarmed international leaders, organizations and even the simple people all around the world to send help to the affected filipinos as well as to help the province to rise again after the calamity.
It is, however, didn’t make me think twice about visiting the place. This place might lost half of what it has before, but they still managed to recover and start a new beginning with high hopes which is definitely one of the reason we should visit places like this. Being the weakest province that time made it the strongest one today and in line with this, it has the most interesting stories to tell for sure. 
The place I chose to have my very first solo-flying experience.
I will also give you some SOLO TRAVEL TIPS that helped me survived traveling solo.
L E Y T E
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| Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport |
Because of its history, of course, I didn’t expect much of the city. The airport is plain and small as anticipated. There are lots of local who will offer you taxis or van when you exit but considering that I’m on a budget, I opted to have jeepney ride instead. It costs P20 for the fare going Downtown.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #1:
Use waze when riding a public transportation.
-Not all driver will remember to alight you on your destination.
It will be a big help especially if you’re not familiar with the place.
Downtown is considered as the plaza of Tacloban. This is where the fish ports are located, as well as market, restaurants such as Jollibee and McDonalds, Malls and terminals. Numerous hotels or traveler’s inns are spotted all over the place. I settled in a hostel for P750 per night airconditioned room with cable TV and wifi.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #2:
Do not book hotel or inn in advance.
-In some popular places, it is better to book your room ahead of time but in a places less traveled like Tacloban, it is quite safe to search for different accommodations and make no reservation. It’ll let you choose another option if you don’t feel like staying on your first choice or if you have safety issues.
HISTORIC/CITY TOUR
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #3:
Hire tricycle instead of jeepneys.
-Public transportation in the city is cheap but dropping off to one place and getting another vehicle to your point of interest is really hassle and stressful.
For this one good reason, I hired tricycle or what we called “pakyaw” to tour me around the city for just P300. It is way more expensive than riding jeepneys but aside from the hassle-free ride, it includes the waiting time which is definitely very important because not all tourist spots are near the national road.
MACARTHUR LANDING MEMORIAL PARK
Red Beach, Palo Leyte.
30 minutes away from Downtown Tacloban is a memorial park built in Red Beach, Palo Leyte to commemorate the historic return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur to Philippine shores on October 20, 1944. The very same spot where General set foot in Leyte fulfilling his promise “I shall return” to the Philippines in order to liberate us from the Japanese invaders and eventually named this place as Leyte Landing.
Frankly, aside from being the name of highway I used to take when driving, I know nothing about MacArthur. Maybe during school days but that was quite long ago.
Getting to know more about the Leyte Landing is like getting involved to Philippine history. And it really feels great to visit these places I used to see in our history books and heard from my elementary teacher.
MV EVA JOCELYN
Barangay Anibong, Tacloban City Leyte.
Another historic place in Tacloban is the shipwreck of M/V Eva Jocelyn which was anchored in the city harbor, ran aground and killed residents of Barangay Anibong. It was pushed by a 7-meter high storm surge caused by winds in excess of 370km/hr brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
It was then became a Memorial Monument stands as a remembrance of the thousands of lives that perished throughout the city of Tacloban on that day for the people not to forget about the very tragic event.
SAN JUANICO BRIDGE
Leyte-Samar.
The longest bridge in the Philippines built in 1969 during the time of Former President Ferdinand Marcos with the purpose to connect the islands of Leyte and Samar.
The main objective was to connect all the islands in the Philippines using bridges to make it accessible via Land transportation. Unfortunately, no succeeding presidents were able to finish the project.
(Well, I’m hoping that President Duterte will.)
Aside from MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, this is the most visited landmark in Leyte and Samar. A bridge surrounded by ocean connecting one island to another. This project is indeed very useful to our fellow Visayans and Waray filipinos living in both so-called provinces/islands.
STO. NIÑO SHRINE AND
HERITAGE MUSEUM
Tacloban City
A two-storey structure that displays hundreds of different artifacts, antiques and art pieces coming from around the world that were collected during Marcos regime.
The place is so old and vintage but very beautiful and elegant. It has rooms for the guests and for the first family; small chapel, different paintings, wall made of “banigs”, huge chandeliers hanging on a tall ceilings. It feels like as though I have visited a castle but filipino version.
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| The chair where Pope sat. |
Entrance fee of P250 includes tour guide and you have to focus your attention to every interesting details that he will discuss because it will definitely intriguing. Really one of must-see places here in Tacloban.
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| Wall of Banig |
I am lucky that I was able to visit these historic spots found in one of the most historic place, the province of Leyte. Not just the historic tour I’d love the most, I also love the way how people communicates with the tourists like me. Although we all know that it is one of the best traits of filipino people, but it made me feel like home even I’m miles away from mine.
S A M A R
Crossing the San Juanico Bridge is an indelible experience. Moreover, you could only do it because of one purpose, and that is to reach the province of Samar. There is no other way you can get there but to ride a van for P80 at the terminal if you’re coming from Tacloban.
My first day was all about city and historic tour, I am reserving the next day for some relaxing day at the beach. Leyte and Samar are known to have stunning islands and beaches. Kalanggaman and Cuatro islas are the most popular islands but since I only have two days, I am lucky enough to have discover a worthy of a visit beach resort located at Marabut Samar where I can squeeze some sweet summertime.
CALUWAYAN PALM BEACH RESORT
Marabut Samar
One and a half hour from the city of Tacloban, I alighted at Barangay Caluwayan in Marabut Samar where this palm resort is located. I fell in love with the ambiance of this resort.
The calmness made by palm trees and peaceful view of the beach. Even I can’t believe that the entrance fee costs P25 only!!
But if you wish to use their pool, you need to pay P200. I still find it very cheap for a beautiful resort like this.
Salud Authentic Waray is the name of their restaurant. (Forgot to ask what “Salud” means) They served me their authentic waray blue marlin recipe with side dish of veggies and glass of iced tea for P180.
When I heard the beach calls my name (yes, it says “Cheeee, lumapit kaaaa” lol.) I quickly had my outfit changed. The restaurant allowed me to leave my bag in my table and since no other visitors in the resort aside from me, I am quite confident to leave my belongings.
I took a short walk lingering at the entire place. The heat was surprisingly ain’t exhausting by the time of 11:00am.
They have outdoor sports activities such as Basketball and Volleyball; and Water activities like kayak and island hopping. Like what I’ve said, I am the only visitor that time and so I’ve no choice but to rent the boat for P500.
Manong bangkero and I sailed along the numerous wonderful islets surrounding the cove then landed the boat on a tiny island after 30mins of boat ride. It has a short shoreline with white sands, clear water, seashells, palm and different kind of trees and stunning view of huge rocks. Past half hour when we left the island after I took a refreshing swim then back to the resort.
I rested my tired body in one of the benches just in front of the beach while sipping a glass of chocolate milkshake then took a nap afterwards. Such a rewarding feeling when you get the chance to travel alone and worrying for nothing as if I’m living in some kind of never-never land.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #3:
Always know the way out.
-know your location.
If in doubt, leave the place as early as possible
and be informed about public transportation.
I left Samar around 4:00pm because Barangay Caluwayan is in secluded part of Marabut and public transportation isn’t available all the time and I need to catch my 8:00pm flight back to Clark. I am very thankful for Kuyang Guard of the resort for getting me a van from afar.
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People of Leyte and Samar knows who’s the local and who’s the tourists. I don’t know how they find me not so local in the place maybe because of my way of looking at every corner of each place or because of my outfits. They tend to ask questions like “Ma’am saan ka po pupunta” and eventually give you the well explained directions and on how to get there.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #4
Always put a smile on your face.
-It wouldn’t cost you to smile.
It can make other people’s day bright and yours brighter.
For simple provinces like Samar and Leyte, they showed me a very organized traffic system. They don’t just have “one way” roads but they also operates special roads as well where there are specific way/road for jeepneys and for tricycles or private vehicle. I find it very interesting that I had to go to the street-way where the tricycles will passed by to get myself a ride. And also, their ride offers cheapest price for the minimum of P8.00. I understand that these two provinces, even it is almost five years ago, are still adjusting and on the process of rebuilding their small communities.
Multicabs are their kind of jeepney. The front seats are reserved only for the disabled persons and senior citizens. (Just, wow!) They are implementing what should be implemented in the entire country long ago and I salute this place for being respectful and good followers of the rules.
Hearing the word “Yolanda” and hundreds of deaths it caused, the thought itself of going alone is already terrifying and some sort of creepy I must admit, but being actually there was an opposite. Not just visiting but being involved in their history was such a fruitful experience. I love it how half of my trip somewhat became “lakbay aral” and the other half was a surreal vacay.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #5
Trust yourself.
-You only have yourself in this journey.
All you have to do is to be confident with your every decisions
and be optimistic about it.
Going somewhere where nobody knows my name was definitely one of the greatest experience I’ve done so far in my existence. It is true that traveling alone is the scariest, most liberating life changing experience of our lives. I am more than proud but full of pride to share my adventures with you all. I hope that I was able to influence each of you to try unique adventures that’ll let you know yourselves deeply and define happiness on your own...
..and to live your life by a compass and not by a clock.
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #6
Pray.
-He will never leave you alone.
When in doubt, talk to Him.
Trust me, He listens.
It was a great birthday adventure!
Learning something while traveling is indeed very fulfilling!
I am looking forward to next Solo Travels soon!
So far, traveling alone was the best gift I have given to myself.
Damo na Salamat, Leyte and Samar!
I promise to visit you again.
You made my 25th birthday an unforgettable one.
Cheers!
SOLO TRAVEL TIPS #7
Seize the day.
-You only live once.
Don't forget to enjoy.
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest!
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