An Adventurer’s Guide to Ormoc City

Contributed by Selfless Travels

Today, I will be giving you my very first travel guide featuring the province of Leyte, my home province. You can also view my Leyte Travel Series.

The Destination: Ormoc City, Leyte

Ormoc City is located in the western part of the province of Leyte and is fondly called the “Beauty by the Bay.” It is a first class city and the largest city in Leyte by land area. It is approximately 104 kilometres away from Tacloban City, the capital of Eastern Visayas. Today, Ormoc is a progressive city and a major transportation centre in western Leyte. Ormoc City offers many historic and natural attractions.

Also read: Backpacking Ormoc City: Simple Travel Guide

How to get there

Cebu City to Ormoc City

• By slow boat = ₱430
• By fast craft = ₱800-₱1,000

Tacloban City to Ormoc City

• By van = ₱120 (2 hours travel time)

Places to explore

1. Lake Danao

It is Ormoc’s main natural attraction. Previously, it was named Lake Imelda, but was changed to Lake Danao Natural Park afterwards. Lake Danao is a violin-shaped lake on the mountains of Ormoc. It has about 139 hectares of total area and is about 700 metres above sea level. The lake is a great place for boating, kayaking or fishing. And the area around the lake is also ideal for sightseeing, camping, trekking, picnics and retreats.

Tips

• Near Ormoc’s new market is the terminal for jeepneys and multicabs bound for Brgy. Lake Danao.
• The lake is just a 5-minute walk away from the barangay.
• Travel time to Lake Danao is about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Fare is approximately ₱25-30.
• You can also ride a habal-habal from Ormoc City, though not that common. You can negotiate for your fare.

2. Lake Kasudsuran

Named by the locals as “The Little Lake Danao”, Lake Kasudsuran is also a place to explore in Ormoc City. The lake is a beauty to behold with surrounding fresh green trees and vegetation, and a calm and serene atmosphere.

Tips

• The lake is only accessible by foot.
• You can ride the jeepney near the market bound for Brgy. Gaas. The jump-off point is Sitio Maglahug.
• Fare is about ₱30-50.
• The trek to the lake is about 2-3 hours .

3. Lake Janagdan

This lake completes Ormoc’s three lakes. Lake Janagdan is the smallest of the three and is accessible only by foot. The jump-off point is at Brgy. Cabingtan. Going there is about two hours trek.

4. Alto Peak

Image credit: Nick Jed Donaire

It is the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas. Alto Peak stands at 1,332 metres above sea level. You can also read Pinoy Mountaineer’s post: Alto Peak (1,332+).

5. Veteran’s Park

It is a park located near Ormoc’s sea wall and is a memorial to the veterans who have fought during the liberation of Leyte and the Philippines.

6. Centennial Marker

This beautiful monument is located near the Veterans Park and is a tribute to the Western Leyte Guerilla Warfare Forces.

7. Ormoc City Superdome

It is Ormoc’s pride and one of the city’s landmarks. It is within the city proper and a venue for many sports and socio-cultural events

8. Puente de la Reina

This historic bridge was built during the Spanish times and was known as the “Bridge of the Queen”. This is the city’s oldest bridge and is the last existing structure that gives evidence to the Spanish colonisation of the city. The bridge was used as a docking area for ships or sailboats of the Chinese and Javanese merchants who are selling their products to the locals. Puente de la Reina is included in the Puentes de España en las Filipinas or the Spanish Bridges in the Philippines.

Puente de la Reina marker

9. Agua Dulce

Ormoc City has one of the sweetest water in Eastern Visayas. They say it is second to the sweet water of Biliran. Agua Dulce literally means “sweet water”, a testament to its sweetness. You can quickly find two of these within the city proper.

You can also explore these places

• Old City Hall, New City Hall
• Leyte Geothermal Production Field
• Leyte Golf and Country Club
• JICA Flood Mitigation Project / Riverwalk
• Pineapple Plantation
• Ormoc’s Mangroves
• Philippine-Japan Peace Memorial
• Flashflood Memorial Marker
• Bantigue Beach Resort, Sals Beach Resort

Also read: 11 Romantic Sunsets in the Philippines to Share with Your Special Someone

Additional features

Sunsets at Ormoc Bay

For your taste buds

1. Queen pineapples

A must-try in Ormoc is its queen pineapples. These pineapples are big and are famous because of its sweetness. You can find these pineapples on fruit stalls along the streets.

2. Cassava cakes

It is one of Ormoc’s best and delectable delicacies. Choose Young Attitudes’ cassava cakes.

Travel  tips

1. The fastest way to go to Ormoc from Tacloban and vice versa is by van.
2. You can do a walking tour around the city.
3. Visit the tourism office near the port area or view their website here.
4. For your accommodation, I recommend Hotel Don Felipe, IALodge, Pongos Hotel, Ormoc Villa Hotel and Sabin Resort Hotel.

I hope this Adventurer’s Guide is helpful to you.

Feeling the moment at Lake Kasudsuran.

Also read: A Simple Travel Guide to Leyte: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

If you have questions and enquiries, drop your comments or e-mail me at rokx_iphe@yahoo.com.