The Lures of Liloan, Southern Leyte

CEBU, Philippines - Stir some excitement into your next vacation by planning a trip to a local destination: Liloan, Southern Leyte!

Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Mindanao Deep, Liloan is just one of the 18 towns in the province of Southern Leyte. The small town, which was founded in 1820, is located in the northern coast of the Panaon Island and is connected to the mainland of Southern Leyte by a steel bridge locally known as the Wa-wa Bridge.

Legend has it that, the town got its name from the word "lilo", a local term for whirlpool. The swirling current can be seen in a small strait dividing the Panaon Island and the Leyte mainland. It is home to a people who love a simple and serene life where farming and fishing are the chief ways of living. But with vast shorelines perfect for sun worshippers, one can get mesmerized by the beauty of nature in its entire grandeur.

What you can do in Liloan:

Drift Diving

Liloan boasts of having the biggest reef area in Southern Leyte. The place is enriched with coral formations and is commonly visited by dolphins and even the largest fish – whale sharks! The area's main attraction is drift diving in the channel under the Wa-wa Bridge. This, however, is recommended to professional divers only. The tough, alternating current and the whirlpools in the passage guarantee an awesome and challenging dive! The surrounding area booms with dynamic aquatic life, ranging from bright mantis shrimps to whale sharks which never fails to awe even the most traveled and skilled diver!

Snorkeling and Underwater Photography

Established in 1993, the Tabugon Fish sanctuary is Southern Leyte's major reef area for marine preservation. At about 90 hectares big, this is a great place to spot manta rays and dolphins. The sea bed goes down quickly to 800 meters at the core of the bay. It is an abode to an extraordinary huge display of hard and soft corals heaving with marine life that are incredible to watch! So if drift diving is not in your list of to-dos, then take your snorkel and your underwater camera, instead!

Whale shark watching

Whale shark watching can be a real fun-filled experience at the Tagbak Marine Park, situated at the heart of the cove. Whale shark watchers can stay at the islet which serves as the base of the aquatic park. But for someone who wants to veer away from the usual, you can try a once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with these huge creatures of the sea, known to Liloanons as "taliki-tiki". The best time to spot these creatures is from November to July.

(For bookings and general inquiries on Drift dive, whale shark watching and snorkeling, visit Peter's Dive Resort with contact # (63)(53)573-0015)

Sun Bathing and Islet hopping

Take up some rays and take pleasure in the island's beautiful beaches. Surrounded by verdant mountains and wind-breaking hills, the beach is a joy to discover. Spread the blanket on the fine sand of Bituon Beach – a 30 minute banca ride (PhP20.00/person) from the town proper – as you listen to the lulling waves crushing against the shore.

Situated within the bay is the Maamo beach. It takes pride of its white sand and turquoise water. Lounging on the beach is a lot like having front-row seats to a great view of the bay.

To be able to get a jam-packed Liloan experience, see much of the place by going islet hopping at the Molopolo beach which is a 15-minute motorcycle ride from the town proper. (Php100.00 for banca rent)

Sunset Watching

Bask on the beach at sundown or stroll along the white sand near the Liloan lighthouse while watching the beautiful sunset. The lighthouse, which has been the favorite of photographers and local artists, stands as the sentinel of the bay. And as twilight falls, sparkles of light from the fireflies break the dusk. Now isn't that a magnificent finale before you retire for the day?

Indeed, it might just be a small town for some, but for most locals, this little town is heaven where most of its concealed beauty still awaits to be revealed.

How to get there:

By plane:

Book a flight to Tacloban City. From there you can ride a passenger van (Php250.00) or opt to take a bus (Php150.00) from Tacloban to Liloan. On the island, get on a trike or make arrangements with a resort to pick you.

By boat (from Cebu to Leyte via Hilongos):

You may contact Roble Shipping Lines for schedules and other inquiries. Contact #: 2553871

ACCOMODATION:

Anilao Hidden Valley Resort

Anilao, Liloan

Mobile No. 0919-636-9972

Bayfront Lodge and Beach Resort

Duwangan, Poblacion, Liloan

Mobile N. 0916-554-4861