If you’re looking for your next destination that blends breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural authenticity, Leyte should top your list — and there’s no better way to get there than by flying with AirAsia, recently awarded World’s Best Low-Cost Airline. With affordable fares, including promo base fares as low as PHP116 from 18 June 2025 to 03 July 2025, it’s time to unlock the heart of Eastern Visayas and uncover what makes Leyte a meaningful escape.
Gateway to Eastern Visayas: Tacloban via AirAsia
Your journey begins at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (TAC | RPVA) in Tacloban City, a growing hub in the Visayas that connects you to Leyte’s finest. AirAsia continues to deepen its presence in Tacloban by strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, boosting accessibility, and paving the way for increased tourist arrivals — further fueling regional growth.
Leyte, with its mix of nature, heritage, and science-forward tourism, is rapidly emerging as a major player in driving the economic growth of Eastern Visayas. Domestic tourism, powered by reliable low-cost carriers like AirAsia, plays a vital role in sustaining local livelihoods and showcasing destinations that were once off the beaten path.
Heritage That Tells a Nation’s Story
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo is a powerful symbol of Leyte’s significance in global history. It was here in 1944 that General Douglas MacArthur made good on his promise — “I shall return” — ushering in the beginning of the end of World War II in the Philippines. The nearby Australian Monument, the Unknown Soldier Marker, and a Historical and Tourism Photo Exhibit provide rare visual insights into the wartime era.
A short distance away stands the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, one of Leyte’s oldest churches, dating back to the 1500s. Once a hospital during wartime and later a shelter during Typhoon Yolanda, the church is more than a religious landmark — it’s a symbol of Leyte’s resilience.
Celebrating Science & Innovation
A must-visit is the Eastern Visayas Science Centrum — the region’s first interactive science exhibit built in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Located in Palo, the Centrum is a testament to how even science tourism is helping drive educational and economic advancement in the province.
Island Escapes & Natural Wonders
Kalanggaman Island in Palompon is Leyte’s crown jewel — a slender sandbar shaped like a bird (“langgam” in the local dialect). Its powdery white sands and turquoise waters are perfect for a day trip. The LGU strictly manages tourist volume to preserve the island’s pristine condition, and AirAsia’s budget-friendly flights make reaching this remote paradise more accessible than ever.
For those chasing sunrises and solitude, Baybay City’s Sea of Clouds offers a dreamlike experience. Head to Sky Café, perched high in the mountains, where you can sip coffee above a sea of misty clouds. This is soulful tourism at its best — where travelers are increasingly trading luxury resorts for immersive, grounded experiences. Thanks to AirAsia’s expanding network, places like Baybay are finally stepping into the tourism spotlight.
Spiritual Heights & Scenic Spots
Don’t miss the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Baybay — more than just a religious site, it reflects the town’s deep-rooted faith and cultural identity. For a more panoramic adventure, head to Lintaon Peak, home to a 65-foot statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The peak offers sweeping views of Leyte’s rolling landscapes, perfect for reflection or photography.
Cultural Finds & Local Flavors
Before heading home, make sure to pass by the Leyte Pasalubong Center in Tacloban. Here, you’ll find locally made delicacies like moron (chocolate-flavored sticky rice), binagol suman (steamed sweetened taro with coconut), and bukayo (coconut candy). Buying local helps keep small businesses afloat and ensures you take home a piece of Leyte with you.
Bridge of Progress
No visit to Leyte is complete without walking — or driving — across the San Juanico Bridge, formerly the country’s longest. Linking Leyte and Samar, the bridge is not just an engineering marvel but a symbol of progress and connectivity in Eastern Visayas. AirAsia’s continued commitment to this region further boosts inter-island mobility and regional development.
Last Stop: The Farm at Guinciaman
Before you board your flight home, unwind at The Farm at Guinciaman in Brgy. San Miguel. This serene hideaway offers ATV trails, forest walks, and casual snacks in a peaceful rural setting — perfect for a laid-back finale to your Leyte adventure.
Fly with Purpose, Fly with AirAsia
With its ongoing partnerships in Tacloban and relentless commitment to value-for-money air travel, AirAsia is more than just a carrier — it’s a catalyst for progress in Eastern Visayas. Whether you’re chasing clouds, retracing history, or diving into island bliss, Leyte awaits with stories to tell and sights to behold.
Book now and rediscover the Philippines — one meaningful journey at a time — with AirAsia.