Tacloban City

Tacloban City is the largest city and regional center of the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. It is also the capital city of Leyte. It is the center of commerce, tourism, education, culture, and government in the region. Tacloban is located on Cancabato Bay, in the San Juanico Strait which divides the islands of Leyte and Samar. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 178,639 people in 34,758 households.

Strategically located at the heart of Eastern Visayas or Region 08, Tacloban City lies along the northeastern side of the island of Leyte. Tacloban`s location and accessibility have made the city the commercial, educational, government and political hub as well as the tourism service center of the region. Tacloban City is 360 miles southeast of Manila. It is situated approximately halfway the entire length of Maharlika Highway running from Northern Luzon to Southwestern Mindanao making it a perfect place fro road-weary travelers to unwind.

In Tacloban City we have sparkling jet-black sandy beaches, warm climate and even warmer people. For those who are ready to do something, an indoor artificial rock climbing facility is located within the city center. We also have tennis, golf, billiards, mountains biking, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, disco, karaoke and cockfighting to name a few. The place is also for windsurfing and jet skiing with the abundance of water surrounding the city. For scuba diving enthusiasts dive sites are just a few minutes drive away across the San Juanico Bridge to the mysterious and beautiful island of Samar. Spelunkers will find the Sohoton Caves in nearby Basey, Samar both a challenge and an adventure.

Bodies of water that surround the city are Panalaron Bay and Cancabato Bay. On its eastern shoresis the San Juanico Strait - reputedly the narrowest navigable channel in the world. On the southern side the city is flanked by the waters of San Pedro Bay stretching towards Leyte Gulf - the arena of the biggest naval battle in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Tacloban City covers an area of 10,090 hectares characterized mainly bu rolling plains, mountain and hill ranges. Part of the city sits on a peninsular geography. Tacloban's elevation is approximately 3.05 meters above sea level.

As a service center of the local tourism circuit, the city has an array of conveniences, supplies and support facilities for visitors. Points of interest under this circuit include historical places that is in a way connected with the events during the liberation of the Philippines.