Tacloban City Travel Answers

July and August usually have rainy days. I am wondering why, of all places in the Philippines have you chosen Tacloban? I have been to Tacloban only a few times. The places I've visited during my stay there which you could also visit are: the San Juanico Bridge (L-S shaped, connects Leyte and Samar), Marjorie's Garden (nice place on a hill in Samar for a cup of coffee and sweets overlooking), Sto. Nino Shrine (heritage museum) and the Leyte Park Resort Hotel (where I stayed in). I also recommend Giuseppe's Italian-Filipino Restaurant which serves good food. Tacloban is a very simple and quiet place. I'm not sure if Tacloban will be a good place to visit during those months since it is part of the typhoon belt. The terrorism/kidnappings you hear about in the news are mostly in the rebel-infested places. The cities and tourist spots are relatively safe. Just be careful with snatchers/pickpocketers. Water in the Philippines is usually not potable unless filtered. Do ask for filtered water or best, buy a bottle of distilled/mineral water as they cost only PhP 10-25. Here's a tip page I found on Tacloban: ronandfiresplace.com/travel_... You can also visit Cebu, one of the major cities in the Philippines which is a ferry/plane ride away.

Thank you for your very helpful response! It is actually for a wedding of a friend. His fiancees parents live on the island and we will likely be staying with them. would plane travel likely be interrupted by the rain? Should I worry about malaria? Thanks!

I (along with a VT friend) were in Tacloban in mid-July 2006. I remember encountering heavy rains in the afternoon for about an hour (usually around 3-4pm). Tacloban is a small city in terms of places of interest, but you can always jump off to its neighboring towns and provinces. Palo, about 15-20 mins jeepney ride is famous for more-than-life size statues of MacArthur's landing in Phil. soil. You can also swim in Red Beach. Or, you may consider crossing over to Samar. We went to Sohoton Natural Caves and Marabut Marine Park. As suggested above, Guiseppe's is a cozy resto that serves good Italian menu.

July and Aug in the Philippines is hot.I went there in July to get out of the heat of Las Vegas and its hotter in Phils.It rains but not that bad and not everyday.Flight delays can happen any where.Your not going to get kidnapped.The terrorism seems to be on the far south island and they just want there own home land and they have 7000 islands so give them a island.Don't drink water from the tap buy bottled water.If you came to Las Vegas you would have to buy bottled water.I would go and have a good time airfares are the cheapest I have ever seen less than half of what they used to be as low as 500.00.from Los Angeles.

The only main concern in going to Tacloban or within that region is the typhoon. Typhoon season starts in June and slowly mellows down by November. Malaria is commonly found in forested or jungle areas. However Dengue fever is endemic through out the Philippines. There are anti mosquito lotions available in groceries. OFF LOTION is a known brand in the Philippines. There are also electric mosquito repellants available.

You will be fine If it rains the plane may be delayed - but only short time- this can happen anywhere. Cebu Pacific is direct to Tacloban and lowest cost. Tacloban is generally below Typhoon zone. Water is to never enter your mouth- bottled water only applies to most SE Asia Its a simple city with little of great interest- Macarthurs landing point is about 10K's south of Tacloban, a monument of him striding out of the water is there. A pretty miserable beach is near by in a more miserable resort. Alejandros hotel is nice and recomended. Seafood is very cheap and at several choose and cook type resteraunts. Thats about it. I am sure your friend has a beautiful fiance, its probably the main reason westerners go to Tacloban- they have a GF there or nearby on Leyte.

Just one follow up answer, there are about 10 Americans that I know that are living in Tacloban City right now. One of my best friends lives there with his Filipina wife. He's 69 and has lived in the city for about 14 months, he takes a daily walk to the McDonalds for coffee and to B.S. with the other foreigners. Its a safe city, free from the terriost things you may read about in southern Mindano which is a far away. But simple things like not wearing jewlery (no bling bling), except for a regular watch, or keeping your cell phone in your pocket instead of a side holder is best. Why? Because that may invite theft but someone without food.If you will give me an email, I will give you the contact of a retired truck driver that lives in the city also. One final thought, there is a place called "My Pention Home" that has cold air con. security, new units that are spotless for only about 800pesos per night (less than20.) so check it out. And enjoy your trip, Joseph, a Jersey boy

There are only two seasons in the Philippines, that's wet and dry. And this is true wherever you are in the country. The wet season starts late in June onwards so expect more rainy days ahead compared to other times of the year. No need for you to worry about terrorism as Visayas is generally a peaceful region. You enjoy your trip and your time with your friends. There are lots of sights to see in Tacloban and Leyte and I strongly suggest you rely on the advice of your friends in the area. Dont listen to hypocrites like rob1.sydney who pretends to give advice but insults the place and the locals. There's a saying that travel is fatal to prejudice but it cannot do much to an uneducated idiot like rob1.sydney. I'm sure you will have a great time in Leyte and anywhere in the Visayas.

Just a follow up answer. I have enjoyed my 3 visits to Tacloban City and it maybe the place for me to retire to, or in the close area. There are quite a few number of Americans already living in that city. Here is a website where you can connect with them if you wish. For real world, local answers: Taclobancitytoday-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Okay take care, Joseph from North Carolina