✈️ 3 Days, 2 Nights in Leyte & Samar: A DIY Travel Itinerary

🧳 A Promise Kept: My Return Trip to Leyte & Samar 🇵🇭

I’ve always told myself I’d return to Leyte — and I finally did! This time, I brought my friends along and became their official tour guide. From booking transportation to creating the itinerary, I made sure we made the most of our 3 days and 2 nights across Leyte and Samar.

We didn’t have much time, so I carefully handpicked the must-see places — combining history, nature, food, and fun. Whether you're planning a quick escape or introducing the region to friends, I hope this itinerary helps you.

Here’s how we did it:

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🗓️ Day 1 – April 6, 2013 | Marabut, Samar 🏝️

📍 Highlight: Beach day at Caluwayan Beach Resort
🚐 Travel Time: ~2 hours from Tacloban City

Time	Activity
5:30 AM – 6:30 AM	:    ✈️ Arrival at Tacloban Airport
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM	:    🍳 Breakfast at Hotel Alejandro
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM	:    🚐 Travel to Marabut, Samar
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	:    🍽️ Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	:    🏖️ Swim/Explore Caluwayan Beach
2:00 PM	:    🏨 Check-in at Caluwayan Beach Resort
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	:    😴 Rest/Nap
5:30 PM – 10:00 PM	:    🌊 More Swimming, Beach Walk, Sunset Photos
10:30 PM	:    💤 Lights Out

💡 Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and aqua shoes! Some beach areas can be rocky.

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🗓️ Day 2 – April 7, 2013 | Back to Tacloban City 🏛️

📍 Highlight: San Juanico Bridge + Rafael’s Farm + MacArthur Park

Time	Activity
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM	:    🍳 Breakfast
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM	:    🚤 Boat Ride (₱980/hour) or Optional Beach Activities
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM	:    🍽️ Early Lunch / Check out
12:00 NN	:    🧳 Travel back to Tacloban
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM	:    🌉 Stop at San Juanico Bridge
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM	:    🌳 Stroll + Coffee at Rafael’s Farm
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM	:    🪖 Visit MacArthur Landing Memorial
4:30 PM	:    🏨 Check-in at Hotel Alejandro
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM	:    🦐 Dinner at Ocho Seafood & Grill
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM	:    🌃 Visit Capitol, Leyte Park, Look for “Secret Garden”
11:00 PM	:    💤 Sleep Time

💡 Tip: For photos on San Juanico Bridge, stop at either end. Stopping mid-bridge is not allowed.

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🗓️ Day 3 – April 8, 2013 | Explore Tacloban's Heritage 🕍

📍 Highlight: Cultural spots around Kanruhaw Hill + Pasalubong time!

Time	Activity
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM	:    🍽️ Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM	:    🕍 Sto. Niño Church, Tacloban City Hall, Peace Monuments
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM	:    🖼️ Sto. Niño Shrine + People’s Library
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	:    🌮 Lunch at Sunzibar (Don’t skip the Rum Ribs!)
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM	:    🎁 Buy Pasalubong (Check out LRC 908 Mall)
3:00 PM	:    🧳 Check-out from Hotel
5:55 PM	:    ✈️ Flight back home

💡 Tip: Ask your hotel if they can arrange airport transfers — some offer it free with room booking!

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📌 With only 3 days, I’m happy we were able to cover history, beach, food, and culture. This trip gave me a deeper appreciation of Leyte and Samar, not just for their sights, but for their resilience and warmth.

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💬 Need Help Planning?

Have questions or need help customizing your own Leyte-Samar itinerary?
👇 Leave a comment below — I’ll gladly help you plan it for free!
📤 All I ask? Share this post to your friends or social pages. Let’s support local travel together! 🌍❤️