If you're craving a blend of history, breathtaking views, and underrated charm, pack your bags and head to Leyte and Samar in the Philippines. Here's a personal rundown of places I explored—complete with tips, quirks, and hidden details you won't find on most travel guides.
🚢 Cebu to Leyte (and Samar) Ferry Travel Guide (2025 Update)
If you're planning to explore the provinces of Leyte and Samar from Cebu, your most convenient and scenic option is by sea. As someone who has traveled this route multiple times, I can confidently say that Cebu City Pier 1 stands out as one of the most organized passenger terminals I’ve ever used in the Philippines.
✅ Terminal Experience at Cebu Pier 1
I’ve been to Cebu twice already, and every time I use Pier 1, I’m impressed. The terminal is clean, efficient, and well-maintained—especially since its renovation from my first visit in 2014. Staff are courteous and the boarding process is smooth, even when crowded.
One reason for the terminal’s orderliness is that the ferry ticketing offices are located outside the terminal. Each shipping company has its own designated location for ticket issuance. However, not all of these offices are passenger-friendly: some are open-air with no waiting seats or shade, and still use manual ticketing systems.
💡 Tip: Some shipping lines offer free shuttles to the terminal, but if not, you'll need to walk or hire a taxi to get to Pier 1 after purchasing your ticket.
⛴️ Travel Options: Fast Craft vs. RoRo (Roll-On, Roll-Off)
You can choose between fast ferries and RoRo vessels when traveling from Cebu to Leyte. Travel time and comfort vary depending on your destination and the vessel type:
Here’s an updated list of ferry operators and their schedules and fares as of 2025:
🛳️ Cokaliong Shipping Lines (Cebu Pier 1)
📍 Address:
Cokaliong Tower, Don Sergio Osmeña Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
📞
Phone: (032) 232-7211 to 18
📧
Email: fjpcustomerservice@yahoo.com
| fjpmarketing@yahoo.com
🌐
www.cokaliongshipping.com (check for latest schedules)
⚓ Sample Vessel: M/V Filipinas Jagna
Other destinations served by Cokaliong include Ormoc, Iligan, Ozamis, Dumaguete, and Tagbilaran (Bohol).
🛳️ Roble Shipping Inc. (Cebu Pier 3)
📍 Address: Roble
Building, E.S. Baclig St., Padilla Extension, Cebu City
📞
Trunk Line: (032) 419-1190 to 95 | (032) 260-1921 to 23
📞
Ormoc Office: (053) 255-7613
📞
Hilongos Office: (053) 567-8042
✅ Key Routes & Schedules
| Route | Departure (Cebu) | Departure (Leyte) |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu – Hilongos | 9:00 PM (Daily) | 11:00 AM (Daily) |
| Cebu – Ormoc | 10:00 PM (Daily) | 11:00 AM (Daily) |
| Cebu – Catbalogan | 7:00 PM (Thurs) | 7:00 PM (Fri) |
| Cebu – Baybay | 9:00 PM (M/W/F/S) | 10:00 PM (T/Th/Su) |
| Cebu – Naval (Biliran) | 8:30 PM (Sat/Mon) | 8:30 PM (Sun/Tue) |
💰 Sample Fares (Hilongos Day Trip)
| Accommodation | Regular Fare |
|---|---|
| VIP | PHP 1,765–2,450 |
| Cabin | PHP 585–600 |
| Tourist | PHP 370 |
| Deluxe | PHP 330–310 |
| Economy A/B | PHP 275–265 |
| Sitting | PHP 255 |
Senior, student, and minor discounts apply.
📍 Address: Corner Mabini & Zulueta St., Cebu City
📞 Booking: (032) 253-7700
Services destinations in Leyte and Samar. Schedules and fares vary, so best to call or check updates directly.
These shipping lines also operate routes between Cebu, Leyte, Samar, and other Visayan destinations. Visit their websites or Facebook pages for up-to-date schedules and fare tables.
🕐 Short on time? Book a fast ferry.
🛏️ Overnight travel with sleeping quarters? Choose a RoRo with cabin or VIP rooms.
💸 On a budget? Tourist or Economy class is affordable and fairly comfortable.
🚙 Bringing a car? Look for RoRo vessels with roll-on/roll-off capability.
Whether you're headed to Tacloban, Ormoc, Hilongos, Naval, or even Catbalogan, the ferry experience from Cebu to Leyte or Samar offers a scenic and affordable alternative to air travel. Just remember to book early, especially during holidays, and double-check ferry schedules a day before your trip—weather and maintenance can cause last-minute changes.
🧳 Have questions or need help planning your Cebu–Leyte route? Leave a comment or message—I’m happy to help!
I've been to Cebu twice already and I can still say that the passengers' terminal in Pier 1 is still the most organized terminals I've been to. The staff are efficient and terminal itself is very clean. It was actually renovated and improved from the first time I've visited in 2014. I can't say about the other terminals, but I'm sure it's close if not the same.
The Philippines is famously known as the island of a hundred festivals, and Leyte proudly keeps this vibrant tradition alive. Life here is lived to the fullest under the tropical sun and warm seas — blending religion, animism, and merrymaking with endless food, coconut wine (tuba), dancing, and singing.
Here are Leyte’s major festivals you shouldn’t miss, along with tips to help you get the most out of your experience:
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