Last April, I was able to convince my parents to take me to Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp in Dulag, Leyte and afterwards, we drove to Tacloban to visit three top tourist attraction.
My dad grew up in Maasin, Southern Leyte and when my grandparents died, my family renovated the family house which we visit from time to time.
After I left my job, I stayed at the family house for the mean time. At some point, I told my parents that I really want to surf and that I found a surfing spot, just two and a half hours away. It was also a perfect time to visit Tacloban famous landmarks which was another hour away from the surfing spot.
It was an early Tuesday morning and we left the house at 6am. We drove up north via Baybay – Tacloban Road. It was long-winding road, passing through a mountainous route. It was a good thing cause I was able to get a glimpse of a sea of clouds. (I didn’t have to trek to see it! LOL)
We arrived at the Surf Camp by mid-morning, but before doing anything else, we had our breakfast first. They have a small restaurant which offers affordable meals and right beside it, they have their little garden of fresh herbs and vegetables. They have available cottages for day use and rooms if you wish to stay for a night. You can also set up your tent and just pay for the space.
The surf board rental costs Php 250/hour and additional Php 250/hour for a guide. Since its been a while since the last time I surfed, I asked for a guide. I had an amazing time surfing! I missed it so much that I played for about two hours! (Lol) Though the waves wasn’t as big as the ones in Siargao, it was still awesome.
The surf camp is perfect for beginners, good enough waves plus accommodating guides.
After I changed clothes, we drove to Tacloban and had lunch at one of the biggest Mall in the city. It took us awhile to decide which route is the best way to get through all three destinations.
We started with the famous shipwreck at Brgy. Anibong, Tacloban City. On November 8, 2013, there was Super Typhoon that hit the city. The said shipwreck stands as a remembrance of the thousand of lives perished throughout the city on that day. The shipwreck is only a part of the M/V Eva Jocelyn which anchored in the city harbour during the typhoon and ran aground.
Next stop was the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum of the Romualdez – Marcos family. There are admission fees to cover for maintenance and utilities as shown below:
Upon entering, you are welcomed into a chapel with the image of Sto. Niño as a focal point.
There are about 13 guest rooms with varied motifs representing the different regions of the country. On the second floor, you can find a very spacious ballroom as well as the bed chambers of the Marcos Family.
They also have two state dining rooms, an Olympic-size swimming pool (which we never got to see) and a number of collections of painting, antique ceramics, pottery and collectibles.
Our last stop before heading home was the famous MacArthur Landing Memorial Park. A monument marking the return of General Douglas MacArthur to redeem the Philippines from the Japanese Imperial forces during the World War II, thus making his famous promise “I shall return” come true.
It was a fun-filled impromptu and easy on the budget trip with the family. Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive, as long as you have an awesome company, then all is well!
Love, J.
