Varies by nationality. Many countries have 30-day visa-free entry. Check with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

What language is spoken?

Waray-Waray is the local language; Tagalog and English are widely understood.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes, but exercise caution in remote areas and avoid night travel.

What is the currency?

Philippine Peso (PHP). ATMs are available in cities but limited in rural areas.

Can I drink tap water?

No. Drink bottled or boiled water.

Light clothing, rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for hiking.

Are credit cards accepted?

Only in major hotels and restaurants in Tacloban; cash is king elsewhere.

How do I get to Kalanggaman Island?

Take a bus from Tacloban to Palompon, then a boat (1 hour).

Limited to Tacloban and Ormoc; mostly karaoke bars and small clubs.

What is the local food specialty?

Try 'binagol' (sweet taro), 'moron' (chocolate rice cake), and 'lechon' (roast pig).

Can I surf in Eastern Visayas?

Yes, Calicoan Island in Samar has good waves, especially from November to March.

Are there any travel restrictions?

Some areas in Samar may have military presence; check with local tourism office.

Eastern Visayas - Travel destination image

Eastern Visayas

Philippines, Asia

Eastern Visayas is a STATE in Philippines, Asia.

Eastern Visayas, a region of raw natural beauty and resilient spirit, offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Philippines. Comprising Leyte, Samar, and Biliran islands, this area is steeped in history as the landing site of General MacArthur during WWII. Travelers can explore the surreal, century-old Balangiga Bells, dive with whale sharks in Southern Leyte, or hike the majestic Kalanggaman Island's sandbar. The region's rugged terrain hides stunning waterfalls like Tinago and Linao, while the San Juanico Bridge connects Samar and Leyte over turquoise waters. Local life thrives in bustling markets like Tacloban's, where you can taste 'binagol' (sweet taro) and 'moron' (chocolate rice cake). Despite past typhoons, the warmth of the Waray people shines through. Adventure seekers will love spelunking in Samar's caves, surfing in Calicoan, or island-hopping in Biliran's hot springs. Eastern Visayas is a treasure trove for those seeking authentic culture, untouched landscapes, and a deeper connection to Philippine history.

Best time to visit Eastern Visayas

The best time to visit is from March to May, the dry season, when skies are clear for island-hopping and hiking. March-April offers pleasant temperatures (25-32°C) and calm seas. Avoid November to January due to typhoons and heavy rains. February is cool and dry, ideal for cultural festivals like the Pintados-Kasadyaan in Tacloban. June-October has sporadic rain but fewer crowds and lower prices.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Partly cloudy
Temperature: 26°
Feels like: 31°
Humidity: 86%
Wind: 3 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Rainy 26-32°C, transition

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

End of peak typhoon season

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

TAC

Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban)

Domestic/International

0 km away

CYP

Calbayog Airport

Domestic

120 km away

CRM

Catarman National Airport

Domestic

180 km away

BCD

Bacolod-Silay Airport

Domestic

200 km away

Getting around

"Getting around Eastern Visayas requires patience. Buses and jeepneys connect major towns like Tacloban, Ormoc, and Catbalogan. Tricycles are ubiquitous for short trips. For island hopping, rent a bangka (outrigger boat) from local ports. Domestic flights via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific link Tacloban to Manila and Cebu. Renting a car with driver is advisable for exploring Samar's rugged terrain. Ferries run between Leyte and Biliran. Roads can be rough; expect delays during rainy season."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in cities and major hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Tacloban airport from $3

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Typhoon risk lowers overall score; petty crime is low.

Night safety

6/10

Typhoon risk lowers overall score; petty crime is low.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Eastern Visayas is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets and bus terminals. Typhoon season (June-November) poses risks; monitor weather alerts. Some remote areas in Samar have reported insurgent activity; check local advisories. Avoid traveling alone at night in isolated areas. Scams targeting tourists are rare but be cautious with unofficial guides. Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes. The region is recovering from Typhoon Haiyan; infrastructure in some islands remains basic."

Police

999

Ambulance

112

Fire

160

Tourist Hotline

+63 2 8536 0000

Entry and health

Health information

"Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Malaria is not a major risk in urban areas but present in rural Samar; use DEET repellent and mosquito nets. Dengue fever occurs year-round; avoid stagnant water areas. Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water. Medical facilities are basic in provincial areas; Tacloban has the best hospitals. Bring a basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Waray people are warm but reserved. Greet with a smile and a slight nod. Remove shoes before entering homes. Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural areas; cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (10% in restaurants). Respect elders by using 'po' and 'opo' in conversation. Avoid pointing with your finger; use your lips or chin. Photography of locals requires permission. The region is predominantly Catholic; attend a Sunday mass for cultural immersion."

Filipino (official)English (official)CebuanoIlocanoHiligaynonWarayBicolanoKapampanganPangasinanFilipinoEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$3-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $3-5

Hotels

$20-50 | budget hotels range $20-50/night

Local transport

$0.50 | local bus ride ~$0.50

Cost notes

Eastern Visayas is one of the most affordable regions in the Philippines.

Timezone

Asia/Manila
Local time 17:28

More facts

Population

4,500,000

ISO code

PH-08

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Bandaraya Tacloban, Ciudad ti Tacloban, Dakbayan sa Tacloban, Dakuban, Dayeuh Tacloban, Kota Tacloban, Lungsod ng Tacloban, Syudad han Tacloban, Syudad nin Tacloban, TAC, Taclaban, Tacloban, Tacloban City, Tacloban Lakanbalen, Takloban, Taklobana, Taklobanas, Taklompan, Taklopan, Tocloban, Urbs Taclobana, du lu wan shi, tak lo ban, takeulloban, taklwban, takuroban, teklobena, tqlwbn, Τακλομπάν, Таклобан, Таклопан, טאקלאבאן, טקלובן, تاكلوبان, تاکلوبان, ટેક્લોબેન, ตักโลบัน, ታክሎባን, タクロバン, 独鲁万市, 타클로반, 0800000000, PH-08, Bisayas Orientales, 東ビサヤ, 동비사야스 지방, Silangang Kabisayaan, 080000000, Region VIII;Region Ⅷ;Region 8, Sidlakang Kabisay-an, Sinirangan Kabisay-an, Rehiyon VIII;Rehiyon Ⅷ;Rehiyon 8;Silangang Bisayas;Silangang Visayas

Major HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingDivingCulturalOff-the-Beaten-PathIsland Hopping