Life in Baybay, Leyte

I stayed in this idyllic town in Leyte for three weeks for work and pleasure and those three weeks were one of those I would fondly recall always.    I let my hair down and just simply relaxed on this beach which is 50 meters away from the cottage inside Visayas State University, one of the premiere universities in the Visayas Region.  This area was turned into a marine sanctuary and for almost ten years have been protected from destructive fishing practices.  Turtles, schools of fish, colorful starfish and other marine animals are common sights to swimmers here. 

In the town proper of Baybay, this cluster of eateries very, very near the wharf of Baybay, is a favorite of the locals.  When night falls, these eateries would be jampacked and the karaokes would all be busy.   You can have all the chicken and puso (steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaf) and other delicacies for a low cost.

The newly-renovated seafront of Baybay town turns busy at night time also because vendors start displaying their wares and makeshift outdoor eateries begin their twilight operations.   It's a safe place to go promenading and take in cool, fresh sea air.

This is just one of the old homes in the town and it is part of the heritage tour one can avail of in the town if you coordinate with the tourism committee of the local government. 

Fridays was Dominicus Pizza day and that's where my colleagues and I  would go when we want to have a quiet meal.  Part of the cafe  sits on water so it's a semi-floating cafe and restaurant.  Dominicus Pizza provides a breathtaking view of the rest of the island on the west side facing the sea.  The view is specially commanding on a clear and sunny day where the clear water would be sparkling and cries of gliding birds would break the silence of the calm sea.  Occasionally, a live band will be playing.

Visayas State University is one of the landmarks of Baybay, Leyte and it's situated on the foot of Mt. Pangasugan.  From the administration building of VSU, one can get a good view of the sea and enjoy the serenity of the torquise-blue water.  From the the admin building, the Malakas and Maganda statue greets and welcomes guests and visitors to the university. 

One could not ask for more, with the vast wealth and lullabye of the sea coupled with the resources and strength of the mountain, Baybayanons have a lot to be grateful for.

Useful Information:  

Baybay is located at the western coast of the island of Leyte and can be reached from Cebu by big and slow boats.  Some fast crafts ply the Cebu - Ormoc routes and from the Ormoc Pier, you can take the mini-busses that go to Baybay.  If you arrive in Ormoc rather late, it's best that you check in at a hotel in Ormoc as the last trip that go to Baybay from Ormoc is around 7 p.m.  The trip from Ormoc to Baybay usually takes around 1 hour.  

Accomodations:

1. Palermo Hotel:  A. Mabini St., Baybay City, Leyte 6521, Philippines +(63) (53) 335-2442

2. Uptown Plaza Hotel:  R. Magsaysay Avenue, Baybay City 6521, Leyte Philippines +63 (53) 563-8075

3. University Hostel (inside VSU Campus)