maasin southern leyte tourist spots

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5 things to do in Maasin, Philippines – a Guide in South Leyte

Welcome to Maasin City! This little city is a bustling hub of activity, filled with vibrant culture and natural beauty. Visitors can explore historic landmarks like the Maasin Cathedral and partake in religious festivals that bring the community together. The city is renowned for its stunning beaches, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Except that, with bustling markets offering a variety of local delights, Maasin is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure in nature or a taste of authentic Filipino culture, this city has something for everyone. Read about our article “What to do in Maasin, Philippines” in order to get more knowledge Let’s go to this small but rich in culture city!

Where is Maasin City?

Maasin City is situated on the eastern coast of the island of Leyte , within the Southern Leyte province . Nestled amidst verdant landscapes and bordered by the serene Maasin River , the city boasts stunning natural beauty.

As the provincial capital, Maasin is a lively hub of commerce, culture, and tourism. Its strategic location offers convenient access to nearby attractions. Some of them include pristine beaches and captivating historical sites. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, savoring delicious cuisine and participating in colorful festivals.

With its rich heritage and breathtaking scenery, Maasin City invites travelers to explore its wonders. Also they can experience the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people in this enchanting corner of the Philippines .

Cultural Heritage

First of all, let’s see city’s cultural heritage. Maasin City boasts a rich cultural heritage that captivates visitors from around the world. As the capital of Southern Leyte province, it is home to a diverse tapestry of traditions and customs. The city’s cultural heritage is prominently shown in its historic landmarks, such as the majestic Maasin Cathedral .

This iconic structure stands as a testament to the city’s deep-rooted religious beliefs and architectural prowess. Additionally, Maasin City is renowned for its vibrant festivals. One of them include the colorful Holy Week processions and the lively Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival . These celebrations offer a glimpse into the local culture. Likewise it features traditional dances, music, and costumes.

Moreover, Maasin City’s culinary scene reflects its cultural diversity, with an array of delectable dishes influenced by Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese cuisines. From exploring ancient churches to savoring authentic flavors, visitors to Maasin City are invited to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage. People actually are pretty tourist-friendly and hospitable, as well.

Religious Festivals

In Maasin City, religious festivals are vibrant and colorful events that bring the community together. One of the most notable festivals is the Holy Week observance . It commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During this time, the streets come alive with processions depicting scenes from the Bible. Some of them is the Stations of the Cross. Actually, the faithful gather to pray, reflect, and participate in these solemn rituals. Another highlight is the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, as well. It’s a cultural celebration that combines religious devotion with lively street performances and parades.

Also, participants adorned in intricately painted costumes dance to traditional music, showing the rich heritage of the region. These festivals not only strengthen the bonds of faith and community but also attract visitors from far and wide who come to experience the unique blend of spirituality and culture.

Maasin City is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty that enthralls visitors. The city is nestled amidst lush greenery and bordered by the tranquil Maasin River, either. Moreover, it creates picturesque landscapes perfect for exploration.

One of the city’s main attractions is its stunning beaches, where powdery white sands meet crystal-clear waters . They offer a lot of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Nature lovers can also venture into the surrounding hills and forests, where they can discover hidden waterfalls and diverse wildlife. In addition, The Napantao Marine Sanctuary is a haven for snorkelers and divers, representing vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.

Additionally, the Maasin River provides a serene setting for boat rides and leisurely strolls along its banks. Whether tourists seek adventure in the great outdoors or simply looking to unwind in nature’s embrace, Maasin City offers a wealth of natural wonders.

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Maasin's local cuisine.

Maasin City is a haven for food enthusiasts. It representes a delectable array of local cuisine that reflects its rich cultural heritage. Seafood takes center stage in many dishes, with fresh catches from the nearby waters gracing the tables of local eateries.Actually, grilled fish, shrimp, and squid are popular choices, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

For those craving hearty comfort food, dishes like adobo (meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce) and sinigang (a sour soup) are sure to satisfy. Rice, a staple in Filipino cuisine , accompanies most meals and serves as a delicious complement to the main dishes. Street food stalls line the bustling markets, tempting passersby with tantalizing treats. Some of them are skewered barbecue and crispy fried snacks.

Visitors to this city can indulge their taste buds and explore the diverse flavors, where every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and culinary craftsmanship. It is really worth it!

Trade and Commerce

In Maasin City, trade and commerce thrive as the city serves as a bustling hub of economic activity in Southern Leyte province. Local markets are full with vendors selling a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The city’s strategic location makes it a vital center for trade, with goods flowing in and out from neighboring towns and provinces.

Maasin’s commercial districts are filled with shops and stores offering a wide range of products to cater to the needs and desires of residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the city’s port facilitates the transportation of goods to other parts of the Philippines, contributing to its economic growth and development.

Entrepreneurs and business owners find opportunities to flourish in this city, where innovation and enterprise fuel the vibrant marketplace. Whether you’re in search of everyday essentials or unique treasures, Maasin’s trade and commerce scene offer a dynamic shopping experience that reflects the city’s spirit of vitality and prosperity.

In conclusion, Maasin City stands as a vibrant destination in the Philippines, giving a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cultural heritage, Maasin conquers visitors with its beauty. Whether exploring historic landmarks like the Maasin Cathedral or indulging in the local cuisine at bustling markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Moreover, the religious festivals, such as Holy Week observances and the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, show the deep-rooted traditions and community.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte Profile

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• Southeast Asia
• Philippines
• The Visayas

Maasin is the largest city in southern Leyte . The region is a famous spot for whale watching and is blessed with stunning natural beauty.

However, Maasin is not the liveliest place in Leyte and many people bypass it altogether in favor of the pristine beaches of nearby Camotes Island. But accommodation tends to be cheaper in Maasin and there are fewer tourists so some people use to city as a base to visit Camotes on a daytrip.

Canturing River flows through Maasin and its banks are a pretty spot for a walk or perhaps fishing. There is a number of cheap food stalls located near the river, and some people eat a picnic beside the river on a fine day.

Getting There & Away

Maasin is a 6-hour ferry ride from the city of Cebu . Cebu has its own international airport with regular flights from all over the world including from Europe and North America . There are also connecting flights from other major cities in the Philippines such as Manila (90 minutes).

Things to Do

Maasin attractions.

This is a popular weekend spot, when people come to wallow in the pool of spring water after swimming at the beach.

Hike along this jungle trail to the highest elevation point in maasin, which was formerly used as a spanish lookout post.

Side trips from Maasin

The water around this pretty island is a great place for whale watching.

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The Happy Trip

Experiencing the monte cueva | maasin, leyte.

Monte Cueva Shrine

EXPERIENCING THE MONTE CUEVA | MAASIN, LEYTE  

Have you heard about the Monte Cueva in Maasin, Leyte?

This summer, for sure, many will be visiting various places and destinations around the country.

Here’s one place I’m sure you will love to see, the Monte Cueva in Maasin, Leyte.

The challenging steps toward the shrine…The shrine is located at an elevation of 172 meters above sea level overlooking Maasin City.  It was donated by the philanthropists Odong and Loring Chung to the Diocese of Maasin.The place is not for those who are afraid of heights nor for those with weak knees because before you reached the Monte Cueva you must endure first the laborious climb via a zigzagging concrete stairway consisting of more than 550 concrete stairways.

MONTE CUEVA

Maasin shrine is a place that is well-known for the Marian devotees. Situated at Monte Cueva Asuncion de la Virgen Shrine, or simply Monte Cueva, this place has been a must-see place for the devotees and the pilgrims. As for its origin, it all started with a dream. The owner of the land who happens to be a lawyer, Joaquin Chung Jr., dreamt of the Lady of the Assumption asking him to put up a shrine in that specific area. He believed in his dream, and so he right away built the church and eventually gave it to the ownership and management of the diocese.

The position of the statue faces the coastal plain with stretched arms, expressing compassion and protection to the city. At the bottom of it, there is a cave with a river which called by the locals as “Aghuba,” meaning to say a mountain cave. What makes this place especially unique is that it is believed that it brings healing to anyone who offers and prays sincerely. This is why devotees and pilgrims gather here to seeking solutions to their problems or ailments, and miraculously, most of them have their wishes granted, making it as a top destination for Catholic believers.

Inside the shrine…  The natural characteristics and features of the cave were maintained. In corners of the chapel, I saw some waters dripping from the ceiling.

Additionally, the presence of a shrine named as Monte Cueva gathered many devotees as too. With its close distance from the city center to the actual cave, it will only take 15 to 20 minutes to travel through riding a tricycle. This is also officially built and established as the Shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus as well as the Our Lady of the Assumption. The actual cave from the drop point of the tricycle would entail few minutes of walking, although this did not become a factor for the believers not to flock the place.

The open space outside the shrine where mass are being held when there are big events

There is also a presence of another shrine located in Barangay Mantahan at the top of the Hills of Jalleca. The initiative of the locals as well as the visitors to donate a small amount of money to complete the management and enhancement of the place entirely gave way to its full completion. To reach this place, you have to take the 235 steps which will lead you to the 64-meter statue. The difference between the Monte Cueva and Jalleca Hills is that the latter was not officially announced and even recognized as an official Marian Shrine.

Top most of the hill offering a beautiful view of Maasin.  Over the years, the Monte Cueva has become a site for Catholic pilgrims and devotees and has become one of Maasin’s popular tourist destinations.

How to get there:

From city proper of Maasin, just take a ride of the trike and instruct to the driver to bring you to the  Monte Cueva. 

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17 Comments

please emphasize maasin city, southern leyte

Hi, I am planning to go there next week for a visit and I will be bringing a small car. Is there a parking space before the stairs going up? Cheers.

During my visit , there was a parking space 🙂

Its my mother’s hometown, I climb there more than 5 times, my first climb there was when its not yet a developed no stairs and hand rails made bamboo, the cave is empty and the statue of mama mary on the peak of the cave is already there, the cave is still empty its way back 1998/99, the ff. visits is its already developed i’ve been amazed by the development.

wow, I’m sure you are proud of that place

A very tiring climb but its worth it , its so beautiful up there. They have to create and build a road for vehicles and make it easy for older people to get up there. Hills are just too steep.

Nice! I really enjoy caving. Hopefully we can visit that when we go to Leyte this year.

Awesome place! I would love to see the shrine and chapel but I’m not really sure if I can endure the laborious climb.

Leyte looks beautiful. I have never been in that city. I used to have a high school best friend that lives from. I wonder how is she doing now.

Kudos for promoting places in the Philippines not often visited by tourists. Please post some more like this. 🙂 Thanks.

My father’s decendants are from this place and I’ve been into this place many many times, I’d like to take my own family to see the places someday there too. Thanks for sharing this info.

I have never dined in a cave before. This would be an experience I would love to have. So awesome!

There are so many beautiful places in Pinas that I have never been to. This looks beautiful!

what a nice place …

yes indeed!

I keep dreaming, I will be there with my future wife next year.

I am excited for you Sverrir Johannesson–best wishes to you and hope you will share with us how do you find the place:) Have a HAPPY TRIP!

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6 comments :.

makukumpleto mo na talaga ang mga probinsya. ngayon palang, congrats na sayo! :D

Ayus! Dumadami na ang napupuntahan mo. I'd love to see that church too!

my mom's family is from leyte but from the capital city, i've never been to maasin though...what a pity. just glad i found you from lantaw's blog or else i would never get any idea how beautiful the place is. added it on my "to visit" list. thanks for sharing them.

@ empi - eheheh! thanks Empi... madami pa din akong gustong puntahan... like, your province - Surigao! :)

@ Ding - its a nice century-old church... thanks Ding!

@ adrenalearn - thanks for dropping by Adrenalearn... there are still a lot to explore in Maasin... hope i could come back soon! :)

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Memento Mori

Hanginan: An Uphill Hike To Maasin City’s Miraculous Pilgrimage Site

Hanginan – one of Leyte’s most revered pilgrimage sites – has been on my personal travel wish-list, for the past 6 months. From fellow adventurer Marj of Dakilang Laagan to a trio of Facebook followers, many have raved and praised about the awe-inspiring scenery and spiritual feel of this mountainous village in Maasin city. And finally, I, together with my wife (Mrs. Bisaya Traveler), got the opportunity to hike the Hanginan trail and see its miraculous site – the San Francisco Javier Shrine.

Although the trail overall is a little short (about 3 kilometers), it was still a sweet, blissful and slightly exhausting hike. Not to mention, it gave me dozens of incredible snaps of the awe-inspiring panoramas of Maasin’s verdant side.

Our Hanginan hiking experience

We barely got any sleep, the night prior to our hike to Hanginan. With excitement building up and the typical not-so comfortable boat bunk bed as my night’s accommodation, I only had a few minutes of sleep, as we were making our way to Bato, Leyte via an inter-island boat service from Cebu.

And, upon our arrival, we took a short v-hire ride to Manhilo, Maasin – my wife’s hometown, to leave our things and get some nourishment before our hike. I didn’t eat a lot, however, munching only a FitBar and a piece of freshly-baked cheese bread. As for my wife, I didn’t notice what she was eating, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t much.

Without wasting any time, we took a couple of tricycle rides to reach the jump off point to Hanginan. From there, we commenced our hike, and set sights on reaching one of the most sacred sites in the Visayas region.

Along the way, I saw a line of houses and stores on each side, selling a variety of items and products, from candles to energy drinks.  In addition, there were habal-habal drivers offering their services, for those who want to reach the pinnacle, without taking a step on its rugged trail. Judging by these sights, I guess Hanginan is a pretty popular site in Maasin, Leyte.

Moments later, we noticed that the trail was getting steeper and more rugged.  With lose stones, sharp rocks and hilly inclines, this weather-beaten path can certainly present a challenge to the hiking newbie.

To make things interesting and even more challenging, there were a multitude of slippery spots, on our way to the San Francisco Javier Shrine as well. Luckily, I came prepared, bringing my trusty pair of shoes rather than my slippery sandals.

My wife did take stops on our way up Hanginan. Even though she has scaled Hanginan in her youth, she hasn’t been following a fitness regimen as of late. Plus, it’s been really a long while since the last time she hiked a mountain.

Nevertheless, she had a swell time exploring the summits and mountains of Southern Leyte with the Bisaya traveler.

We continued to walk, until we got treated to an enthralling overlooking view of Southern Leyte.

We, obviously, enjoyed the view and took tons of shots from this incredibly awesome vantage point along the Hanginan trail.

As much as I hate facing the camera, a couple-shot with my wife was mandatory. If I didn’t give into her plea, she might go berserk in the midst of our hike. Just kidding, though.

We proceeded with our hike to Hanginan, and took breaks, whenever my wife needed one. Needless to say, I could sense how exhausted she was. But like any inspiring husband (charoot), I tried to uplift her spirit and gave her some motivation, through my theatrics and unusual words of encouragement (I literally talk to my wife with no filter).

I’m not sure if it worked, but it was still worth a shot.

Ultimately, we saw a verdant, grassy hill that, as she has said, offers an outstanding view of the city.

She told me to climb the hill, and savor the views from the top.

And she was absolutely right! The views from this spot are nothing short of spectacular!

Then, we moved on with our hike to Hanginan, passing by lovely spots with great vistas. Every time we saw something nice, we made a quick stop, soaked up the atmosphere, and took a bunch of photographs.

Furthermore, we passed by small communities and tiny flower plantations that gave us a glimpse of the local culture of Hanginan.

There were kids, who quite frankly were a bit pesky, asking for money, to buy food. I really wanted to help them, but everyone knows that these youngsters won’t use the money for food. So, instead of handing out my coins and small bills, I gave them my snacks.

After nearly an hour of hiking, we’ve reached the base of San Francisco Javier Shrine. Afterwards, we took the final ascend to the church.

As we were making our way to the shrine, we got treated to a ton of striking photos of Leyte’s mountains and landscapes.

Though these mountains may not be as symmetrical as the famed Chocolate Hills, they somehow reminded me of Bohol’s icons.

Eventually, we arrived at the entrance of shrine.

Compared to the Simala Shrine, the San Francisco Javier Shrine is rather meek and modest. Still, I could feel an aura of holiness inside the church.

We set foot inside the shrine, to pray and make a wish (they say wishes do come true, when you pray in this shrine). Then, we lit up a quartet of candles, and left the church.

Since our stomachs were grumbling, we decided to eat our brunch and buy some refreshments at an eatery, on the way down.

And yes, the eatery also had some fantastic sights.

I couldn’t even concentrate on eating my food because I was so distracted by the view.

With our bodies replenished and spirits uplifted, it was time to head down to the heart of Maasin city. I was planning to go downhill through the traditional Hanginan trail, but my wife had other plans.

She wanted to take a habal-habal ride via the newly paved road to the city proper, so she can see the beautiful landscapes of this part of Maasin. We did argue, but in the end, it is the wife who always has the last word.

And once again, she was right. While were weaving our way through the city’s highlands, we caught sight of many of green hills, mounds and mountains. Hopefully, one day, in God’s time, I will have the chance to explore these mountains.

Never underestimate a mountain

“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence” – Nemann Buhl. That was just one of the few lessons I’ve learned, as we were hiking the Hanginan trail in Southern Leyte.  Honestly, I thought our Hangingan trek was going to be a walk in the park. After all, I have tons of hiking experiences under my belt, as well as survived dozens of long morning runs without sleeping and eating breakfast.

While I didn’t feel exhausted after the hike, I felt that we should have made some preparations, especially since my wife isn’t as active and energetic as I am. I didn’t take a sip of water for the whole duration of the hike, but we nonetheless ran out of water. Next time, I’ll encourage my wife to get as much sleep as she can, pack plenty of water, and eat a full and healthy breakfast, before taking on any mountain.

Things to take note:

• Fare for habal-habal ride from Hanginan to the city proper is PHP 60 per person.
• The trail is pretty straightforward, and there’s no need to hire a guide.
• Don’t forget say your prayers.
• Bring water and trail food. Prices for food and drinks in Hanginan are fairly higher than usual.

How to get there

From Cebu, there are boats departing every night (around 8 to 8:30 PM) to Bato, Leyte. Fare is PHP 220 to 265 per person. From there, take a V-hire ride (PHP 50) to Maasin city, and ask the driver or conductor to drop you by the historic Maasin Cathedral. Then, charter a tricycle ride to the base of Hanginan (PHP 10).

Alternatively, there are also ferries and fast-crafts from Cebu that will take you directly to Maasin. For those who are flying from Manila, the closest airport to Maasin city is, as far as I know, in Tacloban. There are Vi-hires from Tacloban that can take you to the city of Maasin too.

Where to go next?

Visit the nearby Monte Cueva and the tropical island paradise Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte.

Aldrich Infantado

Aldrich Infantado is a travel junkie and a writing aficionado who loves to share amazing travel tips to his fellow travelers.

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What a scenic place! Would love to visit here someday. 🙂

Alexa Araneta

If you have time, check out Our Lady of the Assumption Shrine and visit Cafe Adela at the Sunken Court, Capitol. Enjoy Maasin!

Yep, i’v heard about the spots you’ve mentioned. Thanks for dropping by.

Hi. I would to ask if I can use one or two photos here? I intend to share it on Maasin Sii Facebook page.

Sure, as long as you mention me or my blog as the owner of the photos. Cheers!

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Maasin Cathedral

The top tourist spot and destination in Southern Leyte is Maasin Cathedral , a catholic place of worship in Maasin City. It was originally built in 1700 by the Jesuit priests; however, it was severely damaged because of the Moro’s rebels. The bricks and the mosses on the façade give an older and a unique look which is perfect for the modern selfies. This cathedral is definitely one of historical pillars in the province. Since it is situated in front of the plaza and a few meters away from the City hall, it is one of the busiest area in city.

Aside from Maasin Cathedral, you can also visit Maasin City Zoo, Camp Danao, Hapitan Beach which is a Mangrove haven in Brgy. Manhilo, Sto. Nino Shrine, Abiera Museo D’ Art, Jalleca Hills Shrine, Hanginan Shrine, Cagnitoan Falls, Guinsuhotan Cave, and the Lonoy Cave.

HOW TO GET TO MAASIN CATHEDRAL:  My Day 5 started at Ulan-Ulan Falls and Tinago Falls in Biliran. Then, a van ride bound for Ormoc City. Had my lunch for less than twenty minutes and proceeded to the central terminal by the port and rode in a van to Maasin City. 

Via Air: from any part of the country, the nearest airports are those in Tacloban City and Ormoc City where you can also take a ride to Maasin City. Highways are concrete and polished. Mode of transportation in the city is habal-habal and tricycle.

WHERE TO STAY:  GV Hotel is one of the cheapest hotels in Maasin, Southern Leyte, it just a walking distance from Maasin Cathedral and Jollibee.

CLICK TO VIEW AFFORDABLE PLACES TO STAY IN SOUTHERN LEYTE

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