Welcome to Tacloban City! Staying at JMCL Residences puts you in a practical spot near the Calanipawan area, giving you a good balance between the quiet outskirts and the accessibility of the downtown and Marasbaras commercial hubs.
Here is a curated guide and a 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your stay.
3-Day Tacloban Itinerary
Day 1: History and Icons
Morning: Head to the San Juanico Bridge. It’s best to go early to walk the pedestrian lane and feel the bridge vibrate as cars pass. The “S” shape is an engineering marvel.
Afternoon: Visit the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum. This former presidential mansion houses a massive collection of art, antiques, and ivory icons.
Late Afternoon: Stop by the M/V Eva Jocelyn Shrine, a memorial made from a cargo ship that was washed inland during Typhoon Haiyan.
Evening: Dinner at Ocho Seafood and Grill downtown.
Day 2: Coastal Remembrance & Relaxation
Morning: Take a short trip to Palo (about 15-20 minutes from JMCL) to see the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. This is the iconic spot where Gen. Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return.
Lunch: Eat at one of the seaside restaurants in Palo or head back to the city for Sunzibar.
Afternoon: Relax at RTR Plaza or visit the Astrodome area, which is a popular local hangout spot by the bay.
Evening: Coffee or light bites at Chew Love, a very “Instagrammable” cafe with a playful menu.
Day 3: Samar Side-Trip or Local Leisure
Morning: If you’re feeling adventurous, cross the bridge into Basey, Samar (about 45 minutes) to see the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge.
Afternoon: Return to Tacloban for some last-minute pasalubong (souvenir) shopping at the Tacloban Public Market or Robinsons Place Tacloban (near your residence).
Evening: A quiet farewell dinner at Giuseppe’s Italian-Filipino Heritage Cuisine.
What to Eat: Must-Try Local Flavors
Binagol: A sweet treat made from grated root crops (talyan), condensed milk, and sugar, served in a coconut shell. The center is the best part!
Chocolate Moron: A twist on the traditional suman; it’s a mix of chocolate and plain glutinous rice swirled together and wrapped in banana leaves.
Suman Latik: Sticky rice topped with a thick, caramelized coconut syrup.
Fresh Seafood: Tacloban is a coastal city. At restaurants like Ocho, you can pick your fish, crabs, or shells fresh from the counter and have them cooked to your liking.
Sunzibar Rum Ribs: A local legend—tender, flavorful ribs with a signature sauce.
Traveler Tips
Getting Around: The primary mode of transport is the Multicab or Jeepney. From Calanipawan (where JMCL is), you can easily catch rides going to “Downtown” or “Marasbaras.”
Tricycles: These are available for shorter, direct trips, but agree on the fare beforehand.
Best Time to Visit: If you are here in June, don’t miss the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival (June 29), which is the city’s grandest celebration.
Enjoy the famous “Waray” hospitality! Is there a specific type of activity (like hiking or cafe hopping) you’d like me to add more of?
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