By Joliana Reyes October 10, 2024
So, you're looking for an island adventure that doesn’t involve trying to navigate $15 tacos and overpriced resorts? Look no further than Leyte. This little gem of the Philippines offers a whole buffet of experiences, from pristine beaches to ancient histories that have no tourist traps waiting around the corner. The locals speak English like they invented it—better than Siri, if we're being real. Plus, if you're the kind of traveler who loves feeling like you're “off the beaten path” (while also enjoying Wi-Fi),
Leyte is calling your name.
Affordable Eats and Treats Without Selling Your Soul
Food in Leyte doesn’t come with a $12 avocado toast warning. This place is all about flavorful, simple eats that won’t break your adventurous heart—or wallet. You’ll find yourself wondering how much food can cost this little and taste this good. The secret? Fresh ingredients and farmers who actually know what they’re doing. It’s the kind of place Steinbeck would write about while eating pancit. “A sad soul can kill quicker than a germ,” he once said, but here, the food’s so good you won’t have a sad soul in sight.
People as Warm as the Weather
You know that slightly uncomfortable fake smile you get from some tourist destinations? Yeah, that’s not happening here. Leyteños are genuinely happy to see you. Their kindness feels as real as the sunburn you're going to get from underestimating the tropical heat. They’ll invite you into their homes, share stories, and maybe even teach you a local word or two. Pro tip: Smile back. It’s free, just like half the things you’ll end up doing on this island.
Adventures That Don’t Require You to “Find Yourself”
Let’s get this straight—Leyte’s not the place for Instagram life coaches telling you to "just be." Instead, it’s the kind of island where the adventures—whether climbing a volcano or discovering WWII relics—are so real they leave you speechless, not hashtag-happy.
For the American adventurer, this place checks every box, minus the pretentiousness.
And let’s face it, you’ll fit right in.
As Steinbeck said, “People don’t take trips, trips take people.”
Joliana Reyes (Joliana is a contributing travel writer and author)
Colorful and vibant enough to make you forget the reality of our world. Fun prose to read. Curious to see the next one.