TACLOBAN CITY Eastern Visayas
LOCATION
Tacloban is located in the Northeastern part of the island of Leyte, one of the major islands that comprise the Eastern Visayas region. The City of Tacloban lies at 11o 14' 36" North latitude and is situated about 360 miles Southeast of Manila.
HOTELS & RESORTS
One of the country's top resorts is found in Tacloban City. The Leyte Park Resort offers guests with elegant quarters, warm service, sumptuous food and a unique ambiance. Other fine hotels/resorts in the city -- Asia Stars Hotel, Vic-Mar Resort, Tacloban Plaza, and Hotel Alejandro -- boast of well-equipped and up-to-date convention facilities and well-trained staff to meet the client's need. Tacloban also offers a number of economy class hotels, inns and pension houses with very affordable rates to cater visitors who wish to stay in the city for a longer period.
SHOPPING & DINING
For the individual who cannot do a way with shopping, Tacloban City offers the best show windows in the region with displays ranging from designer clothes, appliances, and jewelry to native products. At fine boutiques in the city, shoppers can browse through famous brand names of RTWs coming from Manila and Cebu.
Handicrafts from all over Eastern Visayas as well as those coming from other regions find their way to the city. Most especially stores that sell handicrafts can be found at Taclobans shopping center, while others are located behind the public market. A popular item among visitors is the sip-hid (soft broom) which if compared with the same product from other places is much more sturdy and lasts longer. Marine products are abundant in the city. Dried fish, squid and preserved shellfish meat are available year-round at very affordable prices. Another produce that commands a high demand among transients and local folks is the "banig" (mat). Made from weed called "tikog" artisans weave this material into fine products and given aesthetic qualities via unique drawings and geometric designs.
Tacloban also offers a variety of cuisine, to cater the most discriminating palates, from native and Chinese dishes to Italian specialties. Seafood lovers will find a grand time at the table with a fare of fresh fish, shrimps, and crabs readily available and cooked in whatever style one wishes.
GETTING THERE
Three airline companies - Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, and Cebu Pacific Air serve Tacloban with daily 1-hour flights from Manila and half-an-hour flight from Cebu. Several bus companies ply between the city and Manila. Travel time is 22 hours. Tacloban is also connected to Davao via a 16-hour land trip. The busy sea lanes between Tacloban and Manila is dominated by WG&A Super Ferry and Sulpicio Lines. The Cebu-Tacloban sea route is serviced by K&T Shipping Lines. Adventurous travelers can pass through Ormoc City via a 2-hour Super Cat or Water Jet cruise from Cebu and then take another 2-hour trip to Tacloban via Ormoc.
GETTING AROUND
Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) ply the major thoroughfares of the city and to its suburbs. Motorcabs for hire are readily available for routes not serviced by PUJs. Minimum fare is P3.00 (in 1999). Car rental companies have offices at strategic locations in the city.
KALESA
The kalesa or karitela is a horse-driven carriage that was introduced during the 18th century. It was used by Spanish officials and the nobles as a means of transportation.
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