LIMASAWA ISLAND

Limasawa Island is never going to be just a typical island. It is located in the Municipality in the province of Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas. It is the place where the first Christian Mass was celebrated in the Philippines on March 31, 1521. Speaking of this small yet beautiful paradise, it has a unique shoreline with big and exotic rock formations. You will find yourself mesmerized as the small waves crash with the rock formations just along the shoreline of the beach.

Today, Limasawa Island has become a tourist spot for both locals and foreigners not just because of its religious and historical but also for its natural attractions like beaches and lagoons.

First Mass Shrine

The First Mas Shrine in Limasawa is one of the top tourist spots in the island because of its religious and historical importance. On March 31, 1521, the first Christian mass were celebrated in the Philippine soil in Limasawa. The mass was officiated by Spanish priestFr. Pedro de Valderrama on Eastern Sunday.

A marker by the National Historical Commission of thePhilippines (NHCP) ismounted on the wall of the shrine, a top of hill is a replica of Magellan's Cross that was planted by Magellan's men when they arrived at the island.

Magellan's Cross

Within the vicinity of the First Mass Shrine, a top of hill, is a replica of Magellan's Cross that was planted by Magellan's men when they arrived at the island. 

 Inside the shrine are paintings that depicts what transpired during the time where Ferdinand Magellan and his crew landed in Limasawa Island.

In order to reach the Magellan's Cross, a visitor needs to climb 450 steps to get to the top. There are rest  stops along the way so you can rest at some point during the climb. It was an easy climb for most people but unfortunately, not to me. I had to do a couple of stops before reaching the cross. The view from the hill makes the climb more worthwhile.

Limasawa Island Lagoon

It is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Limasawa Island. It's about 30 minutes away from the town proper and it offers breathtaking views. 

The entrance fee is only : 

Php 25 for adults

Php 20 for senior citizens

Php 10 for kids.

Since the road leading to the lagoon is a private property, the land owner is collecting Php 5 access fee.

Island Lagoon Resort is located in Brgy. San Agustin, Limasawa Island. they offer non-airconditioned basic accommodation for less than Php 1,000. You can also pitch your tent in the area. You may call them at 0956-790-3306.

Limasawa Island Lighthouse (Parola)

Just few steps away from the jump-off point to Limasawa Island Lagoon is the Limasawa lighthouse. You can have a great view of the island lagoom from the lighthouse area. Just make sure to be very careful in the cliff as there are no safety barriers.

How to get to Limasawa Island

 The jump-off point to Limasawa Island is the town of Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte. The closest airports are in Ormoc City and Tacloban City.

From Tacloban City or Ormoc City, take a bus or van to either Sogod or Maasin City. If you decide to go to Maasin, you can take a jeep/multicab to the town of Padre Burgos and inform the driver that you are going to the port. The fare is Php 30 and the travel time is around an hour.

If you are coming from Sogod, you can take a bus bount to Maasin via Malitbog. Do not ride the bus via Bato as it will not pass by Padre Burgos. Inform the driver or conductor ti drop you off near the port. Travel time is around 1.5 hours and the fare is Php 50.

from Limasawa Island, the lancha departs at 6:00 AM and 1:00 PM. On Sundays, it only departs once at 1:00 PM. Again, there are outrigger boats available.

Travel Tips and Reminders

• Bring cash, there's no ATM on the island and establishments only accepts cash.
• Both leading mobile networks have signal on the island.
• Electricity is 24/7 so no need to worry.
• Charter a habal-habal to visit the tourist attractions in Limasawa Island.
  

"WHERE EVER YOU GO, GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART"

come and visit