Get Away Favorites from the South by Gabbie Veronica

Somewhere in the Southern of Leyte lies some beautiful get aways that most of the waray-warays are getting engrossed nowadays. Who would have thought that in places like Macrohon, Pintuyan and in the nearby towns of Maasin one could find such high- end resorts, diving spots and tourists destinations. An array of exciting locations can be found in the area which caters to different interests: hiking, swimming, island trips and sight seeing.

One of Southern Leyte’s prides which is at present attracting local and a foreign tourist is the elegance of the Kuting Resort and Spa situated in a private cove at Brgy. Asuncion in the town of Macrohon. This 3- hectare property which was newly developed offers an exclusive, luxurious and relaxed experienced coupled with classy feeling which is like an escape from all days of work because of its secluded appeal. The perfection of an exquisite landscaping welcomes the guests with so much amazement. Each cottages has a perfect feel of interior designs maximizing the native products of our island. The major key points of the resort are the Infinity Pool providing an overlooking scene of beach fronting it. It has also been the favorite pictorial site of beauty pageants in the locality. The Boardwalk few steps from the resort’s main building which consists the Function hall, restaurant and front office is a conducive spot for an afternoon coffee breaks with the sea breeze as a background. At night it transforms into a disco bar by the bay. Amenities like kayak, banana boat ride and Jet Ski are for those who seek for thrill and adventure.

More beaches that attract beach lovers are the Bitu-on Beach, Esfa Beach Resort, Maamo and Mohon-San Joaquin Beaches. Located in barangay San Roque, Liloan Bitu-on Beach entails a beautiful feature of white sandy beach with variety of colorful sea shells scattered all over the sea shore. Similar with Bitu-on, Esfa and Maamo is also loved because of its white sand that gives a “Boracay” ambiance. On the other hand, Mohon which also a most visited beach resort is distinct for having fine graveled beachline along the coast. It also has private cottages. Beaches for an island hopping adventure includes Cuatro Islas in the towns of Hindang and Inupacan are also bordered with white sands. These 30- minute ride islands which has a rich fishing grounds are called; Apit, Daguio, Himokilan and Mahaba. Panaon Island in Liloan is a part of the Mindanao Deep, in which it is considered the second deepest body of water in the world. Pintuyan Island is a perfect view for whale watching (Butanding).

The historic Limasawa Island is also within the premises of Southern Leyte. Being on the tip it can be reached 45 minutes motorlaunch ride from Padre Burgos. In the Philippine history, it was recorded that this island was where the First Catholic Mass was celebrated when Ferdinand Magellan came in the ancient year of 1521 and the location of the historic Shrine which marks the blood compact performed between Magellan and two other leaders.

With the variety of choices that Southern Leyte offers, gradually the locality has becoming a favorite destination in the region. Macrohon which happens to be a small town nearest to the City of Maasin tops in the list. Kuting Resort and Spa holding the banner is making the place popular. This high end resort has been rated as competitive by the guests. The accommodation down to the Food and Beverage are all worth a try. Macrohon Reef a scuba diving site and Wawa Strait are additional attractions within the vicinity. Though some other diving spots and beaches in Macrohon are still unadvertised, the town is indeed in its biggest potentials.

There is a lot more to discover in Southern Leyte. It a good feeling to know that there have been more tourist destinations that are being discovered and developed competitive to the nationally famous sites. The leisure it gives the tourists is an income to the natives of the town. If the municipality still continues to invest in the development, there is a long way to improvement which will benefit the entire region. To patronize our own is also one way of admitting that we love our own. We have it here in our island; it’s not too late to experience it!