Liloan is a municipality located in the province of Southern Leyte in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern coast of Leyte Island, facing the Pacific Ocean.

Liloan is known for its beautiful beaches and pristine waters, making it a popular destination for tourists who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. The town is also home to several natural attractions, including the Maasin River, which is a popular spot for river tubing and swimming.

Despite significant development in recent decades, this town, founded in 1820 and home to 24 villages, remains a peaceful and laid-back place that attracts those who enjoy a simple and serene way of life.

History

Liloan was established in 1820 and commenced its religious activities in 1918. It is situated on Panaon Island’s northern part and comprises 24 villages or barangays.

The town’s sea is also a notable site from World War II as it was the location where the Japanese and the liberation forces first engaged in battle from October 20 to 25, 1944.

Liloan Southern Leyte features a narrow strait known as “wawa” that links Leyte’s mainland and Panaon island in the south. At first glance, it appears to be a blind diverticulum, but upon closer inspection, a small passage can be seen.

Wawa is well-known for its incredible swirling currents, created by tiny turbulent whirlpools during high tides, called “Lilo.” The town of Liloan gets its name from these minute whirlpools, and its inhabitants are referred to as “Liloanons.”

Molopolo Beach Resort, located in Molopolo village, is a beautiful white sand beach that takes about 20 minutes to drive from the town center. The beach is renowned for its fine white sand and is considered one of the top attractions.

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind and inhale fresh air, the charming mountain ridge in Fatima Village could be an excellent option. The area is enveloped by tall trees, providing a serene ambiance. As you walk along the path, you’ll also come across coconut trees that offer shade and fresh coconut juice with a deliciously sweet and revitalizing flavor.

Native Delicacies

The following are the native delicacies that you must try in Liloan Southern Leyte:

• Kinilaw: raw seafood marinated in vinegar and spices;
• Hinatukan: chicken or fish cooked in coconut milk;
• Budbud Kabog: sticky rice cake made with millet;
• Local Kakanin: rice cakes;
• Binagol: taro and coconut cake; and
• Pastillas: sweet milk candies

These native delicacies can be found throughout the province of Southern Leyte. But if you want to experience a surreal taste, you must try them in Liloan Southern Leyte.

How to get there?

To reach this town from Manila, one must take a plane for over an hour to Tacloban, followed by a three-hour drive along a 159-kilometer road from the regional capital.

Traveling from either Cebu or Bohol to reach Liloan requires a six-hour ship journey to Hilongos Leyte. From there, one needs to take a bus heading to Sogod and then transfer to another one bound for Liloan.

The Liloan Wawa Bridge channel offers an exciting drift dive with strong currents, fascinating coral formations, and numerous caves, according to a blogger who described it as exhilarating and challenging.

It’s more enjoying to visit the town with your loved ones. Bring them and enjoy!