A Day of Adventure in Leyte

Chasing the Clouds at Incradable Café

Our journey started very early in the morning at exactly 5:00 AM in Ormoc City. The cool breeze and quiet roads made the trip exciting as we headed toward our first destination, the Sea of Clouds at Incradable Café in Baybay City. After a scenic drive, we finally arrived and were amazed by the breathtaking view of the clouds covering the mountains. The fresh air and peaceful atmosphere made the place feel magical. We spent time taking photos, enjoying the view, and appreciating the beauty of nature. It was the perfect way to begin our travel adventure.

A Peaceful Pause at Pomponan Church

After visiting the Sea of Clouds, we continued our journey to Pomponan Church in Baybay City. The church stood beautifully with its simple yet peaceful surroundings. Upon arriving, we took a moment to admire its architecture and serene environment. We also spent some time reflecting and offering prayers. The calm atmosphere of the church provided a relaxing break from our trip and allowed us to appreciate its historical and spiritual significance.

Into the Depths of Hindang Cave

Our next stop was Hindang Cave, one of the well-known natural attractions in Leyte. As we entered the cave, we were fascinated by its unique rock formations and cool interior. Exploring the cave was both exciting and educational because we learned more about the natural wonders hidden within the province. Walking through the cave required caution, but the experience was worth it. The beauty of the cave showed us another side of Leyte's rich natural environment.

Scenic Moments on Ormoc Diversion Road

Before ending our trip, we made our final stop at the Ormoc City Diversion Road. This road offered beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and served as a perfect place to relax after a day of travel. We enjoyed the fresh air, took a few final photos, and reflected on the memorable experiences we had throughout the day. Watching the scenery along the diversion road was a simple yet enjoyable way to conclude our adventure.

"Sometimes, the best days begin before the sun rises."

At 5:00 in the morning, while most people were still asleep, we were already on the road, eager for an adventure that would take us above the clouds, across mountain trails, and into refreshing spring waters. What started as a simple trip to Baybay City quickly turned into a day filled with breathtaking views, inspiring stories, and unforgettable memories.

Witnessing Baybay's Sea of Clouds⛅️

Our journey began at Baybay City's famous Sea of Clouds. As we arrived, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight layers of white clouds stretching across the mountains like a soft blanket covering the earth below. For a moment, it felt as though we were standing above the sky itself.

The place was bustling with visitors enjoying the weekend, but the beauty of the scenery made it easy to forget the crowd. The cool mountain breeze, the golden morning light, and the endless sea of clouds created a picture-perfect start to our adventure.

To make the experience even more memorable, we had breakfast at SkyCafe while overlooking the spectacular view. Although the restaurant was busy and the food took some time to arrive, the stunning landscape around us made every minute worth the wait. Sometimes, the best part of breakfast isn't the food it's the view that comes with it.

After soaking in the scenery and capturing countless photos, we continued our journey toward our next destination.

The Journey to the Summit: Hiking Tan-Awan Peak ⛰️🥾

Our next stop was Tan-Awan Peak, one of Baybay City's hidden gems for hikers and nature lovers.

Before beginning the trek, our guide conducted a short orientation and led us through stretching exercises. Full of excitement, we started the hike confidently. The first part of the trail seemed manageable, but as the elevation increased, the challenge became more apparent.

With every step, the trail tested our endurance. The steep paths, the long climb, and the heat made us pause several times to catch our breath. There were moments when we wondered how much farther we had to go, but giving up was never an option.

One of the most heartwarming parts of the hike was the sense of community among fellow hikers. Strangers greeted one another with smiles, exchanged words of encouragement, and shared the same determination to reach the summit. It reminded us that every journey becomes easier when people lift each other up along the way.

After nearly two hours of hiking, we finally reached the peak.

The view waiting for us at the summit was nothing short of extraordinary. Rolling mountains, endless skies, and lush landscapes stretched as far as the eye could see. Every step, every drop of sweat, and every moment of exhaustion instantly became worth it.

At the summit, we visited a small honesty store managed by a kind elderly woman. As we rested, she shared stories about life on the mountain.

She explained the challenges of maintaining the store, including carrying supplies up the mountain whenever stocks ran low. Despite her age and the physical demands of the task, she continues to persevere.

What touched us most was her unwavering trust in people. Since the store operates on an honesty system, visitors are expected to pay for what they take. Although some individuals have taken advantage of this trust in the past, she continues to believe that honesty still exists. Her resilience, kindness, and optimism left a lasting impression on all of us.

Her story reminded us that every destination has more to offer than beautiful scenery it also holds inspiring people and meaningful lessons.

Cooling Down at Agusan Fresh Water Resort💦

After conquering Tan-Awan Peak, our final destination was Agusan Fresh Water Resort.

The refreshing cold water was exactly what we needed after hours of hiking. The moment we stepped into the spring, the fatigue from the climb slowly disappeared. Surrounded by nature and fresh air, it was the perfect place to relax, recharge, and appreciate the day's adventure.

We enjoyed a well-deserved lunch, shared stories from the day's journey, and spent the afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear water. It was the perfect ending to an exciting and challenging experience.

The Stories Beyond the Destination 🌿

Our Baybay City adventure was more than just visiting tourist attractions. It was about witnessing nature's beauty, challenging ourselves beyond our comfort zones, meeting inspiring people, and creating memories that will stay with us for years to come.

The Sea of Clouds filled us with wonder. Tan-Awan Peak taught us perseverance. Agusan Fresh Water Resort gave us the opportunity to rest and reflect.

As the day came to an end, we returned home tired but fulfilled, carrying not only photographs but also stories, lessons, and experiences that made the journey truly unforgettable.

The perfect road trips are those where you do not check off every item on your list; instead, the adventures come to life just like a story does. This was the experience that my friends and I had when we left the comfort of our city to spend the day in Palompon, Leyte.

Whereas most would start their visit in the historical town square and finish their day playing in the waves, we chose to reverse the order. We desired the day to progress from the wild energy to the calm and peaceful atmosphere and keep the sanctuary as a climax.

Let me take you through a journey of one perfect day that stole my heart in Palompon.

Where the Salt Air Meets the Soul: Morning Magic at San Juan

We started off at the place where the land and salted air meet. Once we set foot on San Juan Island, it was as though we had left the rest of the world behind. San Juan Island and its beach landscape can be considered one of the most stunning and untainted pieces of land, far from the hustle and bustle of modern tourist traps.

Walking along the shore with fences of rustic wood and thriving green vegetation in sight, we breathed deeply from the clear oceanic breeze and washed away all of our stresses. With the vast expanse of sea before us, we laughed and made silly peace signs as we took our first picture there.

The Kubo Picnic Vibe

The fresh sea air had finally got to us, and our stomachs were calling for something substantial. All it took was one moment’s searching. The next thing we knew, we had gone from the sand to the welcoming shade of an open bamboo hut (kubo) at the edge of the beach.

There is something enchanting about a traditional Filipino meal. The experience of sitting down and enjoying the delicious array of grilled meat and locally grown bananas served up at a bamboo-slat table cannot be beat. For some extra refreshment in the hot climate of the middle of the day, we had cold bottles of Coke to enjoy. It felt like the best part about the whole experience was just being there in the native hut with our new friends.

Golden Hour & Silent Pillars: Shifting Gears at the Parish

With the slow descent of the sun, we started packing our stuff and left the coast behind as we made our way to Palompon town proper. Our next stop? The old and well-loved St. Francis Xavier Parish, which locals fondly call St. Javier.

After spending such an exciting day at the beach, entering the peaceful grounds of the church was an experience in itself. The change was simply magnificent. We took a stand underneath the high pillars and in front of the majestic monument before the entrance, holding our hands up in the air while smiling for a group shot.

Fretzie Elegio is a jolly person who enjoys simple things that make her happy. At first, she can be shy when talking to other people, but once she becomes comfortable, her true colors slowly appear and she becomes more cheerful and expressive.

Fretzie Elegio is someone who enjoys simple things that make her happy. She loves riding her motorcycle and going anywhere it takes her. Riding gives her a sense of freedom and adventure. She also enjoys playing online games because they help her relieve stress and relax after a busy day. In her free time, she likes watching movies of different genres. Through riding, gaming, and watching movies, Fretzie finds balance, fun, and excitement in her everyday life.

Discovering Albuera, Leyte

1. Sibug-Sibug Festival The Sibug-Sibug Festival is Albuera’s vibrant annual celebration that showcases street dancing, colorful costumes, and lively performances. It is worth writing about because it highlights the town’s rich culture, strong community spirit, and joyful hospitality that visitors can experience firsthand.

2. Albuera Public Market The public market offers fresh seafood, local produce, and affordable home-cooked meals that reflect the agricultural and coastal lifestyle of the town. Travelers would enjoy exploring it to experience authentic flavors and interact with friendly local vendors.