EXPLORING ORMOC: A Haven of Attractions, Festivals, and Food
Ormoc, a first-class city in the province of Leyte, Philippines, is a tourist haven that boasts of rich natural resources, a vibrant culture, and mouth-watering delicacies. Whether you are an adventure-seeker, a food lover, or a culture enthusiast, Ormoc has something to offer for everyone. We will take a closer look at the top attractions, festivals, and food that you must not miss when visiting Ormoc. Here are some reasons why I would recommend visiting Ormoc:
Natural attractions :
Ormoc is blessed with natural wonders such as hot springs, waterfalls, and beaches. Visitors can explore the city’s natural beauty by visiting the following places;
Lake Danao Natural Park
Lake Danao Natural Park, located 15 kilometers northeast of Ormoc City, is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The lake, which is 2,100 feet above sea level, is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, campgrounds, and simply take in the breathtaking scenery from one of the many picnic areas.
Tongonan Hotsprings National Park
Tongonan Hotsprings National Park, located in Barangay Tongonan, is a geothermal park that features hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steam vents. The park is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers stunning views of Mount Apo and the Leyte Mountain Range. Visitors can soak in the hot springs, go on a nature walk, or have a picnic in the park’s picnic area. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is PHP 30 per person.
Alto Peak
Alto Peak, also known as Mount Alto, is the highest peak in Eastern Visayas, standing at 1,332 meters above sea level. The mountain is located in Barangay Cabintan, Ormoc, and offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. The trek to the peak takes around 6–8 hours and is best done with a guide. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Ormoc City, Leyte Gulf, and the surrounding mountains from the peak.
Ormoc Bay
Ormoc Bay is a natural harbor that serves as a gateway to Ormoc City. The bay is a popular destination for swimming, fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy the view of the sunset over the bay from the Ormoc City Port.
Our Lady of Assumption Church
Another must-see spot in Ormoc is the historical church which dates back to the 18th century. This beautiful church is an architectural masterpiece, stained glass windows, featuring intricate carvings and a grand bell tower.
Ormoc City Superdome
The Ormoc City Superdome is a multipurpose indoor arena that serves as a venue for sports events, concerts, and other cultural activities. The dome, which can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, has hosted several national and international events, including the Southeast Asian Games.
Puente de la Riena
Puente de la Riena, also known as Queen’s Bridge, is a historic stone bridge that spans the Anilao River in Ormoc City. The bridge, which was built in 1804 during the Spanish colonial period, is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
Kuting Reef
Kuting Reef is a marine sanctuary located off the coast of Ormoc City. The reef, which is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, fish, and sea turtles, is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Ormoc City Museum
The Ormoc City Museum, located in the Ormoc City Hall, showcases the history and culture of Ormoc City and the surrounding region. The museum features exhibits on the city’s pre-colonial and colonial history, its local industries, and its cultural traditions.
Veteran’s Park
Veteran’s Park, located in the heart of Ormoc City, is a public park that honors the sacrifices of the city’s war veterans. The park features a monument that depicts soldiers and their families, as well as a garden, a playground, and a jogging path. Visitors can relax, exercise, or have a picnic in the park’s peaceful surroundings.
Pineapple Plantations
Ormoc is known for its sweet and juicy pineapples, and visitors can see these fruits growing in the city’s vast pineapple plantations. The plantations are located in the outskirts of Ormoc City and offer a unique and educational experience for visitors. They can witness the different stages of pineapple growth, learn about the cultivation process, and taste freshly harvested pineapples.
Ormoc City Public Market
The Ormoc City Public Market is a bustling marketplace where locals and tourists can find a variety of fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market is open daily and is a great place to immerse oneself in the local culture.
Limasawa Island
Limasawa Island is a small island located off the coast of Southern Leyte, just a short boat ride from Ormoc City. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and rich history. It is also considered to be the site of the first Christian mass in the Philippines.
Camp Downes Beach
Camp Downes Beach, located in Barangay Camp Downes, Ormoc, is a secluded beach that offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The beach features clear waters, fine white sand, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Anilao Hill
Anilao Hill is a hill located in Barangay Anilao, Ormoc. It offers a panoramic view of Ormoc City and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike to the top of the hill and enjoy the scenic views.
Sabin Resort Hotel
Sabin Resort Hotel is a beachfront resort located in Barangay Concepcion, Ormoc. The resort features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Visitors can enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping.
Ormoc Sugar Planters Agricultural Cooperative (OSPAC) Eco-Park
OSPAC Eco-Park is a 20-hectare park located in Barangay Dolores, Ormoc. The park features various attractions such as a butterfly sanctuary, a botanical garden, and a fish pond. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, boating, and fishing in the park.
These tourist attractions offer a glimpse into the diverse offerings of Ormoc. Visitors can enjoy various activities and experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural immersion, while exploring the beauty and charm of the city.
Ormoc isn’t just about nature and adventure. The city also boasts a vibrant culture, with a rich history and traditions that can be experienced through its local festivals and events.
Festivals:
Ormoc celebrates various festivals throughout the year that showcase its rich culture and traditions.
Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival
The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, held every June 29, is a celebration of Ormoc’s rich cultural heritage. The festival features street dancing, drum and lyre competitions, and a parade of floats. Participants wear intricate body paintings that depict ancient warriors and mythical creatures.
Buyogan Festival
The Buyogan Festival, held every July 23–25, is a celebration of Ormoc’s patron saint, St. James the Greater. The festival features a street dancing competition where participants wear bee-inspired costumes and perform dances that depict the life of bees. The festival also includes a trade fair, a beauty pageant, and a food festival.
Tugob Festival
The Tugob Festival, held every September 8–10, is a celebration of Ormoc’s bountiful harvest. The festival features a street dancing competition where participants wear costumes made of fruits and vegetables. The festival also includes a trade fair, a food festival, and a sports
Sunduan ha Carigana
Sunduan ha Carigana is a week-long festival held every May in Barangay Carigana, Ormoc. The festival celebrates the feast of the Holy Cross, and it features a procession of religious images and a street dancing competition.
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is a religious festival held every May in Barangay San Pablo, Ormoc. The festival features a procession of the image of Our Lady of Fatima, and it includes a street dancing competition, a beauty pageant, and a food festival.
Sinulog Festival
The Sinulog Festival is a cultural festival held every January in Ormoc City. The festival celebrates the Santo Niño, and it features a grand parade, a street dancing competition, and a trade fair.
These festivals are a testament to the rich culture and traditions of Ormoc. Visitors can witness and participate in these colorful and vibrant celebrations that showcase the city’s history and identity
Local cuisine:
Ormoc offers a wide variety of delicious food and delicacies that are unique to the region.
Ormoc also offers a wide array of delicious and mouth-watering dishes that are both unique and appetizing. Here are some of the must-try foods in Ormoc:
Moron
Moron is a popular rice cake in Ormoc. It is made of glutinous rice, sugar, and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves. What makes it unique is the addition of chocolate, which gives it a distinct flavor and aroma.
Sutukil
Sutukil is a local dish that features a combination of three types of seafood: sugpo (prawns), tuna, and lapu-lapu (grouper). It is usually cooked three ways: sugba (grilled), tuwa (soup), and kilaw (ceviche). Sutukil is a staple dish in Ormoc’s seafood restaurants.
Linarang
Linarang is a popular Visayan soup dish that is made with fish or seafood. In Ormoc, it is usually made with tamban (sardines) or tangigue (Spanish mackerel). The soup is flavored with ginger, garlic, onions, and chili peppers, giving it a tangy and spicy taste.
Binagol
Binagol — It is a sweet dessert made from grated taro (gabi) mixed with coconut milk, condensed milk, butter, and sugar. The mixture is then placed inside a half-cut coconut shell, which is then steamed for several hours until the binagol is cooked and the texture becomes sticky and firm.
Baye-baye
Baye-baye — A sweet treat made from grated coconut mixed with sugar and wrapped in coconut leaves. It is often eaten as a dessert or snack.
Piaya
Piaya — A popular delicacy in Ormoc made from flatbread filled with muscovado sugar. It is cooked on a griddle until it becomes crispy and caramelized.
Suman Latik
Suman — A traditional Filipino delicacy made from sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. It is often eaten with sugar or a sweet coconut jam called “latik.”
Lechon
Lechon — A roasted pig that is a staple in many Filipino celebrations. Ormoc is known for its delicious and succulent lechon, which is often served during fiestas and special occasions.
Bacalao
Bacalao — A dish made with salted codfish, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. It is usually served as a main dish and is best eaten with rice.
Kinilaw
Kinilaw — A dish made with raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, spices, and citrus juice. It is similar to ceviche and is usually served as an appetizer or side dish.
Paksiw na Isda
Paksiw na Isda — A fish dish cooked in vinegar, garlic, onions, and spices served with steamed rice and vegetables.
Friendly people:
Ormoc is known for its warm and welcoming people who are always ready to lend a helping hand to visitors. The locals are proud of their heritage and culture, and they are eager to share it with others.
Accessibility
Ormoc is easily accessible by land, by sea, and by air.
By land, Ormoc City is accessible via several highways and roads. The most common route is the Ormoc-Baybay Road, which connects the city to the neighboring town of Baybay in Leyte. The city is also accessible through the Ormoc-Maasin Road, which connects it to the nearby town of Maasin in Southern Leyte.
By sea, Ormoc City has a port that serves as a hub for inter-island ferries. The Ormoc City Port is one of the busiest ports in the Visayas region and provides transportation services to nearby islands such as Cebu, Bohol, and Biliran.
By air, Ormoc City has an airport that serves as an entry point for air travel. The Ormoc Airport is a small domestic airport that connects the city to Manila and Cebu. It has daily flights to and from the two major cities in the country.
Overall, the accessibility of Ormoc City makes it easier for people and goods to travel to and from the city, which can contribute to the city’s economic growth and development.
These are just some of the reasons why I would recommend visiting Ormoc City. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a traveler seeking new experiences, Ormoc has something to offer for everyone for relaxation, adventure, culture, or culinary delights, Ormoc has it all. Experience the captivating allure of this city in person!
