Ormoc City
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Ormoc City

Ormoc City

West Leyte city and sugar-country gateway to Lake Danao National Park above the coast.

Ormoc is a chartered city on the west coast of Leyte, known as the sugar capital of the Eastern Visayas. The surrounding countryside is lush with sugarcane fields and the city serves as a gateway to Lake Danao National Park in the highlands above town.

The city was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 but has rebuilt with determination. Today it is a functional, friendly stop for travellers heading between Cebu and the Leyte interior — ferries run regularly from Ormoc Port to Cebu City. The public market near the harbour is the liveliest part of town in the mornings.

Guide

Eating Out

Ormoc is not a culinary destination, but the fresh seafood is excellent and the local Filipino cooking is reliable. The waterfront area and the streets near the public market have the most active concentration of eateries. Expect simple, family-run places serving rice plates, grilled fish, sinigang, and adobo.

The SM Center food court offers more variety for those who want airconditioned comfort. For fresh fish at its best, buy from the market in the morning and look for the stalls that will cook what you bring.

Guide

Getting Around

Within Ormoc City, tricycles are the main transport for short distances and are cheap and plentiful. Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are faster for slightly longer routes within the city. Both can be negotiated for a fare before you get on.

For Lake Danao National Park, you will need to hire a jeepney or take a habal-habal from the city — ask at your hotel or at the market for the going rate. The road is paved most of the way but becomes rougher near the park entrance.

Guide

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Ormoc from elsewhere in the Philippines is by ferry from Cebu City. Several operators, including Lite Ferries and Cokaliong, run daily services; the fast craft takes around two hours while slower RORO ferries take four to five. The port is central and easy to find.

From Tacloban, the nearest city with an airport, Ormoc is about 70 kilometres south by road. Jeepneys and buses cover the route throughout the day; the journey takes two to three hours depending on the vehicle and the road. There is no commercial air service directly to Ormoc.

Guide

Things to Do

Ormoc sits between the sea and the mountains, and the city's highlights reflect that geography. Lake Danao is the main draw for most visitors — a highland crater lake in a national park about 20 kilometres northeast of the city centre. The drive up is scenic, with views across sugarcane country. At the lake itself you can rent bangka boats and paddle among the floating islands of vegetation.

The city's waterfront has been improved since the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan and the port area is pleasant to walk at dusk. The public market near the harbour is lively in the early morning, full of fresh fish, root vegetables, and the sugar products the region produces.