For a traveler who wishes to visit more provinces and islands on a single trip, Maasin City is one strategic place to start the province- and island-hopping adventure.
Maasin City is the capital of Southern Leyte. It is a small city east of Bohol, and north of Surigao del Norte, west of Dinagat Islands, and south of the more popular cities such as Tacloban, Baybay and Ormoc.
While Maasin City is less popular than the other cities of Leyte, it is undeniably the most pristine city in the whole of the Island of Leyte. Proof of this is the turquoise water off the coast of the city, though the presence of a port, and the limestone hills and mountains surrounding the city which provides fresh air all day round.
Maasin City boasts a long stretch of beach where students spend their free time after the afternoon classes. The sunset is witnessed in Maasin City, thus, it is really nice to stay for some time in the white sand beach in the northern area of the city, or in the light brown sand beach in the south.
Monte Cueva
Limestones are abundant in Maasin City, so are caves. But one cave bested the rest as it can be found on top of hill, was turned into a church, and became the top tourist destination in Maasin City. It is the Monte Cueva Asuncion de la Virgen Shrine or Monte Cueva. On regular days, it is open for tourists and visitors who successfully climbed the laborious 500 steps uphill along the steep stairs. But during Holy Weeks, the Stations of the Cross is staged along the path to Monte Cueva, and is attended by Catholic devotees, both local and tourists.
Close to six hundred steps, the journey to the top are not for the faint of heart or for those with weak knees. There are two ways to climb the hill: a less steep one on the left side, and a crazily steep one on the right side. Philihappy pro-tip: The climb is not a race. Take your time.
Maasin Cathedral
Built on 1700, Maasin Cathedral survived a long history of reconstruction after natural calamities, and series of raids by the Moro during the 18th and 19th century. The rebuilding process continued when the seat of the new Diocese was established in Maasin.
Our Lady of the Assumption Shrine
Another climb will bring you to one of the Philippines’ biggest religious statue of Mother Mary. This time, it is much easier. Also at the top of the hill is a view deck where you can see the entirety of Maasin City and the Visayan Sea in front, and the thick limestone mountains at the back.
Beaches and sunset
The clear water and white sand during the sunset is one of the nicest experience in Maasin City. Though establishments surround the coast, the beaches are perfectly maintained perhaps because locals are still dependent on fishing as source of income. I assure you of a lot of Instagram-worthy photos on the beach during sunset.
How to get to Maasin City?
From Tacloban City, you can reach Maasin City via 4-hour van ride for. From Ormoc City, Maasin City is reached via 2.5-hour van ride which will cost you Php180.00.
How to get out of Maasin City?
Like in other major cities in Leyte such as Baybay City, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City, Maasin City also has an organized covered transport hub where all public utility vehicles such as vans, tricycles, jeepneys, and buses load and unload their passengers. Vans are the most popular mode of transportation in Leyte when transferring from one city to another. They leave at an interval of half an hour or an hour depending on the destination. Their fares are incredibly cheap.
Nearby Cities and Places
Agas-agas Bridge, the tallest bridge in the Philippines is in Sogod, Southern Leyte. It can be visited via jeepney or privite car on a 2-hour ride from Maasin City. There is a zipline across the bridge, but it is not operational during my visit.
The town of Hilongos, and City of Ormoc is 1-hour and 2.5-hour away from Maasim City, respectively. These places have direct trips to Camotes Islands, Cebu, and Bohol.
Dinagat Island and Surigao del Norte, on the other hand, can be visited via a boat ride at the port of Maasin City.
The Maxims of Jim 