Visit Naval Leyte Philippines

NAVAL

Cebuano-speaking Naval stole the title of the provincial capital from its eastern Waray-Waray-speaking sister city Caibiran when Biliran became a province in 1992. The hectic activity of the pier/bus terminal, with its eateries and large market, emanates eastward by way of two parallel roads—Vicentillo St. to the north, and P. Inocentes St. to the south. A 15min. hike down P. Inocentes or a 5min. pedicab ride will bring you to the Naval Institute of Technology on the right.

The PLDT, on P. Inocentes St., has phone booths for domestic and international calls. Open daily 7am-10pm.) The Phil­ippine National Bank is at the left end of Ballesteros St. looking toward the ocean. (No ATM. Open M-F 9am-noon and l-3pm.) At the other end of Ballesteros St., a right on Caneja St. leads to the police station. From another path leading down P. Inocentes, a right on Ballesteros St. will lead to a hospital, 2km outside Naval. Cha-peland Pharmacy on Casfin St. is open 24hr. Naval's pier and jeepney/bus terminal has daily departures for coastal cities and nearby islands. From the pier, walk 10-15m along P. Inocentes St. and take a right through the market to reach the post office (open M-F 8am-noon and l-5pm). Postal code: 6543.

Enroll in night school at the Naval Institute of Technology , or stay at their hostel. The Brigida Inn O adjoins LM's Auto Supply. Suffer the financial consequences of A/C in the dimly lit rooms of the Rosevic Lodging House , farther up Vicentillo St. on the left. Marvin's Place Seaside Inn in Atipolo is a much better value. It has a pool and access to a little beach. Hire a pedicab (20min.) or a motor­bike driver (lOmin.) to take you to Atipolo.

Serving up Filipino dishes such as pork adobo and halo-halo, as well as burgers and sandwiches (grilled cheese), the Five Sisters O cafe-restaurant on Inocentes St. across from the PLDT office is a great deal. Next to the CAP building at the market, Benno's O serves Filipino pork stews and cake in an equally relaxed setting. Balondo Discopub across from Brigida's Inn plays the Philippine dance charts up and down. (Open daily 7pm-2am.)

DAYTRIPS FROM NAVAL

Naval's pier and bus terminal have daily departures for coastal cities and nearby islands. The rugged highway unlocks rewards for those willing to swap sweat for seclusion. Outriggers run west to Higatan-gan Island (lhr., 11am,). Arrive early at the pier, as the boats fill up quickly. The only lodging option on Higatangan is the Limpiado Tourist Inn (basic rooms with sea view). Higatangan's attractions include the beach and snake-infested Ka Ventong Cave. The snorkeling heaven of Maripipi Island can be reached by boat (3hr., 10am). Inquire at the mayor's house for a homestay on the island. Caibiran is convenient for launching an expedition to Mt. Bili-ran. Surrounding villages shelter sulfur hot springs: Caibiran Falls, and the spring-fed San Bernardo pool. Jeepneys cross the island every hour. Daytrip-pers may hire a motorcycle with driver. Sunsets are wonderful at secluded Agta Beach. Take the jeepney bound for Kawayan and tell the driver to let you off at Agta (35min.) Inhabited by a hospitable family, Agta Beach Resort © has thatched huts. Agta Beach faces Dalutan Island. The resort rents out boats to paddle to Dalutan. Alternatively, hire a pump boat to Dalutan or Tingkasan Bat Cave on Tingkasan Island.