Ormoc City

Ormoc City is not exactly a major tourist destination in the Philippines, but it is a growing agricultural and industrial center. The city is located on the western end of the province of Leyte in the Visayan Region of the Philippines. Ormoc is also known for its excellence with regard to its educational institutions. It is more of a cultural, commercial, and economic center of western Leyte.

A Brief History of Ormoc City

The territory we know today as Ormoc already had a small settlement even before Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached the Philippines in 1521, particularly the province of Leyte. The early settlers were the people known as the Ogmok. Ogmok literally meant a lowland plain depression. Incidentally, this was also the name of the spring in heart of the area.

During the Spanish era, the fertile plains of Ormoc attracted migrants from neighboring islands. It is also evident that the early settlers already had trading relations with traders from Java, China, and Indonesia. The entire province came under a civil government when Americans drove out the Spanish in 1901. This form of civil government allowed the locals to govern their own affairs independently.

May 25, 1942 was the date of the Japanese occupation of the entire province of Leyte, including Ormoc. This occupation was short lived since it only lasted for three years. Ormoc finally attained the status of a city in 1947. Today, the city is moving forward as an economic hub in the region

Where To Go:

The Pineapple Plantation

Ormoc City is known as the pineapple capital of the Philippines, and you can see these delicious fruits being produced at the Pineapple Plantation. Located north of Barangay Hibunawon, the site occupies over 200 hectares of land. Here is the home of the Queen Pineapple, which is widely accepted to be the most sumptuous in the entire country. Already a favorite among locals, the fruit is also becoming one of the Leyte’s most sought after exports, helping the industry grow in the process.

Lake Danao

Another crowd drawer in Ormoc City is Lake Danao, probably the most well known body of water in the province. Today, Lake Danao is known for its various boat rides, which can take tourists on a tour across the crystal waters, and there is also a floating restaurant that is always packed with people. Over 1.8 miles (3 km) long, legend has it that a sea creature (giant eel) swims in the deep.

Photo source 

The Rainforests

Most tour packages in Ormoc City and Leyte include a trek to its beautiful rainforests. If you avail of these, make sure they include a visit to Danao, Mahagnao, Casudsu-Ran and Malagsum. A tour of these rainforests/lakes gives you a glimpse of not just the shrubs, the trees and the hills, but also the Guinaban Falls. There are also plenty of exotic animals and plants, from monkeys, deer, boars, and a dazzling array of flowers and orchids. The mountainside, on the other hand, provides you with a view of Samar Island.

Tongonan Hotsprings National Park

Part of Ormoc City’s economic strength lies in its ability to provide geothermal energy, and this park is where most of these plants are located. This valley, while providing energy, is still under development, and when completed is expected to be more than able to supply the needs of the city and the province. The visitor to the Tongonan Hotsprings National Park will also benefit from the well maintained environment.

The Leyte Golf and Country Club

If you want to take a break from trekking and improve on your swing, the Leyte Golf and Country Club is the perfect area to work on your game. The resort occupies more than 70 hectares of beautiful greens, coconut and palm trees providing a beautiful contrast to the blue skies. The place is serene enough, yet because it is situated in the midst of Ormoc, you can easily get back to the city anytime. The reverse is of course, also true, so if you feel like getting away from it all, the resort in only some 4 miles (7 km) from the hub of the city.

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Centennial Park

Any well designed city provides for a park, and Ormoc’s Centennial Park is comparable with the finest in the country. Although the park is often filled with people, it still manages to maintain a quiet atmosphere. It is a perfect site for the gathering of friends and family, or just laying back, and watching the day go by. 

The Leyte Mountain Trek

There are lots of areas that you can go trekking, but the Leyte Mountain Trail is always at the top of the backpackers’ list. The length of the trail runs for approximately 26 miles (40 km), beginning at the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park and ending at the Danao Lake Natural Park in Ormoc City. As you begin the journey you can enjoy the views from the Mahagnao Park, the rugged landscapes, with varied flora and animals as your companion.

How To Get There:

If you traveling via plane, there are direct flights available from Manila, Clark, and Cebu. You would have to check with the airlines frequently because some flights get cancelled to moved. 

If you are traveling via land, it will take you about 24-hours to get to Ormoc. Though it is a long drive, you can pass by through several tourist attractions including the perfectly shaped, Mayon Volcano.

If you are traveling via land, there are fastcrafts and ferry boats available that goes straight to Ormoc.

Source www.ormocboard.com 

Teaser photo source gerryruiz.wordpress.com