Baybay City: Leyte’s Hidden Gem of Agritourism, Nature, and Heritage

Baybay, officially the City of Baybay, is a vibrant component city on Leyte’s western coast in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Known for its sweeping landscapes and cultural heritage, Baybay is home to over 111,848 residents (2020 census) and spans nearly 460 km², making it the province’s second largest city after Ormoc.


A Glimpse into History & Identity
Originally one of the earliest Spanish-known settlements on Leyte’s west coast, Baybay was established by Jesuit missionaries in 1620 under the Carigara residencia (baybaycity.gov.ph). It gained parish status in 1835 and saw the construction of its first school and roads by the Augustinians. The city's name—derived from the Visayan phrase “Ang suba nagbaybay” referring to the river flowing through—emerged from this early colonial contact.



Geography & Accessibility

Positioned between sea level and rolling highlands (max elevation ~1,313 m), Baybay’s terrain includes coastal plains and the biodiverse Mount Pangasugan to the north (Wikipedia). Strategically, it boasts a key port linking to Cebu and island destinations, and a major bus terminal servicing Tacloban, Ormoc, Maasin, Manila, and beyond (Wikipedia).

Agritourism & Economy

Agriculture and fishing fuel Baybay's economy—locally grown rice, corn, abaca, fruits, and vegetables dominate. Its cottage industries include bamboo weaving, ceramics, dress-making, and metal craft (Wikipedia). Recently, the city has embraced agritourism, launching the “Baybay Delights” brand featuring jackfruit and root-crop products like chips and ice cream, produced with support from VSU and DOST (baybaycity.gov.ph).

Education & Language

Baybay is home to Visayas State University (VSU), recognized as a leading agricultural research institution in Southeast Asia—often dubbed the “Resort University” (Wikipedia). At the grassroots level, Baybay National High School serves around 4,000 students and offers specialized academic, arts, and sports programs (Wikipedia). The unique Baybay (Baybayanon or Utudnon) language, distinct from Cebuano and Waray, is spoken in select barangays, with approximately 10,000 native speakers (Wikipedia).

Natural & Cultural Attractions

  • Baybay beckons with a variety of attractions:
  • Mount Pangasugan Ecopark: A 1,150 m biodiversity hotspot rich in endemic species 
  • Waterfalls: Scenic cascades like Gintangisan, Tagkip, Madulas, Tikay inspire adventure 
  • Lintaon Peak & 16,000 Blossoms Park: Perfect for nature lovers seeking sunrise and floral displays
  • Aqua Azul Beach Resort: Family-friendly coastal getaway
  • Immaculate Conception Parish Church & Shrine of St. Anthony: Pillars of faith and heritage

đź§­ Travel Tips
Getting There: Daily ferries by Roble Shipping to/from Cebu (~₱330), plus bus/minivan links to Tacloban, Ormoc, Maasin.

Best Time to Visit: November–May for dry weather and optimal hiking/beach conditions.

Stay & Explore: Combine countryside ecotours with campus walks at VSU and cultural visits to historic landmarks.

🏞️ Why Baybay Shines
Baybay offers a well-rounded blend of eco-adventure, agricultural innovation, cultural depth, and accessible charm. Whether you're exploring agri-food trails, trekking through lush highlands, or enjoying coastal sunsets, Baybay presents a refreshing alternative to Leyte’s more trodden paths—anchored by the warmth of the Baybayanon spirit.

From its storied beginnings to its growing role as an agritourism hub, Baybay is a testament to harmonious development—where nature, culture, and community coalesce into a destination that’s undeniably Leyte.

Samar: The Untamed Beauty of Eastern Visayas

When people think of island getaways in the Philippines, the usual names like Palawan, Boracay, or Cebu often come to mind. But tucked away in the Eastern Visayas is a raw, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful province waiting to be discovered — Samar.

Welcome to Samar — where nature writes poetry in caves, waterfalls sing in hidden jungles, and the Pacific Ocean whispers through ancient coastlines.

Bato, Leyte: Your Gateway to the Sea and Serenity

 In the southern part of Leyte, facing the tranquil Camotes Sea, lies the charming municipality of Bato—a town where coastal beauty meets community warmth, and where every sunrise over the harbor feels like an invitation to slow down and breathe deeply.

Barugo, Leyte: A Hidden Gem of History, Culture, and Coastal Charm

Nestled in the heart of Northern Leyte lies Barugo, a 4th-class municipality that gracefully blends historical depth, cultural pride, and the scenic beauty of rural coastal living. With a population of over 29,000, Barugo may seem like just another quiet town but look closer, and you'll find a place brimming with stories, heritage, and warm Visayan hospitality.

Discovering the Enchanted Wetlands of Agusan Marsh

Tucked away in the heart of Mindanao, the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Agusan del Sur is one of the Philippines’ most mesmerizing natural treasures. Spanning over 14,800 hectares, this protected marshland is a vital ecological haven that nurtures life above and below the water's surface.

Journey to the Southernmost Island of the Philippines: Discovering Sikul and Panggungan in Tawi-Tawi

If you're searching for the farthest, most untouched corners of the Philippines, set your compass south all the way south. Beyond the tourist trails and island resorts lies a part of the country so remote, it feels like another world altogether. Welcome to Sikul Island and Panggungan, the southernmost islands of the Philippines, nestled in the turquoise waters of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.

Life at the Edge: Visiting the Closest Island to Indonesia

Just a few kilometers off the southernmost tip of the Philippines lies a remote island where the sea doesn’t just separate nations—it brings them together. Marked by the invisible yet heavily guarded boundary between the Philippines and Indonesia, this isolated destination offers a rare glimpse into life at the crossroads of two countries.

Discover Jomalig: Quezon’s Hidden Golden Paradise



Nestled off the eastern coast of Luzon, Jomalig Island—a remote gem in Quezon Province—is an untouched sanctuary famed for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and rustic charm 

Discover Babatngon: A Hidden Gem in Leyte’s Northern Shore

Nestled on the northern coast of Leyte, along Carigara Bay and the San Juanico Strait, Babatngon is a 4th-class municipality with a population of nearly 29,000 residents. Known for its serene beaches, historical landmarks, and emerging port development, this town blends cultural heritage with modern rural enterprise.

Exploring Jiabong, Samar: A Hidden Gem in Eastern Visayas


Nestled just 10 km east of Catbalogan, Jiabong is a quiet, rural municipality in Samar known for its rustic charm and rich heritage (mapcarta.com). With 34 barangays and around 19,205 residents recorded in 2020, it’s classified as a 5th-class municipality—small but vibrant (tl.wikipedia.org).