Ormoc City – Leyte
Vendors sell rambutan sell for 25 pesos a kilo from shady spots on the crowded sidewalks.
Pineapple slices are 5 pesos and the occasional durian are on the carts.
Ormoc waterfront
Durian
– left
Merang – right
Jolibees and Dunkin Donuts are on opposing corners downtown and the tricycles are everywhere.
Downtown…
The street outside the front door of Guisano’s Supermarket.
There isn’t anything that really stands out in Ormoc City, but it’s a good transportation hub for buses and ferries. Downtown is small enough that it can be covered on foot but tricycle rides are only 6 pesos.
Ormoc City Pier
Typhoon Uring (Thelma) struck Ormoc City on Nov 5 – 1991. Heavy rains resulted in a flash flood that killed over 4,000 residents as it raced through town, (some reports have the death toll as high as 8,500).
A flood water control canal was built to divert water through town as quickly as possible.
Ormoc has a peaceful vibe and everyone seems to be happy doing their own thing and just getting along with each other.
I like this town because you can get out of heavy traffic in 10 minutes and be riding in the mountains or along the coast.
Tricycles are used extensively to transport just about everything.
Apartments in Ormoc City
A two bedroom apt in a place like this in in To-Og, Cogon runs around 5000 pesos a month, plus electric, cable, gas, water. If you use air conditioning your electric bill will be substantial.
A small 3 bedroom house can be rented for around 12,500 pesos per month. Obviously prices vary – these are actual case samples of rentals in my neighborhood (barangay).
A two bedroom apt at Dave’s place down the street runs 6000 pesos per month.
There’s a nice view overlooking the rice field. I haven’t heard of anyone having security problems but it is always best to err on the side of caution.
There is a lot of wealth in the Ormoc. Some suburbs resemble parts of Florida or California.
I suggest foreigners move slowly before building. Live in the area for a year or two before dumping a lot of money into a major construction project.
Study real estate law etc before making the plunge. I don’t think that there is title insurance in the Philippines, so ensure that all the i”s are dotted and the t’s are crossed before signing anything and handing over the money. Also consider that foreigners have less legal protection than a national.
Electric bill – Leyeco
A meter reader will come around once a month. Leyeco has an effecient system and the meter reader will leave a printout that you can bring to one of the payment centers. My bill last month was 225 pesos but I was out of town for several weeks.
On a small apartment with refrigerator, lights, computer, and tv ecpect to pay a little over 1,000 pesos per month if you are reasonably conservative with the electricity. If you use air conditioning and have kids running in and out all day long leaving the ref door open, expect to pay around 3000 pesos.
The Leyeco main office is on the road before the Coca Cola plant going out towards Tacloban.
Ormoc Cable
Cable tv costs around 1500 pesos to install and the monthly bill is 420 pesos.
VCNI blvd Bonifacio St. Ormoc City
Tel (053)255-4806 , 561-9775
The Imperial appliance center is a good place to buy a refrigerator or other household appliances.
The GV center is another.
The Mercury Hardware has a lot of stuff for the house on the second floor.
Kings has clothing and housewares.
Ormoc City Hotels
The Pongos Hotel seems to be a popular place for expats to stay when in town.
Bonifacio St. Ormoc City
6541 Leyte Philippines
(053) 255-2540 , 255-2211, 561-9721, 561-8503
fx (053) 561-9721
non aircon – 350 peso
air con
s- 450 peso
d – 600 peso
economy – 700 peso
New Building
s/d standard 900 pesos
s/d superior 1,100 pesos
s/d delux 1,300 pesos
exec/family 1560 pesos
vip 2,400 pesos
Zenidas Chateau in Ormoc City
Zenidas – Tourist Inn and Restaurant
corner – Lopez Jaena and J Navarro Streets
Ormoc City
Room Rates
single – 500 pesos
twin – 600 pesos
matrimonial – 600 pesos
jumbo – 800
Tel 255-2517 561-4455
3M Pension – San Isidro Ormoc City – possibly the best value for the traveler. This place is near the Ormoc District Hospital cell 0948002109
Ormoc Pension Bed and Breakfast – This place is a great option for travelers on a budget ordinary fan rooms are 250 pesos, aircon rooms 400 pesos, and aircon with hot shower run 500 pesos
Getting to this Pension from downtown Ormoc would run about 6 pesos on a local tricycle. If you have bags the charge could be around 20 or so – best to negotiate with the driver in advance (tell him it’s near ODH – the hospital in San Isidro near the Mejia subdivision)
3M Pension House
Ormoc markets
Hauling carabao with a tricycle.
Hauling pork.
Love those chicken feet!
The new Guisano Mall has opened – Riverside Mall.
A pumpboat arrives at 9 am to deliver eggs to the market downtown. Vegetables, fruit, fish, pork and chicken are available early in the mornings. The fish vendors come out again in the late afternoon when the sun is not so intense.
I would like to see the operation where all these eggs are gathered. I am curious if they come from a super farm or if many small egg producers have a co-op and all use one boat to bring the eggs. There are thousands of eggs on deck when this boat arrives. (will get a picture later)
This mosque is on the edge of the flood control canal. It really looks cool when the afternoon sun makes it shine.
The Mormons seem to be firmly entrenched in this city and have a big expansion going on.
Completed Mormon Church
Ferries connecting Ormoc with Cebu. All three leave from the pier downtown.
The Super Cat makes the trip across in about 2 1/2 hours.
Weesam Express
Lite Shipping leaves at 10pm every day except Fridays, and arrives in Cebu around 4am.
fare 350 pesos – there are bunks for sleeping
Tourist class has air conditioning
Economy class has the fresh sea air blowing across the deck. Side tarps are lowered in event of rain.
Ormoc Superdome Stadium
World War 2 memorial
I do not have a first hand account about this ruined building but some of the local vendors tell me that this was the place where some Japanese soldiers made a last stand.
It is likely that this destroyed building represents a significant bit of history as it is just stands alone in the center of a copra buying facility and seems to be some sort of memorial. Locals tell me that groups of Japanese visit this place and treat it as a shrine.
I would appreciate any information about this ruin – thanks in advance.
Ormoc City
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
Hey,
Thx for the info, looks like a cool little city. By the ways, what do they speak there? Is waray the mian language like in Tacloban?
Agree DP I have been many times in Ormoc and found it a busy little city, still pleasant and safe.
Some years ago there was a nice set up along the boulevard with tables and chairs where one could relax in the evenings with a cold beer, nice to look out over the water. Only downer was the loud music coming from the speakers, last visit earlier this year, no more tables just music.
Also seemed to be a lack of good restaurants, or could be we just don’t know where to look.
Kinda reminds me how Dumaguete used to be some years ago. I think you have picked a nice place to settle in.
Hi Jimmy,
In Ormoc – Bisaya or Visaya are more common.
Ormoc is a mellow place to live but it’s really not set up that well for the traveler. Accommodation seems to be overpriced for what you get, but that is symptomatic of the Philippines in general.
dp
Hi Bruce,
I have to agree about the lack of restaurants. There is a nice place to grab a pizza and a few late nite cafes around but I rarely eat at restaurants in Ormoc.
There are no places like Dumaguete’s Why Not or Adventure Dive’s Mexican Restaurant in Ormoc
…but there is a Dunkin Donuts and Jolibees!
dp
Hey Bruce, just read ur message to dp about the boulevard, Yes u dead right about the beers at what we call the ‘seawall’ as i used to go there also but it was all moved, or should i say the people selling the cold beer were all moved to the far end at the bbq area. Its ok, but very very noisy thursday friday and saturday as they have the music. The area done the front is called ‘the plaza’. Years ago it was not so safe to walk around at night but now its real safe and people actually sleep there in safety. The old seawall was great for a few beers and also entertainment. The vendors who were moved on and all put in one place only pay a small amount more for the rental of the area inside the bbq area. BUT they are tied as to the beer brand they sell as the supplier to all the area was bidded for . Another little earner for someone i dare say. There are a few decent restaurants but like dp says u need to know were they are. Actually one is very near to the bbq area and its on the plaza area. Its called Cheatas chow . I may have spelt it wrong but thats the way it sounds when spoken. It is in the process of a refurb at the moment. I have eaten there but as in most places if you don’t want a handfulll of monosodium glutamate in your meal u will have to tell them. I am allergic to it so don’t eat out often but dp and me do like a pizza and cold beer now and again.Ormoc is a great little city i admit but it could be better. The mayor is trying to get it on the tourist and who knows. I have noticed more expats around the city than b4. Hope i have not bored anyone.
Dave
i was surprised when you showed the blue-2 bedroom apartment here…and yes Dave Longmire is my neighbor..he lives next door…Ormoc City is my hometown…now im settled in Japan.
There are numerous restaurants in the city..like Leny`s Garden at Brgy.Nadongholan they serve mostly steaks,vegetables and salads.It has a garden ambience ideal for a romantic dinner and family gatherings. Chito`s Chow is on the bay area. There`s Bahia and El comedor restaurant in Hotel Don Felipe, Agalons`s lounge at Villa Hotel, Milagrina at Real St. and Big Roy`s at the same street. Fastfoods are located at the commercial area along Rizal st and at The Point Mall.
Hi Christina,
Thanks for your post and info! I think Leny’s is undergoing remodeling at this time. Dave and I stopped in there a few weeks ago.
I have seen Big Roys on the way into town and Hotel Don Felipe is out of my league. They once quoted me 500 pesos to send a one page fax to my brother :)
dp
Have a nice time in Japan!
I have been to all food places, including the Food Street and the latest addition JC Food Spot, being adjacent to Gaisano entrance. Including Jollibee and Chito’s, none serves any great meals. Jollibee is all sugary drinks and fried unhealthy food. None of these places serve good drinks either, the coffee are not memorable and they all use milk powder. The air conditioning at Chow King is also always on the max, asking you to leave ASAP after your meal! In response to the lack of good food and drinks and distasteful interior designs which include substandard bathroom/CRs, my wife and sisters have decided to open their own bakery and caffe in Tent City, which is 5km from the downtown/city proper of Ormoc City commercial area. There will be a supermarket underneath their caffe also. It will be open sometime close to June/July 2010.
Ray
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the info – I rarely eat out in Ormoc City for just those reasons you list.
I am not familiar with tent city – can you be more specific? Is it on the road towards Albuera or towards Tacloban?
cheers
dp
Hello dutchpickle,
Yes, Tent city is in San Isidro brgy. and next to highway before one reaches the Ormoc Airport. A little bit of history of Tent city. As the page mentioned regarding 1991 flooding of Ormoc City, the local government made a new area for those who became homeless (lost their homes) due to flooding. Government set up tents in this new area so that the people can have a place to live. As those homeless families found new homes, they vacated the lots. The government later on sold these lots to the families of city employees; and that became the new little city – Tent city. Literally, it is within the city zone of Ormoc city, and hence its nickname “The city within a city”. Hopefully, this information helps.
Best regards,
Ray
Thanks Ray,
Let us know when the place opens!
dp
I agree it is hard to find a good restaurant in Ormoc City, that is why my family and I have opened our own. We are Filipino/Americans who lived in the USA but moved here, it is the first ever High Class restaurant in Ormoc City. For now we do Italian and American, we are one of those types of restaurants that only open for from 6pm-10pm and change the menu weekly.
Hello Atom,
Where is it?
dp
We are renting a house in Carlota Hill and decided to transform our front porch into a dining area. We are open on Saturdays between the hours of 7 and 10pm. You can come at exactly 10, and will be seated and served. We provide a set menu. For this Saturday 1/16, the theme is American. For questions or comments, text us at 09273265115.
Thanks Atomickey,
I wish you success on your venture!
cheers
dp
thank you just let me know when I can put you down for a reservation
thanks for the nice perception about ormoc city… life moves so slow here… but life within this 1st city of almost 180k population is vibrant if you saw the readily available smiles of ormocanons… purely resilient people, religiosity and family oriented values dictates that problems whatever it maybe can be solved with a smile (madala rag smile!) … and everything will go smooth (nya maka move-on ra ta!)
very nice ;-)
hi!
This is very informative. Thanks for posting this. Have u heard about Leny’s garden though? One of my friends is getting married and he mentioned Lenys.
Thanks
Hello kiara,
For sure – Lenny’s is very nice but I think that it is closed for renovation at this time.
dp
hi im trying to plan a trip to ormoc, can someone let me know a nice place to stay and a nice place to eat, i only realy eat western foods thanks
Hello andrew,
I suggest that you get a room at the Pongos Hotel.
As far as restaurants serving western food – that’s a tough one. I really don’t know of any.
I am in Palawan this month but usually cook my own food when I am at my place in Ormoc.
cheers
dp
Hi all
I’m new here.
I’m an Australian living in Melbourne but also own a property in Mejia Subdivision (well my wife’s on title)
We get back to Ormoc a couple times a year.
My suggestion for accomodation would be Villa Hotel (in city proper) or Sabin Beach Hotel (a couple of k’s out of town but an excellent resort style property).
As for western food, you can get it at Big Roy’s, Villa Hotel, Sabin and now up at Mike & Cindy’s place in Carlota. Also the pizza’a at Greenwich (opposite Gaisano) are pretty good albeit pricey.
Coming to Ormoc for Easter, so Mike luv to catch up with you and dine at your new establishmemt.
Yo Runt,
Good info – thanks!
dp
Hi all spent the night at the Don felipe in Ormoc April 2009 the breakfast was excellent, not a bad place to stay really no complaints Rob
Hi DP:
Would be nice if there’s a chronological section/log in the main page; so we can read the updates right away. I browse through all the sections when time permits.
I really enjoy this site. I learn more of my country from a foreigner..hehe. Sad but true.
Am residing in the USA but come home every year and thanks to you; last January vacation I made a trip to Limasawa Island. I enjoyed the tranquility and the absence of the maddening crowd (like Boracay has). I wouldn’t have taken the trip if I haven’t stumbled at this site.
More power and keep blogging.
Hello Bong,
Thanks for the suggestion. I am going to change the format sometime this year and will try to come up with something.
Take care,
dp
I’ll be coming to Albuera in several months, with the intention of flying into Ormoc. Can anyone relate their experience flying into Ormoc.
wow I have not been on your blog in a while and I am happy to see that you are still blogging. I love all the new pictures and topics you have been posting can’t wait to read them all.
Hi Richie, if u are going to Albuera u dont fly to Ormoc u just take the multi cab or catch an FX bus or catch the normal bus service. A straight run will take 2-30 mins depending on the traffic. Its a straight road throught to Ormoc . But has road works just outside the city at the moment on the incoming side i think. would only be a hold up suring bad traffic times. i.e 8-9am 5-6.30 pm ish.Hope thats of some use to u . BW Dave
My family and I visit ormoc at least once a year. I am preety close to opening up a few “American style” restaraunts. I am currently staying at Sabin resort an will Check out Carlota villaige sometime today.
Yes Ormoc is way behind with the technology but is slowly progressing. One thing I am researching on is living off the power grid with solar/wind energy substitution. One thing that is keeping me from buying a house or building one is the power company doesn’t improve and or maintain electrical instalatons. I understand it’s due to the economy more or less but for the price they charge I expect to see zero brown outs or black outs. Is there any laws against solar power usage and selling power back to the grid?
Hi Kevin,
There probably is no law against selling back to the grid but it would be a tough thing to organize.
I really like the idea of solar power :)
You are probably aware that one of the biggest geo thermal plants in the world is just up the road from Ormoc City about 18 kilometers into the mountains near Nueva Vista.
It is rugged and beautiful up there with a deep canyon and many waterfalls. The area is off limits to uninvited visitors.
PNOC is the operator and Leyeco handles the grid in Ormoc but electricity generated here is sold in other provinces too.
Thanks for your comment – maybe see you around town one of these days!
dp
Hi Kev, they did say that we would get subsidised power as we were on the powerplant doorstep ahahah but i will believe that when it happens. I have some contacts in PNOC as i used to be a pertner in a manpower company here in Ormoc and we supplied manpower and also did many projects for PNOC and CAL-EN in previous years. I see they are doing some referb work on the hot springs up the mountain., That could well be a good investment for the future as it would be ‘ if done correctly’ a great resort and a major or even the premier resort in nothern leyte. They said in 2004 that they were doing something with the old place but like so many projects here its put on the back burner due to lack of investment.
Have a nice vacation and i hope u find somewere to settle. BW Dave
Hi dp, i just thought i would post that the apartment rent has now dropped to P5000 a month but are now fully occupied ahahah. C y soon bro.
Hi Micky ahahah i just re-read the messgae u sent. sorry and my apologies. i will try again. the flights into Ormoc and not every day but on arriving at Ormoc airport its a 10 minute journey to the city and then 20 minutes or so to Albuera. The airport service seems a little spasmodic but may be thats just my veiw. its a quaint ariport . They used to use prop planes but i am sure they changed to jet jobbies. the charge was around P2000 but i am sure they have raised them and they charge in the region of P3000-4000 . Hope this is of some use. I will check with a local site and see if i can come up with some more recent prices.
BW Dave
Hi DP hope you enjoying your break in the states.
Just been for some days in Ormoc and a bit of a cruise around Cebu and Bohol.
Ormoc was very busy due to the elections, so many people was amazing. I escaped again to the beautiful Lake Danao, gee what an amazing place, I just love the nature there. Next trip will do some hikes, managed to get the info about where to go what to see. have also guides arranged.
Tourist office in Ormoc is very nice and the staff so sweet, how ever sadly they lack info and can only brochures out. The one guy with knowledge seems never to be around.
Wonder when your back again.
Best regards
Hi Bruce,
I hope to make this a short trip and plan to be back in a few weeks.
Take care
dp
Hello, thank you for posting photos and giving informations based on your observations and experiences…
I grew up in Siargao Island, but moved to Leyte. I hope I can travel with you soon next year (2011… I’m currently here in Alberta, Canada…
I would like to suggest this route to you if you are planning to exlore Philippines…
I have an Facebook account, PEDRITO ESPINOSA RACHO, JR., you may search and add me… I posted there the 1-direction route in exploring the Philippines…
I’m glad I found your site…
Love you Ormoc!
Happy Fiesta!
INVITING YOU ALL TO WATCH SARAH GERONIMO RECORDBREAKER PHIL TOUR 2010 LIVE CONCERT WITH GUESTS MARK BAUTISTA,LUIS MANZANO,JIMMY MARQUEZ AND THE G-FORCE(ASAP,ABS-CBN DANCERS) ON SEPT 03,FRIDAY AT 8PM AT THE ORMOC CITY SUPERDOME.ITS A LIVEBAND CONCERT AND MR.LOUIE OCAMPO AS THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR.
TICKETS ARE NOW AVILABLE AT THE POINT(ENTRANCE LOBBY),JOLLIBEE ORMOC,DUNKIN DONUTS-ORMOC,BAYBAY,TACLOBAN.
TICKET PRIZES:resevered seats:1,500/1,200.free seatings:800,600,400,200.
TICKET RESERVATIONS:0929-1794184/0933-4315586/0916-7021370
Thanks pol,
…will have to stop by and get some tickets!
dp
On Dec 9, 2009 at 11:48 am, Ray wrote:
> In response to the lack of good food and drinks and distasteful
> interior designs which include substandard bathroom/CRs, my wife and
> sisters have decided to open their own bakery and caffe in Tent City,
> which is 5km from the downtown/city proper of Ormoc City commercial
> area. There will be a supermarket underneath their caffe also. It
> will be open sometime close to June/July 2010.
ray – any updates on that new bakery and cafe of yours in tent city? it’s august 2010 now, so i thought i might ask :) regards,
ax
HI TO ALL LINS FROM BRISBANE. I JUST GOT BACK FROM ORMOC WITH MY GIRLFRIEND. STAYED AWEEK IN HER HOME BARANGAY JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN. I STAYED AT PONGOS IN THE OLD ANNEX PART AND I FOUND IT GOOD AT P700. JUST LOVED ORMOC AREA AND AM THINKING IN MY RETIREMENT IT WOULD BE A NICE PLACE TO SETTLE. FLEW IN AND OUT ON AIR PHIL EXPRESS FOR 2 OF US FARE WAS P9500. ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THE JUNGLE BAR AND GRILL JUST OUTTA TOWN? I HEAR ITS AGOOD PLACE FOR EXPATS TO GO HANG OUT.
Ormoc is the Sports Capital of Leyte, we have the school base sports league, the “Ormoc City Schools Sports Organization (OCSSO)” and recently we have finish the 2010-2011 1st Conference of Basketball Championship with AMA Computer Learning Center-Ormoc TITANS which retain crown as champions in the collegiate division. OCSSO is also a member of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League and by this coming September 28, 2010 our OCSSO Champions will face the LUSCAA Champs from Tacloban City which the PCCL Game will be hosted by the Ormoc City Government and will be played at the Ormoc City Superdome with a preliminary game of the top 2 Teams from High School Division, the Gate will be Open at 5:00pm and everyone is invited to watch the games.
Can anyone tell me the status of Gaisano Capital Mall? How many shops will it have, and will it have a food court?
Great job updating this section! New pics every day. I am coming to Ormoc on Dec.5th for at least a four month stay. Any advice on apartment hunting? A one bedroom for P5000 would be good. I have seen the two on your site and they look great. I will arrive on a Sunday morning (after busing in from Tac) and will attempt to find a place to live that day. Am I being too ambitious? I will have my gf to help me with directions and such, but maybe i should get a room for a week and then have time to feel out the town. I’m on a tight budget and the expenses will be more, but maybe i can find a better place to live. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks DP for your great website and Im sure you have many blessings coming your way….Larry
Hi Larry,
I think that it would be difficult to find a suitable apt in one day. You will likely have to get a hotel for a week and then do a bit of research. I have been told that the Don Felipe Hotel has long term rates of 400 pesos per day.
It might be best to slow down a bit and ask around for advice. Ormoc can be an inexpensive place to stay if you have an apartment. Having wheels – even a Honda Wave type motorbike = with an automatic = really helps giving you a bit of freedom to look around. Tricycle rides are 6 pesos in town but it could be considered to be a bit of a hassle using them.
good luck
dp
I stay in Kananga with the girlfriend for a month and we make a couple of trips a week to Ormoc to shop, is there any where near Gaisanos where I can go sit down and have a cold beer while the girlfriend shops, she is so slow shopping it drives me crazy lol.
Hello Bryan,
How about going to Maninas Pizza located under the giant shade trees alongside the superdome and order a beer or two there. There usually a cool breeze blowing in from the sea and the beer is cheap. Another option you might like is Tita Tatas on the boulevard by the park.
dp
Hi DP, it’s me again. I made it to Ormoc and am staying at the 3M. It’s not too bad for the price, but I’m looking for an apartment now. I really don’t even know where to start. Can you point me in any direction or would you even be interested in playing ‘rental agent’ for a day? I will be staying at least 3 months, maybe longer. Drop me a line or respond here when you get time. Thanks, Larry
Hi Larry,
My girlfriend told me a Kano was staying there :) I am using 3M as a base myself while I finish my place n the mountains.
Will try to contact you tonite – I am at Brazilian Cafe right now using their wi-fi.
dp
Here is my cell 09486143919. Just hit me up if you know of anything off hand. I went out looking around Cogon this morning and saw a few places. I’m going to try to go with something semi-furnished (at least a bed) and on a month-to-month since i don’t really know how long I will be staying.
I see what you mean about the convenience of having a bike to get around. I usually enjoy exploring new places on foot, but its just too darn hot here for that.
btw, I showed the girls here at 3M your pic of the one clerk and they loved it.
Take care…Larry
Hi Larry,
You got me thinking – you might be better of getting a room at the Pongos or Don Felipe downtown. Everything is more accessible. I really like the 3M but it is a tad inconvenient getting trikes all the time and it is too far oiut of town to get around on foot.
dp
You can delete all this chit chat if you want to clean up the posting here. I went to the new build apartments in Alegria and it was P10K for unfurnished and P25K for furnished two bedrooms. They also wanted first, last and deposit as usual but also needed a 6 month lease. The furnished ones were actually quite nice inside with TV also, but a little too pricey for the budget minded. With the new mall right there and holidays and tourist season coming, they should have no trouble filling it up, even at those prices. Oh and I found the jungle bar and the owner’s wife was nice enough to point me in the direction of several apartments in the area. So the search continues….
Thanks for the tip, I know the area, I’ve eaten at that area with all the grills and BBQ just past the superdome, had some good sistiq there!
A little more info on finding lodging in Ormoc. Most of the apartments I found were either fully occupied or wanted a 6-12 month lease. I got tired of looking and just opted for a monthly hotel rate, which also seems hard to find. Don Felipe was P12000 for a fan room and P20000 for aircon basic. Zenaidas gave a 25% discount for monthly stays which gets ur daily rate as low as P375 for a single room monthly stay. But I found a new place right next door to Gaisano downtown called Peachtree lodge. Very clean, aircon and hot shower for P500/750. But they will negotiate a monthly rate for you. Some street noise, but at least it is consistent and you can get used to it. Again, 3M pension was not bad for only P400 day for aircon and cold shower but dont stay there on Saturday night unless you like room-thumping disco music until 4AM and then the usual noisy pinoys slamming doors and yelling to each other as they wake up at 5AM. I never made it to Pongos, so not sure on that place.
Thanks for the update Larry. Good you found a place that works for you!
just a side note – there is a big jump upwards in quality if you spring for the 500 peso rooms at the 3M – large rooms, hot water showers, good air con but there is a party atmosphere at this hotel on the weekends. The biggest drawback to the 3M is that there are no outlets in the rooms where you can charge phones, laptops, camera batteries etc!
dp
DP, i forgot to ask you where you get your visa extensions here in Ormoc. Can any travel agency do that? Is there a BOI here? Hope I dont have to go to Cebu.
And today I went looking for a fitness center and found a few. Best one I could find was exactly 2 blocks north of Gaisano just off Real st. They want P45 for one visit and P450 for a month. Right across the street from it is a Thai massage. An oily hour of legit therapeutic massage for P240. What a deal!
Hi Larry,
Pardon my late reply – was out in the mountains for a few days.
To get your visa extension – take the DupTours shuttle to Tacloban City in the morning. Get a tricycle to the immigration office and fill out your forms. Pay the fee and go get something to eat, come back after lunch and pick up your passport.
It is a trouble free process but I am not sure if they can do the ARC card or not. If you need the ARC card you might have to make a quick boat trip to Cebu City and go the the immigration office in Mandaue City – a suburb on the north side of Cebu City near the waterfront.
dp
Thanks for the info. I guess i am headed over to Tac next week GF has to renew her teaching license so we will go together. Cannot wait to see what bureaucratic sillyness one has to endure over there trying to get stuff done. I like to think I am laidback, but when 90% of your money dealing involve locals trying to rip you off, it gets old.
I’m at Pardi’s right now and the san mig lite price is 40 on the menu but i’m being charged 45. grrrrr. And i had some trike driver come after me with a pipe the other night after i refused to pay his obviously gouged fare. Miscommunication as always. Some locals broke it up or one of us would have really gotten hurt. I ended up walking home and along the way some other locals invited me to join them for tuba and good times. It was fun and renewed my spirits. Most pinoys I have met are awesome, just have to avoid/ignore the few bad ones.
Also, they have good internet and plug-ins at Jungle Bar and also at my hotel. The bar just recently opened there and it has balcony overlooking the street in front of Gaisano. Bar is just above JC restaurant to the right of Gaisano downtown if you are facing it. P30 beers and fast internet.
> I would appreciate any information about this ruin – thanks in advance.
in case you haven’t figured it out yet: i think it is the remains of the house of congressman dominador tan [1,2]. according to [1],
[...] with well-manicured lawn and a swimming pool [it] was one of the most beautiful scenery in Ormoc at that time which was completed a year before the World War II. As war broke out, it was utilized as one of the headquarters of the Japanese military operations in Leyte and was partially destroyed by the bombings of the famous Battle of Ormoc Bay. Its ruins serve as a symbolic structure of Ormocanons indulgence of World War II.
cong. tan is also the father of ormoc’s cityhood [3].
[1] http://ormoc.gov.ph/tourism/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=36
[2] http://www.flickr.com/photos/eazy360/5348786346/
[3] http://www.ormoc.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=32
Thanks for the info on the ruin. Im in Ormoc now and wonder if one is allowed to visit, take pics, etc..
Hello Timoteo,
I don’t think there is any problem if the gate is open. The parking lot is used as a copra drying area (drying coconuts). If there is a guard at the gate just ask permission. I doubt there will be any difficulties
The gate is usually shut after dark.
dp
hi christina,coulld you please email me Dave’s two bedroom apartment address, i
am looking for rental apartment not far from the city and hoping to rent for 6 weeks.
Please reply thank you and much appreciated.
Hi teresa,
I think that apartment is fully occupied now, and there are no vacancies.
cheers
dp
hi dp thanks, can you please tell me if there is ferry from manila to ormoc city,
how much it cost and how long does it takes to travel?
thanks in advance
regards
th
Hello all,
There is a newer apartment for rent in Brgy Ipil. I believe they charge 500 peso per day for a furnished 2 bedroom apartment. If interested let me know and I will have my wife get the owners number for you. If you want to check it out it is the Huba Apartments, drive south on the National Hi-way once you cross the Ipil Bridge take a right after the Peter Pan Bakery and go down about a block and a half. They are on the right hand side. Safe neighborhood and about a 10 minute trike ride from the city. Good luck.
Dave
Hi teresa
I think that there is one shipping line that makes the trip – primarily cargo ! It leaves from a private pier on the road past the Riverside Mall. I don’t know much it costs – there might be others but most people go via Cebu :)
It might be an option to fly in to Tacloban from Manila and then take the Duptour mini van for 120 pesos the rest of the way to Ormoc.
dp
Hi there,
I will be going for a 2 weeks vacation this November to Ormoc. The last time I was there was in year 2001. Just wondering if anyone knows a rent a car place in Ormoc. I’d like to rent a car that I can drive. I heard that rental car there provide their own driver with their vehicle.
I am unaware of any car hire places in Ormoc City. More likely you would find renting out car with driver scenarios.
anyone have any suggestions or ideas?
thanks
dp
Concerning the :war memorial” in Ormoc: I was told that this was once the local residence of a Sen, Dominador TAN and was used by a small detachment of Jap soldiers as afortified position.American troops decided to blast them out rather than take or acquire casualties from civilians,The damage seems to indicate the use of high velocity artillery-probably tank (or anti-tank) guns.I doubt that there are any witnesses to the incident left but you might try elderly members of the Tan family.I have no idea as to the current ownership of the lot.Hope this helps.
do you have any contact number for the apartments?
Good morning, sorry for the hassle. I’m in Ormoc right now and looking for an apartment to rent. It seems that people in Ormoc do not advertise there apartments for rent since I cannot find one single ad regarding this. When I saw your site, I thought my would I give it a try. May I respectfully ask you the addresses of the two apartments you included in your blog. My budget is around 10k per month. My girlfriend is pregnant and I need to find a place for her to stay in because we are moving to ormoc, leyte. Thank you and hoping for your quick response. Thank you so much for your kind consideration.
Hello Gerald,
It may not be very efficient but you have to talk with as many people as possible and let them know what you are searching for. Word of mouth seems to bring results. Check with the other foreigners hanging out at the restaurants near the park for ideas.
Sorry that I can not be of more help. Also note sign boards with advertisements on them. Maybe check at the internet cafes as well.
Try to talk with other foreigners traveling on the ferries too.
Some of the hotels offer a reduced monthly rate too. It would give you a place to chill while you are looking.
good luck !
dp
dp:
hey dp, i just found this site recently and i love it. thanks for making this site, i grow up in ormoc, i love this peaceful city, like they said thers no place like home, i miss evrything in this place, i cnt wait to go back next year, there’s just one request id like to ask u, can u link any websites of any store if this city in this site? please?
thanks!
ICE
ice
Thanks for your note
We are not linking yet because it is hard to keep up with everyone : )
dp
Hi Dave,
Just want to know if you are the Dave L……. of Silver S…… Ent.before.
Thanks
Jerry
Hello Jerry,
Dave is a good friend of mine!
dp
February 3 2012
They finally opened a great restaurant in The Riverside Mall .
The Moon Cafe is the name and they even serve Filet Mignon for under 300 pesos with mashed potatoes.
Also You can get great food at Pardis near Chow King.
They have great tasting spare ribs and Fish and chips just like back home with very reasonable prices also!
Hope to have been a help!
Richy And Ronaline
Hello Richard
Thanks for the tip. I should be back in Ormoc City next week and will have a look!
dp