Sponty Road Trip Around Leyte: Finding Stories Along the Road
โLife is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.โ โ Helen Keller
Helen Kellerโs words perfectly capture the spirit of our trip. Not every adventure needs a detailed plan; sometimes, the best experiences come from simply deciding to go. At 4:30 in the morning, while most people were still asleep, we began our spontaneous road trip around Leyte. With the cool morning air, quiet roads, and excitement for the day ahead, we were ready to see where the journey would take us.
Above the Clouds: A Morning at Incredible Cafรฉ โ ๏ธ๐๏ธ
Our day began at Incredible Cafรฉ in Baybay City, a place known for its stunning sea of clouds. After the early morning drive, the sight that greeted us felt almost unreal. Layers of clouds stretched across the mountains, creating a view that made us stop and simply take it all in.
The experience became even better with a hearty Filipino breakfast. While enjoying our silog meals, one of the staff members shared the story of how the cafรฉ came to be. What started as a scenic spot visited by joggers, students, and locals eventually gained attention online as photos of the view spread across social media. Seeing the growing interest, the owner recognized its potential and transformed the area into the destination it is today.
Beyond the scenery, it was the warmth of the people that stood out. The staff happily offered to take photos for visitors, making sure everyone could bring home a memory of the place. Outside the cafรฉ, locals offered horseback riding, allowing guests to enjoy the view from a different perspective. It was a simple reminder that sometimes, the people you meet become part of the journey itself.
A Place of Peace in Pomponan ๐
After a morning spent admiring natureโs beauty, our next stop offered something different. We made our way to the Shrine of Saint Anthony de Padua in Barangay Pomponan, Baybay City.
The moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt calm and peaceful. Away from the excitement of the road, the shrine gave us a chance to slow down and spend a few quiet moments in prayer. It was a simple stop, yet it reminded us that traveling is not only about discovering new places but also about finding time for reflection.
๐ฐ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ธ๐๐๐น ๐ฎ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ ๐โ๏ธ
Road trips are full of surprises, and ours was no exception. While driving, we spotted a roadside stall selling fresh watermelons and decided to stop. It was a simple moment, but it became one of those small memories that made the trip even more enjoyable.
Into the Wilds of Hindang ๐๐
The adventure continued as we arrived at the Hindang Caves and Wild Monkeys.
Surrounded by trees and nature, the area felt like a completely different world. We explored the cave, admired the rock formations, and were excited to spot monkeys freely roaming around the area. Seeing them up close added a unique touch to the experience.
For those looking for a little thrill, the zipline did not disappoint. As we glided through the air, laughter quickly replaced any nervousness we felt. It was the perfect mix of excitement and fun, making it one of the highlights of the day.
๐น๐๐๐น, ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ ๐พ๐๐, ๐ถ๐๐น ๐ข๐๐๐น ๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฝ๏ธ๐๏ธ๐ซ
After our adventure, we stopped at DiviMart in Baybay City for lunch at Shakeyโs. It was the perfect chance to rest, enjoy good food, and recharge. Before leaving, we also spent some time exploring the ukay-ukay stalls, adding a little shopping adventure to our trip.
Chasing Sunsets in Ormoc ๐ โจ
As the afternoon slowly turned into evening, we made our way to our final destinationโOrmoc Cityโs Diversion Road.
No Leyte road trip feels complete without a visit to this iconic spot. Known for its vast pineapple plantations and scenic views, it is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
We found ourselves simply sitting back, enjoying the cool breeze, and taking in the view. As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, shades of orange and gold filled the sky, creating a beautiful ending to an already unforgettable day.
There was no rush, no schedule to follow, and nowhere else to be. At that moment, all that mattered was enjoying the view and appreciating the journey that brought us there.
๐๐ธ๐ป๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐ฑ๐ช๐ท ๐๐พ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ช ๐ก๐ธ๐ช๐ญ ๐ฃ๐ป๐ฒ๐น ๐
Looking back, every destination offered something special. From the sea of clouds in Baybay to the sunset views in Ormoc, every adventure and every stop became a special memory.
This trip reminded us that sometimes, the best moments come from simply enjoying the journey.
โEvery road we took gave us a new memory, and every stop gave us a story worth remembering.โ
