From Danao City, Cebu, there are two ways to get to Palompon: by ferry or car ferry. I chose the more comfortable ferry from Cebu Pier 1 to Palompon Ferry Terminal, which took about 3 hours and 28 minutes. At ₱1,655-₱2,256, its comfort and speed are well worth it. If you want a more affordable option, you can take a car ferry which takes about 5 hours and 27 minutes. Its price is only ₱445-₱465. Although it takes longer, there is a unique joy in a longer trip because you can see the beauty of the sea and the islands while on board.
Peping's Garden Eatery
Upon arriving in Palompon, we immediately headed to Peping's Garden Eatery, located at Arellano Street, Hinablayan Poblacion (Central 3), Palompon, Leyte. This is an outstanding local-style restaurant that fascinated me because of its unique Filipino-style wooden interiors. When I entered, I immediately felt the warmth of the welcome, as if I was at home. Their serving of classic Filipino dishes such as adobo, singai, and kinilawa truly delight the palate. Every dish is delicious, and the fresh ingredients make their cooking stand out even more. With a simple ambiance and delicious food, this is the perfect place to start our Palompon adventure.
Palompon Town Plaza: A Center of Culture and Fun
Palompon Town Plaza is not only a cultural and historical landmark, but also a gateway to the town's vibrant dining and entertainment scene. Here, you can find food stalls by the sea, where it's nice to have dinner while watching the moonlight and hearing the lapping of the waves. We ate roast pork, hotdogs, and chicken, and that simple dinner was made special by the unique ambiance. Around the square, there are various restaurants that offer local and international dishes. Don't miss dishes like lechon, kinalaw, and fresh seafood that showcase Leyte's gastronomic wealth.
The Unforgettable Palompon Experience
Although Palompon is a small municipality in Leyte, it is the place where I found true happiness and peace, especially during Christmas. I am a rare traveler, so visiting Palompon is very important for me. The memories from my trip served as an inspiration to appreciate the simple things in life more.
Despite the quiet nature of Palompon, it is full of the spirit of love, culture, and history. It was an opportunity to get away from the fast pace of life and feel the presence of the present. The sea breeze, the smell of grilled food, and the warmth of the people I met in Palompon left a mark on my heart.
In every corner of Palompon, Leyte, I felt the spirit of a simple life full of meaning. It's a trip I want to revisit, and a memory I want to share with others.
Although I rarely travel, Palompon was a reminder that you don't have to look for a grand destination to find happiness. These moments, from the ferry ride into town, to fine dining at Peping's Garden Eatery, to dinner on the beach at Palompon Town Plaza—taught me that sometimes, it's the simple experiences that yield the sweetest that memory. Palompon is not just a place I visited; it has become part of a story I return to whenever I want to remember how I rediscovered the joy in life. There are indeed destinations that are not only visited, they are also felt and kept in the heart forever.