Things To Do
in Burauen
Burauen is a quiet, agricultural municipality in the central highlands of Leyte known for its rice fields, small-town atmosphere, and friendly communities. The town serves as a gateway to nearby forested ridges, springs and rivers that are popular with local day-trippers. Poblacion life revolves around a modest town plaza, a parish church, public market and family-run eateries that give visitors a taste of everyday Visayan provincial life.
Expect a relaxed pace, warm hospitality and easy access to larger urban centers like Tacloban and Ormoc for services and travel connections.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the San Juan Bautista Church, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture. Marvel at its intricate details and rich history as a local guide shares stories of its significance to the community. Don't forget to capture some photos of the beautiful facade and surrounding landscapes.
After lunch, stroll through the local market where you can experience the vibrant culture and flavor of Burauen. Engage with local vendors, sample fresh produce, and pick up unique handicrafts as souvenirs. The lively atmosphere will immerse you in the daily life of the locals.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine. Savor dishes like adobo and sinigang while listening to local musicians. The warm ambiance and friendly service will make for a memorable dining experience.
Embark on an early morning trek to Mount Pangasugan, known for its lush vegetation and stunning views. The cool morning air is invigorating as you hike through scenic trails, with the sounds of nature surrounding you. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking vistas along the way.
Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Spend some time exploring the area, looking for unique flora and fauna native to the region. The tranquility of the mountain will rejuvenate your spirit.
Return to Burauen in the late afternoon and unwind at a local café. Reflect on the day's adventures over a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing halo-halo. As night falls, enjoy the cool breeze while mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee or snack at a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local bus or jeepney ride | $0.10-0.50 |
| 🚕Tricycle short ride | $0.30-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Visayan experience with warm hospitality
- Easy access to natural scenery, springs and rural landscapes
- Affordable prices and fresh local food
- Low tourist density — quieter, more genuine interactions
- Limited accommodation and dining options compared with larger cities
- Fewer tourist services and English-speaking guides than popular destinations
- Infrastructure can be affected by heavy rains and typhoons
- Nightlife and entertainment options are limited to small local venues
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang palengke?" - Where is the market?
- "Pasensya / Dispensa" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Naay problema? (Cebuano) / Mayda problema? (Waray)" - Is there a problem?
Places to Visit in Burauen
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of provincial life: the church facade, market activity and portraits of vendors in the morning light.
Golden hour photography of terraced or flat rice paddies, water reflections in the planting season and farmers at work.
Colorful produce, seafood displays and candid portraits of local sellers make for vibrant street photography.
Natural pools and small waterfalls in surrounding barangays provide landscape and close-up nature photography opportunities.
Food in Burauen
Burauen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet Leyte specialty made from mashed taro (gabi), coconut milk and sugar, cooked in halved coconut shells — often sold at markets and pasalubong stores.
Must-Try!
Sticky rice cake flavored with cocoa and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves — commonly available at bakeries and roadside sellers.
Visayan-style ceviche: fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, citrus, ginger and chilies — best tried at seaside stalls or markets when fish is ultra-fresh.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market is where locals buy fresh fish, produce and ready-to-eat snacks; try grilled skewers, fried banana (maruya) and small local breads for an authentic taste.
Simple stalls set up in the late afternoon offering grilled seafood, pancit and sweet snacks — great for casual dinner and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Address older people politely and use respectful language; a simple greeting and a smile go a long way.
Wear modest clothing when visiting churches and religious events; remove hats and speak quietly during services.
Filipinos value friendliness and small talk; a warm greeting and interest in local life are well received. Avoid loud confrontation in public.
It’s common to remove shoes when entering some homes — follow the host’s lead.
Safety
Tipping in Burauen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but small tips (10–20 PHP for service) are appreciated. For guides or private drivers, a modest tip is customary for good service.
Cash (Philippine peso) is king in Burauen for markets, tricycles and small eateries. Mobile wallets like GCash are increasingly accepted in some shops and by vendors; credit cards are uncommon outside larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry; temperatures peak in April and May. Ideal for outdoor exploration early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Frequent rains and occasional severe storms or typhoons. Plan flexible itineraries, monitor weather advisories and avoid river crossings and low-lying roads during heavy rain.
Milder temperatures and lower humidity make this a comfortable time to visit; evenings can be pleasantly cool for the area. This season is popular for local festivals and fiestas.
Burauen at Night
Hiking in Burauen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short local trail up a nearby barangay ridge with panoramic views of surrounding farmland and distant peaks; suitable for half-day hikes.
An easy walk that follows rural tracks beside irrigation channels and small rivers, passing through rice paddies and small waterfalls during the wet season.
A guided walk through secondary forest to community-owned springs and pools — great for nature lovers and swimming on hot days.
Airports
How to reach Burauen by plane.
The main commercial airport serving eastern Leyte and Tacloban City; about a 1.5–3 hour drive from Burauen depending on roads and traffic. Regular flights connect to Manila and Cebu.
Regional airport closest to western Leyte; service levels vary and may be limited. Ormoc is a shorter drive from some parts of Leyte and can be useful if flights are available.
Major hub for central Philippines with many domestic and international connections; a longer (ferry + land or direct flight) transfer to Burauen but useful if coming from Cebu or beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents speak Cebuano or local Visayan dialects; Filipino (Tagalog) and some English are also understood.
A large portion of the population is involved in agriculture — rice, root crops and small-scale fishing — which shapes daily rhythms and local economy.
Many households have members working in larger cities or abroad; remittances contribute to the local economy and influence social ties.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport — expect pickup games at the town court and strong local interest in professional leagues.
Common recreational sport, especially during school and community events.
A popular pastime in small towns with local pool halls and street-side tables.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Burauen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; request vegetable stews, fried rice with vegetables, and local salads. Bring snacks for remote outings and learn to say you don’t eat meat when ordering ('Hindi ako kumakain ng karne').
More challenging — coconut-based dishes and plain rice are safe, but check sauces and seasonings. Pack specialty items or plan visits to larger towns for more choices.
There are few certified Halal outlets in small Leyte towns. Seafood and vegetable dishes are generally fine, but ask about preparation methods; larger cities like Tacloban have more options.