Palo

Palo, with a population of about 70,000 as of 2015, is the religious and historic center of Leyte. It houses the seat of the Archdiocese of Palo, based on the Palo Cathedral, the 16th–century church rising at the downtown and one of Palo's tourist draws. Palo is also historic as the site of Douglas MacArthur's famous landing in October 20, 1944, fulfilling the promise to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese during World War II.

By plane

The nearest airport is in nearby Tacloban (TAC)

By bus or minivan

Palo is a regular stopover for provincial buses.

• Philtranco buses from Manila to Ormoc, Maasin, and Davao, with a RO/RO ferry between Luzon and Samar.

There are plenty of UV Express vans passing through Palo. Most depart from Tacloban to points in Leyte. Most ply the Catbalogan—Ormoc route.

By car

Palo lies at the junction of two highways: Maharlika Highway (Route 70/AH26) and the Palo—Carigara—Ormoc Road (Route 70/AH26). Maharlika Highway directly cuts through the downtown while Palo—Carigara—Ormoc, which is the main street, named San Salvador Street, spurs off the Maharlika Highway west to Carigara and Ormoc. There is one bypass to the east of downtown, while another under construction is to the west.

• MacArthur Landing Memorial National ParkCommemorates the landing of Douglas MacArthur in October 20, 1944.

• Hill 522

• Palo Cathedral

  address: San Salvador Street corner F. Sevilla Street
  This Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1596 by the Jesuits. It served as a military hospital during World War II, and in 2013, was badly damaged by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Palo Cathedral also hosted Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines, also dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

• Pray at Palo Metropolitan Cathedral

  address: corner San Salvador and F. Sevilla Street

• Palo Public Market

  address: Acebedo Street
  The municipality's central market, destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon Haiyan, but is rebuilt.

• Acacia

  address: Maharlika Highway, Puntod
  Mostly meat dishes. They also serve wine.

• Kandingan/Bulaloan ha Palo

  address: Maharlika Highway
  Home-cooked bulalo and goat (kanding) dishes.

• Seafood and Ribs Warehouse

  phone: +63 53 323-4256
  address: Maharlika Highway, Pawing
  Grilled seafood dishes and spareribs.

• The Oriental Leyte

  phone: +63 995 788-4430
  address: Guindapunan-Baras Road, Baras
  Rooms are locally themed. There is free WiFi and rooms have a TV. Better rooms have dining areas and balcony views of the beach. Some rooms that can accommodate up to 10 people have hot tubs and kitchenettes. Amenities are a pool, spa, Asian fusion restaurant, ballroom, infinity pool and a poolside bar. Free breakfast and laundry.

• Kugville

  address: NHA Site, Baras

• Tacloban
• Tanauan