On a typical weekday evening, locals and visitors stroll along the Baybay City Boardwalk, taking in the sea breeze and glowing skies as the sun sets over the Camotes Sea. It’s a peaceful scene that increasingly reflects the changing tide of domestic tourism in the Philippines—calmer, more conscious, and community-driven.
Stretching over a kilometer, the Baybay City Boardwalk and Plaza is one of Leyte’s newest public developments aimed at boosting local tourism and economic activity. For many Filipino travelers seeking a break from the noise of urban centers, destinations like this offer not just a scenic respite but also real benefits for mental health and general well-being.
Studies have consistently shown that travel can improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, and promote physical health. The act of being in a new environment, particularly near natural elements like the sea, has therapeutic effects. Baybay’s relaxed setting, with its family-friendly spaces, open-air ambiance, and community-centered design, aligns with these findings.
Travel to Baybay is fairly accessible. From Manila or Cebu, travelers can fly to Tacloban City, with flights taking between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Tacloban Airport, a three-hour van or bus ride brings visitors directly to Baybay.
Alternatively, ferries from Cebu to Baybay, Hilongos, or Ormoc provide multiple entry points, with travel times ranging from 2 to 6 hours depending on the vessel. Once in Baybay, tricycles and motorcycles offer quick connections to the boardwalk area.
The city government and local businesses have worked to keep access to the boardwalk free, with ample parking and basic amenities available. These efforts underscore a broader push to make tourism development both inclusive and sustainable.
Tourism has already begun to make a measurable impact in Baybay. Local tricycle drivers, food vendors, and small-scale retailers near the plaza report increased income since the boardwalk opened. Seasonal pop-up stalls, especially during weekends and holidays, have created opportunities for young entrepreneurs and farmers’ cooperatives to market their goods directly to visitors.
“Before, there were fewer customers,” said Marites, a seafood vendor near the boardwalk. “Now, especially during sunset or long weekends, there are more families, more groups. It’s good for business.”
The plaza’s seafood restaurants have also gained traction, serving grilled local catches to diners seated just steps from the shoreline. These businesses, largely owned and operated by Baybay residents, are part of the region’s shift toward micro-tourism—small-scale, low-impact travel experiences that support local economies while minimizing environmental damage.
Efforts to promote sustainability are visible across the boardwalk. Trash bins are placed at regular intervals, signage encourages responsible behavior, and green spaces are maintained without artificial embellishment. Unlike larger, commercial tourist hubs, Baybay’s coastal development keeps to a community-centered scale. The city continues to explore ways to manage tourism growth without overwhelming local infrastructure or resources.
Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Sea of Clouds at Lintaon Peak, the Visayas State University’s expansive grounds, and the historical Immaculate Conception Parish. These sites further anchor Baybay as a hub for both leisure and cultural learning, making it a compelling stop in Eastern Visayas.
As travel patterns shift post-pandemic, destinations like Baybay highlight the possibilities of balancing tourism with sustainability. Here, scenic charm, local livelihoods, and community wellness co-exist—quietly, and without fanfare.
