Limasawa Island
About
Sail to where Christianity in the Philippines began! Limasawa, a small green island off Southern Leyte, is where the first Easter Sunday Mass in the country was held on March 31, 1521. Visit the First Mass Shrine and the cross on the hill, then swim and snorkel in clear water over coral reefs. Stay a night in one of the small resorts to enjoy the island once the day-trippers leave.
Dry until sunset (5:20 PM). Good time to go!
- 1–2 daysTime to spend
- Dry season for calmer seas; around March 31 for the First Mass anniversary.Best time to go
- About ₱70 per personEntrance and budget
- Bus or jeep, plus a ferryNo car needed
What to do here
- Visit the First Mass Shrine
- Walk up to the cross on the hill
- Snorkel over the coral reefs
- Stay the night for sunset
Know before you go
The boat crosses open water: go only in good weather, wear the life vest, and expect trips to stop when the sea is rough.
Keep a buffer day in case the boat is cancelled.
Bring enough cash for fares, fees and food.
Leave vehicles in Padre Burgos before the boat.
Boat fare ₱70–100 and an entrance fee of ₱35–50 (Ahround PH, April 2025). Rooms ₱500–1,500 a night; a habal-habal island tour is about ₱300.
Visit the First Mass Shrine and the cross on the hill, then swim and snorkel in clear water over coral reefs.
Where it is
Limasawa, Southern Leyte
No car neededVan or bus from Tacloban to Maasin City (4–5 hours), a multicab or jeepney to Padre Burgos (about 30 minutes), then the public boat to Limasawa, which usually leaves around 8 AM (45 minutes to 1 hour). Sleep in Padre Burgos the night before so you catch it.
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FAQ
Why is Limasawa famous?
The first Easter Sunday Mass in the Philippines was held here on March 31, 1521. The National Historical Commission reaffirmed Limasawa as the site in 2020.
How do I get there?
Take the public boat from Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte. It usually leaves around 8 AM and takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes. Small beach resorts and lodges have rooms for about ₱500–1,500 a night.