Baybay, Philippines
Region: Leyte
Geographic Coordinates: 10.683300, 124.800000
Temperature Range: 28.0°C to 35.0°C (82°F to 95°F)
Climate: Baybay, Philippines has a tropical climate with two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season typically runs from June to November, while the dry season lasts from December to May. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 29-33°C (84-91°F) and lows of 23-25°C (73-77°F). Typhoons are common during the wet season.
Population: 111848
Language: Waray-Waray
Baybay is a coastal city located in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It is known for its stunning beaches, Rich cultural heritage, And warm hospitality. Baybay City prides itself on being a hub of education and commerce in the region. The city’s name came from the Waray word “bayi-bayi,” which means “many women.” According to legend, Spanish soldiers were amazed at how many beautiful women they saw when they first arrived in the area. Baybay has a population of over 110, 000 people with diverse ethnic groups such as Waray-Waray, Cebuano-Bisaya, Tagalog and many more.
Baybay has several natural attractions that are worth visiting. One of them is Bantigue Sandbar – a white-sand island that emerges during low tide. This sandbar boasts clear blue waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling while enjoying the panoramic view of nearby islands. Another must-visit destination in Baybay is Hindang Falls – a majestic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations. The falls’ cascading water creates a soothing sound that can help visitors relax while enjoying nature’s beauty.
For history buffs, There are plenty of landmarks to explore such as Sts Peter & Paul Parish Church – an old Spanish-era church built-in 1737 with intricate details on its façade; it was also declared as one of National Cultural Treasures by National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).
Baybay City also hosts various festivals throughout the year showcasing their rich culture and traditions such as Sinulog Festival every January which honors Santo Niño de Cebu; Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival every June which features street dancing showcasing ancient warriors painted with tattoos or pintados; Buyogan Festival every August highlights bees’ importance to their livelihoods through dance performances wearing bee-inspired costumes. Aside from tourism industry, Baybay City’s economy also thrives on agriculture, Fishing, And manufacturing. The city has a vast area of rice fields that produce high-quality rice grains and other crops such as corn, Vegetables, And fruits.
Fishing is also an essential industry in Baybay City since it is located along the coast. Baybay City offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that makes it a must-visit destination in the Philippines. With its stunning beaches, Waterfalls, Historical landmarks, Festivals showcasing their rich culture & traditions – there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation while immersing yourself in local culture – Baybay City has got you covered!
- Visayas State University: A premier university in the region with a sprawling campus that features scenic views of mountains and rice fields.
- Baybay City Boardwalk: A popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a leisurely walk along the bay.
- Lintaon Peak: A mountainous area that offers breathtaking views of Baybay City and its neighboring towns.
- Tinagong Dagat (Hidden Sea): A secluded beach located in Barangay San Roque.
- Maasin River Cruise: An eco-tourism attraction that takes visitors on a boat ride along the scenic Maasin River while showcasing local flora and fauna.
- Santo Niño Shrine Museum: Houses various artifacts related to Philippine history, culture, and religion.
- Agas-Agas Bridge: Known as one of the highest bridges in Southeast Asia with stunning views of lush greenery surrounding it.
- Cagnituan Falls – Located at Barangay Cagnituan with crystal clear waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery perfect for nature lovers who love hiking or trekking activities.
- Bagumbayan Beach- Located at Bagumbayan village is one of the most visited beaches in Baybay City because of its white sand beach perfect for swimming or just relaxing by the shore.
- Agriculture (rice, corn, coconut, and sugarcane)
- Fishing
- Tourism (beaches and historical sites)
- Education (universities and colleges)
- Healthcare services
- Retail trade
- Transportation services (jeepneys and tricycles)
- Small-scale manufacturing
- Government offices such as the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII
- The arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, which led to the conversion of many locals to Christianity.
- The establishment of the Baybay Agricultural School (now Visayas State University) in 1905, which became a center for agricultural education and research in the region.
- The heroic deeds of Baybay native Captain Miguel Fernandez during World War II, who helped liberate Leyte from Japanese occupation.
- The election of former Mayor Carmen Cari as one of only two female governors in Leyte’s history.
- The contributions of local artists such as painter Jose Pepe Abueva and musician Raul Sunico to Philippine culture and arts.
- The devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, which affected many communities including Baybay and prompted international aid efforts.
- The current leadership of Mayor Jose Carlos Cari Jr., who has prioritized infrastructure development and sustainable tourism initiatives for the city’s growth.
- Baybay City Museum
- Visayas State University Museum and Heritage Center
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
- Baybay City Park and Plaza
- Bantayog ng mga Bayani Monument
- Tinagong Dagat Cave and Spring Resort
- Camp Downes Historical Marker
- Sambawan Island
- Lake Danao Natural Park
- Kalanggaman Island
- Baybay City FC – This football club was established in 2013 and competes in local leagues such as the Leyte Football Association League (LFA) and Eastern Visayas Football Association (EVFA). They have won several championships over the years.
- Baybay City Basketball Team – The basketball team comprises amateur players who compete in local leagues such as Liga ng mga Barangay and Governor’s Cup Basketball Tournament.
- Baybay Taekwondo Club – Founded in 2009, this club aims to promote taekwondo among young people in Baybay City. They have produced several medalists in regional and national competitions.
- Leyte Normal University Volleyball Team – This university-based volleyball team represents LNU during intercollegiate competitions such as State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA). They have won multiple championships over the years.
- Baybay Chess Club – Established by chess enthusiasts from different barangays of Baybay City, this organization promotes chess as a sport for intellectual development among young people. The club regularly conducts tournaments within its members’ circle or invites other clubs from nearby cities to participate.
- Sinulog Festival is a religious festival held every third Sunday of January to honor the Sto. Niño de Cebu.
- Baybayon Festival is a week-long celebration that showcases the culture and traditions of Baybay, Leyte.
- Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a colorful cultural festival that celebrates the bravery and artistry of the ancient Pintados warriors.
- Karatong Festival is a cultural event that highlights the rich history and heritage of Baybay City through dance, music, and storytelling.
- Kasadya sa Baybay is an annual Christmas celebration in Baybay City featuring parades, concerts, and other festive activities.
- Araw ng Baybay City commemorates the city’s founding anniversary with various activities such as sports events, beauty pageants, and street dancing competitions.
- Feast Day of Our Lady of Assumption is an annual religious celebration honoring the patron saint of Baybay City with processions and masses.
- Kawayan Festival showcases bamboo-made products like furniture or handicrafts made by local artisans in their respective barangays showcasing their talents in creating bamboo-made products during April 22-25 annually.
- Kinilaw – a dish made with raw fish marinated in vinegar, ginger, onions, and chili peppers. It is commonly found in seafood restaurants like Nipa Seafoods.
- Lechon – a roasted pig dish that is often served during special occasions. Some of the best places to try it are at Baybay’s Lechon Capital or at Cebu’s Rico’s Lechon.
- Tinolang Manok – a chicken soup dish made with ginger, garlic, onion, and green papaya. It can be found at most Filipino restaurants like Lighthouse Restaurant.
- Pancit Habhab – a noodle dish that originated from Lucban but also popular in Baybay City because of its proximity to Quezon Province. It is usually eaten without utensils by using only your mouth (habhab). Try it at Buddy’s Pancit Lucban.
- Grilled Seafood – since Baybay is located near the sea, grilled seafood such as squid and fish are abundant and can be enjoyed at many seaside restaurants like Paseo Del Mar Resort & Restaurant or Bantigue Cove Beach Resort & Restaurant.
- Chicharon Bulaklak – deep-fried pork intestines that are crispy on the outside but soft on the inside which can be found at roadside eateries or carinderias (local food stalls).
- Kakanin – rice cakes such as bibingka (rice cake cooked over charcoal), puto bumbong (purple rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes), sapin-sapin (multi-colored layered rice cake) which can be bought from local pasalubong centers like Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp Pasalubong Center or Sibugay Grill House Pasalubong Center.
- Baybay City Plaza is a public park situated in the city center, providing an ideal spot for both locals and tourists to unwind, jog or have a picnic.
- Lintaon Peak is a well-known hiking destination that offers mesmerizing views of the city and neighboring mountains.
- Bantigue Beach is a stunning white sand beach that offers excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities.
- Tinagong Dagat Marine Sanctuary is an eco-tourism site that provides snorkeling and diving experiences to observe different marine species.
- Hindang Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall surrounded by lush greenery where visitors can swim or capture photographs.
- Agas-Agas Bridge holds the title of being Southeast Asia’s tallest bridge and attracts adventure enthusiasts who want to try ziplining or bungee jumping.
- Baybay Boulevard is a picturesque seaside promenade where locals often go for leisurely walks or bike rides while enjoying the sea breeze and sunset views.
- Mayuga Multi-Purpose Building & Sports Complex serves as a sports hub with facilities such as basketball courts, volleyball courts etc., used for sports activities like tournaments etc.,
- Baybay City Gymnasium serves as an indoor gymnasium used for various indoor games like basketball, volleyball etc.,
- City Plaza Covered Court located at Baybay City Plaza acts as a covered court utilized for various events such as concerts, festivals etc,.
These teams contribute to promoting healthy competition, camaraderie, teamwork, discipline, physical fitness development among residents of Baybay City through their respective disciplines’ practice or participation thereof.
