Adventures In Tranquillity

    Scenery            Sights           Beaches

There are many wonderful activities in addition to scuba diving. Snorkeling with whale sharks, pilot whale and dolphin watching, barbecues on secluded beaches, visiting historic sites, tours into the lush green mountains, caving, sailing and insights into local culture and life can all be organised. When all that becomes too much, an ice cold drink in the peaceful, shady Castle garden watching the sun turn around Limasawa Island is the perfect way to relax.

All of these trips can be tailored to suit your preferences and arranged in advance or booked locally, given availability. We can prepare a full schedule of activities for you or you can choose your own pace when you arrive.

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Dolphins and pilot whales are common all year round in Sogod Bay. The best time to see them is in the early morning or just before dusk and trips can be arranged either by sailing boat or motorised bangka.

Boat Trips

Easily and quickly accessible by sailing boat or motorised bangka, Limasawa Island is the site of the first Holy Mass on Philippine soil, with a shrine and Magellan's Cross now marking the event. Home to a mere 4000 residents and an abundance of beaches, coves, springs, lush vegetation and wildlife Limasawa is a fantastic tropical island experience. Diving and snorkeling here are also exceptional. Trips to other locations and secluded beaches, including sailing excursions and sunset cruises are also available.

Southern Leyte Tour

An extremely diverse and popular tour around the south western part of Leyte, taking in Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, a deserted tropical island and the sights and sounds of the Provincial capital. If this isn't enough, there are optional stops along the way to visit wood carving workshops and have a refreshing dip at a waterfall. Leave the Castle after breakfast and take the beautiful coast road north from Padre Burgos and stop at Malitbog to admire the old wooden Spanish houses and the ancient church with its unusual cupola. The route then traverses the mountains with serene rice fields and fresh cool air to arrive at the port of Bato with its bustling market and then on to Hilongos. After a visit to the famous old bell tower, head back through Bato to the departure point for tiny, uninhabited Canigao Island reached by a 5 minute bangka ride. After lunch and some snorkeling or relaxing on one of the peaceful, sandy beaches continue on to Maasin City and visit the 17th Century cathedral, Monte Cueva and the spectacular shrine to Our Lady of Assumption, the tallest such in the Philippines. It's then a short ride back to the Castle in time for afternoon tea and cakes.

Mountain Trips

The interior of south-western Leyte rises a thousand metres above Sogod Bay and provides cool mountain streams, lagoons ideal for bathing, abundant wildlife and spectacular views down to the sea and across to neighbouring islands such as Camiguin, Bohol and Mindanao. The adventurous may choose to hire a motorbike to explore on their own and for those seeking exercise and thrills mountain bikes can be hired.

World War II History

Hire a car or take a guide with an air conditioned van for a full day tour to Red Beach, Palo and visit the site and memorials where General MacArthur "returned" in October 1944. Carry on to Tacloban to see MacArthur's headquarters, the magnificent San Juanico Bridge and visit the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum. Make a final stop to see Malitbog Church in the evening sunlight, before returning to the Castle in time for pre-dinner drinks.

Historic Sites

The Spanish church and houses at Malitbog, the look-out towers in Hilongos and the Maasin Shrine and Cathedral are easily accessible with or without a local guide. Take in lunch and a swim at a local beach resort or a visit to Busay Waterfalls to complete your trip.

Beaches

Southern Leyte has an abundance of beautiful beaches. The Castle beach and the nearby public beach offer safe swimming, lovely snorkeling, beautiful views, sand and shade. The vast, empty, sandy beach at Ampo can be reached from the Castle on foot or with our complimentary Shuttle Service. Being around the headland outside the bay, Ampo usually has flat, calm waters when the water in the bay is choppy and vice versa. Many other beautiful beaches are accessible by car or motor bike and a boat trip opens up a wealth of opportunities for peace and tranquillity on deserted tropical beaches.