San Juanico Bridge
The San Juanico Bridge has become one of the biggest attractions in Tacloban City since it’s opening in the mid 1970’s.
In this post, I’ll discuss about the history of the bridge, it’s significance to the region, and the resorts you can stay at during your visit to the world-famous San Juanico Bridge.
History of San Juanico Bridge
The bridge was originally built by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1973.
San Juanico bridge took 4 years to complete and considered to be the longest bridge in the Philippines that is spanning in the body of seawater.
The bridge has a length of 2.16 kilometers or (1.34 mi) that connects the islands of Tacloban City in Leyte and Sta. Rita in Samar.
San Juanico bridge is known as the “bridge of love” since it was a gift from late President Ferdinand Marcos to his wife, Madame Imelda Marcos who requested the bridge to help develop her hometown in Tacloban City.
The bridge has had a long service to the communities it connects even surviving the strongest typhoon ever recorded in the history of the Philippines — the Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
San Juanico bridge is considered to be a part of Pan-Philippine Highway or known as Maharlika Highway, these are expressways, roads, ferry services, bridges, and sea routes that connects the islands of Leyte, Samar, Luzon and Mindanao in the Philippines.
This is by far the longest bridge in the Philippines and worth $21.9 million after its completion.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pintados-Kasadyaan
What Makes San Juanico Bridge Good to Visit
San Juanico Bridge is a world-renowned tourist attraction in Southeast Asia.
This bridge has the most breathtaking view in Tacloban City surrounded by crystal clear blue water and fresh breeze air. And, it is the most beautifully designed bridge in the country.
After a minor damage from the Super Typhoon Yolanda the province of Samar headed by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan proposed the Lighting Project for San Juanico bridge that will give tourist a chance to cruise under a well-lighted San Juanico bridge at night.
The Lighting Project for San Juanico bridge will help boost the economy of Region VIII since this will attract more tourist to the region.
There are tour operators in Tacloban City who is looking forward to offer a night cruise tour once the bridge lit up, and it is going to be a whole new different experience.
Is San Juanico bridge worth visiting? The simple answer is, YES!
Not only you are going to see San Juanico, you can also stay at these budget friendly resorts near the area.
Resorts Near San Juanico
Caluwayan Palm Island Resort and Restaurant
Address: Brgy. Caluwayan, Marabut Samar Philippines
Caluwayan Palm Island Resort is an eco-tourism oriented resort and a place for relaxation in Marabut Samar.
The resort have room accommodations, pool, restaurant and function hall for private event.
Layao Beach Resort
Address: Brgy. San Roque, Marabut Samar Philippines
Layao Beach Resort is a newly opened resort in Samar.
They offer different kind of accommodations to cater guest need, they even have “barkada” package for group of friends looking for a break from the city.
The resort have nice pool that is also open for day trip guest, beach front, and restaurant.
Pinalangga Beach Resort
Address: Brgy. Pinalangga, Marabut Samar Philippines
Pinalangga Beach Resort has fresh and refreshing ambiance.
They offer room accommodation and cottage, activities such as kayak, snorkeling, and island hopping.
Epifania Beach Resort
Address: Brgy. Amambucale, Marabut Samar
Epifania Beach Resort is a place for fun, bonding and enjoyment.
The beach resort is the best getaway you and your family can have.
With a family friendly beach front good for children, cottages that you can rent for a very affordable price, room accommodations for guest that is looking for an overnight stay and a pristine white sand beach.
The resort also accept food orders upon request at a reasonable price.
And, for your convenience the resort has opened a store that sells snack, drink, toiletries and etc.
With a minimal entrance fee of 10php per person (15 year old below – free of charge)
Epifania Beach Resort is a place to be if you are around San Juanico Bridge area and looking for a perfect relaxation beach experience.
For inquiry and reservation please click here.
Conclusion
San Juanico Bridge is an iconic tourist attraction in Eastern Visayas.
The bridge continue to attract more and more tourist to visit the region and it has been a huge help to the progress of the economy and tourism of the towns in Leyte and Samar.
My family lives in Marabut Samar and for us to get to town from Tacloban we have to cross by San Juanico bridge.
Since I was young I passed by San Juanico bridge for probably a thousand times that I even lose count.
I remember how excited I would get every time we would get near the bridge and it is a wonderful feeling once you are passing by this majestic bridge because of its beautiful design and very tropical vibe.
From the top of San Juanico bridge you will have a breathtaking view from the surrounding towns.
It is surrounded by crystal clear blue ocean, great mountain views, coconut trees and fresh breeze air.
Unlike my parents, we are very fortunate to be living in a time where we do not need to ride a boat and wait for days for us to go from one town to another.
San Juanico bridge changed the lives of thousands of people and made the transportation accessible for everyone.
Now, we have buses and vans as public transportation that travels in any point in Region VIII at any time of the day.
With all the efforts of the local government unit in Eastern Visayas, this bridge continues to be of great service to the people even after strong typhoon.
I am very excited to see San Juanico bridge lit up with its scenic lights one day and be able to cruise under the bridge once the tour operators start to offer it to the public.
It’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience I would treasure forever.
San Juanico Bridge is an attraction worth seeing and traveling because of its beauty and length, it is one of Southeast Asia’s world-renowned bridge.
