After exploring the beauty and heritage of Tacloban, there are also many great day or overnight trips to make from the city. If the weather is nice spend a day at the countless beaches of Leyte island, take an exciting cave tour in the nearby Samar island, or simply capture the idyllic countryside in any of the laid back towns of the province.
We initially thought of going to either Kalanggaman or Cuatro Islas but these are the most popular beach destinations in this part of the Philippines and we were afraid other travelers might have already planned of going there. So we just decided to spend an overnight at the Kuting Reef Resort in Southern Leyte.
Location
Kuting Reef is located in a 3-hectare private cove at Barangay Asuncion in Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
The quickest way to the resort is by private car. It is 3-4 hours away from Tacloban via the Eastern Nautical Highway and Bato-Bontoc Road. Just lookout for the resort sign along the highway so as not to miss the small dirt road leading to the resort. Inside are adequate parking space for guests.
By public transportation, there are vans that ply the Tacloban-Maasin route. Travel time to Maasin is 4-5 hours and fare starts at PHP220.00 per person. From Maasin, ride a jeepney that goes through the Maasin-Malitbog-Sogod route. Let the driver know you're going to Kuting Reef Resort and you'll be dropped off at the road leading to the gate of the resort. Travel from Maasin takes around 30 minutes and costs PHP25.00 per person.
Reservation
Reservation is a bit of a challenge. It takes time for the resort to respond via email and they have spotty phone signal in the resort. Nonetheless, we were able to exchange text messages with the reservations team and eventually confirmed our booking.
Since our reservation was made on short notice, no deposit was required.
Rates
The following are the rates of the rooms inclusive of breakfast and free use of facilities:
The resort also offers overnight packages for groups inclusive of room, meals, and free use of facilities:
Since we were a group, we decided to get the Barkadahan package which includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Cabana, breakfast, lunch, dinner and use of the infinity pool, beach, and kayak.
Note: Rates are inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Check-in
The Front Office Desk is located at the left side of the resort's lobby. Check-in forms were filled out and full payment of the booking was processed. Payments can be made through cash or credit card.
Since we arrived earlier than the standard check-in time, our cabana was not yet ready. We then asked for our lunch to be prepared while we enjoyed exploring the common areas of the resort.
Not long after we were done eating, a staff led us to our cabana. However, only one shared key was provided for our group.
Resort Layout and Ambiance
Kuting Reef sits on a sprawling private cove. The resort grounds is landscaped with bermuda grass and planted with tall 30 to 40 year old coconut trees. Instead of a white sand beach that characterizes popular beaches in the Visayas, Kuting has a dark pebble beach. However, the resort makes up by having an infinity pool facing the Bohol Sea.
There are a number of cabanas and casitas that are designed and constructed with indigenous materials such a nipa to make sure they blend with the tropical setting and local culture. These rooms all have verandas which overlook the sea, the infinity pool, and the landscaped surroundings of the resort.
Kuting Reef gives that exclusive yet relaxed tropical resort experience.
Our Cabana
We stayed in one of the resort's 9 Deluxe Cabanas. It is surprisingly spacious even with two queen-sized beds and an extra bed. It has modern amenities and furnishings such as air conditioning, hot and cold shower, mini ref, coffee and tea service, and bottled water.
There is also a closet, lamp, and working desk all made in native rattan material.
Dining
The package we availed already came with full board meals. Lunch and dinner is served as a group set meal with rice, fish, meat, vegetables, and dessert. Breakfast is plated with options for Filipino or Continental style breakfast. There are also ala carte options if you want to order additional food items.
The meals are served in Baybayon Seafoods built along the beachfront.
Beach and Activities
Unlike Kalanggaman, there is no white sand here. What you will experience is a pebble beach. Even so, the left side of the beach is a good place for snorkeling. Here you'll find some live corals and various fish to watch.
Alternatively, there is an Instagenic infinity pool that is perfect for relaxation and picture taking.
If you're up for a strategy board game in the morning, there's a giant chess board beside the Baybayon Seafoods Restaurant.
If you're up for water activities the resort offers kayaking (for free) and scuba diving.
If you're up for some quiet time, you can just enjoy a late afternoon swim while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
On select nights, the resort holds an acoustic night open to the public. Here, you don't have to be a guest of Kuting Reef to watch and enjoy the music.
Service and Experience
Although the booking process was a bit of a disappointment, the resort staff were friendly, courteous, and ready to assist during our stay.
Overall, Kuting Reef Resort is a fantastic place to have a low-key, relaxing time at the beach. Since it's not yet on the travel radar of most tourists, you'd get to feel like you have the whole resort to yourselves and away from the rowdiness and partying of popular destinations. It is a great place to bond with family and friends.
The resort actually suggests, "bring only the people you love".
For more information about the resort, visit their website here. For reservations, contact +63 917 572 1003 or +63 939 920 9105.
If you have questions about Kuting Reef, please leave a comment in the box below.
We initially thought of going to either Kalanggaman or Cuatro Islas but these are the most popular beach destinations in this part of the Philippines and we were afraid other travelers might have already planned of going there. So we just decided to spend an overnight at the Kuting Reef Resort in Southern Leyte.
 |
| Kuting Reef Resort |
 |
| Kuting Reef Resort |
Kuting Reef is located in a 3-hectare private cove at Barangay Asuncion in Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
The quickest way to the resort is by private car. It is 3-4 hours away from Tacloban via the Eastern Nautical Highway and Bato-Bontoc Road. Just lookout for the resort sign along the highway so as not to miss the small dirt road leading to the resort. Inside are adequate parking space for guests.
By public transportation, there are vans that ply the Tacloban-Maasin route. Travel time to Maasin is 4-5 hours and fare starts at PHP220.00 per person. From Maasin, ride a jeepney that goes through the Maasin-Malitbog-Sogod route. Let the driver know you're going to Kuting Reef Resort and you'll be dropped off at the road leading to the gate of the resort. Travel from Maasin takes around 30 minutes and costs PHP25.00 per person.
Reservation
Reservation is a bit of a challenge. It takes time for the resort to respond via email and they have spotty phone signal in the resort. Nonetheless, we were able to exchange text messages with the reservations team and eventually confirmed our booking.
Since our reservation was made on short notice, no deposit was required.
Rates
The following are the rates of the rooms inclusive of breakfast and free use of facilities:
Room Type
|
Rate per night in PHP
|
Deluxe Cabana
|
2,700 per room
|
Premier Cabana
|
2,900 per room
|
Casita
|
4,200 per room
|
Casa
|
1,150 per person
|
Extra Person
|
750 per person
|
The resort also offers overnight packages for groups inclusive of room, meals, and free use of facilities:
Package
|
Rate per night in PHP
|
Barkadahan
|
1,500 per person (min of
4)
|
Fun by the Dozen
|
1,350 per person (min of
12)
|
Since we were a group, we decided to get the Barkadahan package which includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Cabana, breakfast, lunch, dinner and use of the infinity pool, beach, and kayak.
Note: Rates are inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Check-in
The Front Office Desk is located at the left side of the resort's lobby. Check-in forms were filled out and full payment of the booking was processed. Payments can be made through cash or credit card.
Since we arrived earlier than the standard check-in time, our cabana was not yet ready. We then asked for our lunch to be prepared while we enjoyed exploring the common areas of the resort.
 |
| Cabana 7 Room Key |
Resort Layout and Ambiance
Kuting Reef sits on a sprawling private cove. The resort grounds is landscaped with bermuda grass and planted with tall 30 to 40 year old coconut trees. Instead of a white sand beach that characterizes popular beaches in the Visayas, Kuting has a dark pebble beach. However, the resort makes up by having an infinity pool facing the Bohol Sea.
 |
| Pebbled beach of Kuting |
 |
| The landscaping of the resort |
 |
| The beautiful landscaping |
 |
| The swing in one of the cabanas |
 |
| The cabanas blending well with the tropical setting |
 |
| The cabanas made of native materials |
Our Cabana
We stayed in one of the resort's 9 Deluxe Cabanas. It is surprisingly spacious even with two queen-sized beds and an extra bed. It has modern amenities and furnishings such as air conditioning, hot and cold shower, mini ref, coffee and tea service, and bottled water.
 |
| The Deluxe Cabana |
 |
| Queen-sized beds |
 |
| Vanity Mirror |
 |
| Furnishings made of rattan |
The package we availed already came with full board meals. Lunch and dinner is served as a group set meal with rice, fish, meat, vegetables, and dessert. Breakfast is plated with options for Filipino or Continental style breakfast. There are also ala carte options if you want to order additional food items.
 |
| Food at Baybayon |
 |
| Food at Baybayon |
 |
| Baybayon Seafood Restaurant |
 |
| Beautiful view from your table |
Unlike Kalanggaman, there is no white sand here. What you will experience is a pebble beach. Even so, the left side of the beach is a good place for snorkeling. Here you'll find some live corals and various fish to watch.
 |
| The dark pebble beach |
 |
| Infinity Pool |
 |
| Infinity Pool |
 |
| The poolside |
 |
| Giant Chess board |
 |
| Kuting is a good diving jump off point |
 |
| The stunning colors of sunset |
 |
| Late afternoon swim |
 |
| Sunset by the infinity pool |
 |
| Kuting Reef at night |
Service and Experience
Although the booking process was a bit of a disappointment, the resort staff were friendly, courteous, and ready to assist during our stay.
Overall, Kuting Reef Resort is a fantastic place to have a low-key, relaxing time at the beach. Since it's not yet on the travel radar of most tourists, you'd get to feel like you have the whole resort to yourselves and away from the rowdiness and partying of popular destinations. It is a great place to bond with family and friends.
The resort actually suggests, "bring only the people you love".
 |
| Bring the people you love |
If you have questions about Kuting Reef, please leave a comment in the box below.
Beautiful sunset colors.
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