Maasin - Places of Interest

Places of Interest

Maasin Cathedral built in the 17th century is probably not only the biggest, but also the oldest church in Maasin City. It is a diocesan seat since 1968. It shares its history with Don Anatalio Gaviola Plaza which is dedicated to a former mayor of Maasin. It still is one of the highly recommended stumping points for tourists as well as for locals.

The Guinsohotan Cave is a large subterranean cave, 15 km from the city center and 276 meters above sea level. Those who do enter the cave by wading or swimming can find small “in-cave” waterfalls, bats and impressive rock formations. The water coming out of Guinsuhotan Cave flows down in cascades to form a natural lagoon, Cagnitoan Lagoon, frequently visited by bathers and patrons of cool therapeutic treatment. These two sights, which belong more or less together, are placed in Barangay Cagnitoan and can be reached from Barangay Ibarra by using a Habal-habal. The last part of the way is a walking part: you pass by small groups of houses, fields and palms. In the background there are the mountains covered by large vegetation.

Camp Danao Forest Park is located 335 m. above sea level and 15 km away from the city proper. It hosted the 2010 BSP (Boy Scout of the Philippines) National Activity. The sprawling forested area has a man-made lake and will contain one of Southern Leyte’s tourism hubs: Maasin Zoo and Adventure Park (soft-opening in early 2012). One of the specialties of this zoo will be that the animals will not be kept in cages but be separated from the spectator by “natural” barricades.

The private-owned Bogo Bird Paradise, just about 4 km from the city proper is a mountain retreat nestled among flora, fauna and especially rare species of bird.

At Busay Falls you can find lush vegetation just as well as wildlife cavorting with cascading mountain waterfalls and chirping birds. It can be found in Barangay Combado. Sadly, this former completely wild and dreamlike part of nature is victim of fast economic expansion, so water quality is not as good as years ago and the former wild lagoon was removed by a pool.

Another sight of Maasin is Abiera Museo d’Art, showing a rare collection of artifacts, antiques, paintings, preserved animals, coins, gems, and historical relics. Although it is privately owned by the Abiera Family, it can be visited by interested ones. It is located in Barangay Tunga-tunga in the heart of the city.

The Lady of Assumption at the Jalleca Hills is the tallest privately-owned shrine in the Philippines. The statue itself and the nearby chapel can be reached by using a stairway with more than 300 steps and is located at 104 m above sea level in Barangay Mantahan. It is one of the most visited religious landmarks in Southern Leyte. Not only during daytime, this impressive landmark can be seen already from far but even at night as it is illuminated.

Maasin, famous for its religious places and pilgrim targets, also has the San Francisco Javier Pilgrims Center, a miraculous chapel 400 meters above sea level which can be found in Barangay Hanginan, 7 km from the city proper. It can be reached by an hour-long trek to the top thru a follage of trees and wild shrubs. It is said that every petition is granted and every prayer spoken is answered.

Another highlight for pilgrims is Monte Cueva Shrine,also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, is a donation by the philanthropists Odong and Loring Chung to the Diocese of Maasin. It offers a refuge to pilgrims and devotees. A 30-foot Marian icon perches from a highland over the Via Crucis and Resurrection. A cathedral within the cave is the coup-de-grace to the natural wonder, situated 2 km from Maasin City.