Municipality of Loreto, Dinagat Islands: March 2014

Mt. Redondo

(photo credit: http://journeyingjames.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bonsai-Forest.png)

Located in the town of Loreto, the rain-forests of these mountains host 36 species of mammals, 63 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 70 species of birds. All this biological wealth however is in danger of being lost forever to make way for the extraction of Dinagat’s other more convenient wealth—namely the minerals contained in its mountains.

#Haribon

Black Beach

One of the historic tourist spots of Loreto is Campintac, the very isolated place where the first landing of the American Liberation did happen on October 17, 1944. On this memorable spot now stands as was erected by the late Mayor Alfonso A. Ompod, a simple monumental marker with only a helmet and a bayonet on top of the marker and engraved in such marker the names of Lieut. Henry A. Mucci and Maj. Robert W. Garret of the 6th Ranger Battalion, the first to step on the “Black Beach” as the Americans called Campintac, “The First to Mark the Return of the Americans”, with the US battleships having assembled first in Loreto Bay for two days, before the liberation landed Leyte on October 20, 1944.

Poyo Beach

Poyo Beach - more or less half a hectare of white sand surrounded with green scenery is noticeable upon reaching this islet which is approximately 1 nautical mile from the town proper. The cold blue water and the shady coconut trees attract every visitor especially during summer time.

Bonsai Garden

It is located near the Krominco camp site. It has hectares of bonsai trees. Magkuno, lauan, molato and other hard wood trees are fascinating since they are only knee-high.

Come and See the nine (9) different species of bonsai trees in every square meter of the bonsai forest.

Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles (Secretary of Political Affairs - PNOY)

Recently the DENR Regional Technical Group conducted an assessment of the Bonsai Forest and initially found out that there are about 9 different species of bonsai trees in every square meter of the bonsai forest.

Mabua River

Loreto was formerly called “Mabua”. It was first established by the Boholanos, the Leyteños, and by the Samareños, as early as 1847. With the overfoaming river that until these years, its rapids keep cascading right into the heart of the town proper down to the sea which since nobody knows when, hence, the early settlers called the place “Mabua” meaning foamy.

Mount Redondo and Mount Cambinliw

Mount Redondo and Mount Cambinliw – this site could be reached by taking a deep breath on a trip going to the top of the magnificent mountains of Redondo and Cambinliw by passing on a zigzag and adventurous road. Its cool, refreshing and beautiful scenery overlooking the municipality and the Loreto Bay is a welcome treat. On clear weather, at the top of the mountain, we can see the Southern part of Leyte, Siargao Islands, Surigao City and part of South Eastern Samar. Local and foreign visitors never fail to visit this site to see these two magnificent mountains.

Campintac Black Beach No. 2

Black Beach No. 2 - is located at sitio Campintac, Panamaon. This historical place is memorable for being the camp of the 1^st American Ranger Division under the command of Maj. Henry Mucci and Capt. Garett on October 17, 1944. Today it has a 2 storey “Bahay Turista”, mini museum, multi-purpose hall and cottages along the white beach.

For bookings and inquiries, please contact

Beach Care taker:

Mrs. Mindalecia Longos – 09093649319

Linao Spring Resort

Linao Natural Spring Resort - located at Barangay Esperanza and 600 meters away from the barangay. This beautiful spot is famous for its freshness and coldness of the water temperature. A lot of people coming from the nearby barangays and municipalities frequently visit the resort for its tremendous environment. It has a tourist inn, multi-purpose hall, cottages, kitchen and comfort rooms.