Limasawa is a 6th class municipality and an island of the same name in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 5,831 inhabitants and according to the 2000 census, it has 1,108 households. It lies south of Leyte, in the Mindanao Sea. The island is about 10 km from north to south.

        Limasawa Island is said to be the place where Ferdinand Magellan first landed in the Philippines, and where the first mass in the Philippines was held (though this is disputed). The island is located at the mouth of Sogod Bay.

How to get there:

From Maasin or Bato or Tacloban, take a bus or van to Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte. Then hire a pump boat, or take a shuttle boat to take you to Limasawa.

What���s there:

If you���re an historical buff or a Christian Pilgrim, this place should be interesting. You can visit ���Magellan���s Cross���: it���s quite a climb, but the view from the top is quite nice.

     The island was first visited by foreigners with the arrival of Chinese and perhaps Arabic tradesmen. In 1225, the Chinese merchant Chau Ju Kuo described the population of Mazaua as friendly and congenial to trade-relations. On March 28, 1521, the Mazaua's raia Siaiu (as named by Antonio Pigafetta, diarist of Magellan's expedition, and Kolambu, King of Butuan) was visited by Magellan and his fleet of three ships, passing through en route to the Spice Islands. The two leaders maintained very amicable relations, becoming casicasi or blood-brothers on Good Friday, 29 March 1521, second day of Magellan's stay at Mazaua

           Limasawa is a relaxing hot spot for scuba diving, snorkeling and other calm water beach activity and is the home of the first Catholic Mass in The Philippines.

We invite you to come and explore the island, meet the friendly local community and take in the island's history.

With a vibrant ocean life the calm waters around Limasawa Island play host to an active fishing industry and some of the most colorful fish in the sea.