The term "Karatong" refers to bamboo in the Waray language, which is spoken in Leyte. In the past, before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, the people of Dulag used bamboo to signal the approach of enemies such as pirates and rival tribes. They would create loud noises to alert the town and use bamboo spears to defend themselves. The tale has been transformed into a series of impressive performances that include dance moves and music.
You can reach various destinations in the Leyte region by air, sea, or land. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Air Juan operate regular flights to different cities and towns from Cebu, Manila, Davao, Clark, and Tagbilaran. The flights connect to places like Calbayog, Maasin, Naval, Ormoc, Tacloban, and more. Additionally, inter-island vessels provide sea transportation from Luzon, Cebu, and Mindanao to Leyte's major ports, including San Isidro, Allen, Naval, Bato, Baybay City, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Maasin City, Hilongos, Ormoc City, and Palompon. Finally, you can use public or private land transportation from Luzon or Mindanao to reach Leyte via the Maharlika Highway/Asian Highway, using the RO-RO ports in Allen San Isidro in Northern Samar and the Liloan & San Ricardo ports in Southern Leyte. Vans, buses, haba-habal, pedicabs, traysikols, and boats are also available for local transportation within the region.
