San Juanico Bridge — Attraction in Samar

10 Facts You Should Know about San Juanico Bridge in Samar and Leyte

It was once called Marcos Bridge because it was built under his administration. During the mid 1960’s President Ferdinand Marcos made the decision to erect the San Juanico Bridge (aka “Marcos Bridge”) over San Juanico Strait from Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City, Leyte, 10 KM away from the city proper (then Leyte Capital) to the Municipality of Sta. Rita, Western Samar, 96 KM from Catbalogan City (Samar Capital).

The said project was awarded to the Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines in 1968. It was in that very year too that they started to conduct a detailed survey, study and analysis with the help of some Japanese engineers. In August 1969, the actual construction began and the Bridge was completed in December 1972.

It was also dubbed “The Bridge of Love”.As the late Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos dedicated it to his wife, Imelda who was known as the “Rose of Tacloban“. It served as a birthday gift and testimonial of his love for her. The groundbreaking ceremony was done during the then first lady and now Ilocos Norte’s Representative Imelda Marcos’ birthday. Pres. Marcos even called it as his most important gift to his wife.

It’s part of the Maharlika Highway. San Juanico Bridge was constructed as part of the Pan-Philippine Highway (commonly known as the Maharlika Highway), a network of roads, bridges, and sea routes that connect the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao in the country. The highway was proposed in 1965, and constructed under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos to serve as the country’s backbone of transportation.

The Pan-Philippine Highway was also designated as Asian Highway (AH-26) under the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network, a treaty took effect on July 4, 2005 to provide a framework for coordinated development of the international highways in Asia. Have you seen the sign AH-26 along our highway lately? Now you know what it means.

It shows my initials (L&S). If you look at the bridge from aerial or bird’s eye view, you can make out a shape of the letter “L” on the part near Leyte and “S” on the part going to Samar Province.

The $21.9 million worth of bridge was completed within four years of construction. This length of construction of this mega structure is way shorter compared to still unfinished roads in Samar.

It crosses the narrowest strait in the Philippines. San Juanico strait, which connects the islands of Samar and Leyte, is the narrowest strait in the Philippines with only two kilometers (2,000 meters) wide at its narrowest point. It is also said to be the narrowest in the world. However, Bosphorus strait, a strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia, is less than 800 meters wide at its narrowest point.

It is still considered the longest bridge in the Philippines. Although the Candaba Via duct in the province of Pampanga is longer, it’s not generally accepted because the latter is a land bridge crossing only a few streams and ponds.

A brave action star jumped off San Juanico Bridge in 1981. Directed by Carlo J. Caparas, Hari ng Stunt, shoot the most daring stunt done by Dante Varona to prove that he was the king of stunts in the Philippines.

The bridge remains strong and operational even after the rampage of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. Despite of the damages it incurred during the plight of super typhoon Yolanda, it still served as the primary means of the people from Samar who wanted to check on their relatives in Tacloban City.

P30, 000 to P35, 000 worth of bronze electrical wiring of the bridge were stolen from the bridge and reported missing in February 17, 2014. The bridge remained dark for a few nights after the incident, now the lights are back but the case remains unsolved (source:...

🌉 San Juanico Bridge

📍 Connects Tacloban City, Leyte & Santa Rita, Samar, Philippines

✨ Known as the longest bridge in the Philippines, San Juanico Bridge stretches 2.16 kilometers across the San Juanico Strait, linking the islands of Leyte and Samar. Its iconic arch-shaped design and scenic views make it one of the country’s most photographed landmarks. A true engineering marvel, it’s also called the “Bridge of Love,” as it was said to be a gift of former President Ferdinand Marcos to First Lady Imelda Marcos, who hails from Leyte. 💕

🌟 What to See & Do

🚶 Walk Across the Bridge – Feel the thrill of crossing the country’s longest bridge.

📸 Photography Spot – Capture stunning views of the San Juanico Strait, sunrise, and sunset.

🌊 Boat Tours – Some locals offer boat rides under the bridge for a unique perspective.

💡 Light Show at Night – The bridge glows with colorful LED lights, giving it a magical vibe.

🅿️ Parking Area

🚗 Parking is available near both ends of the bridge, but space is limited. Visitors usually park nearby and walk part of the bridge.

🌟 What to Expect

Breathtaking panoramic views of the San Juanico Strait 🌅

A romantic and iconic landmark for couples 💑

Cool sea breeze perfect for sightseeing 🌬️

A must-visit stop when touring Leyte and Samar

San Juanico Bridge is not just a structure—it’s a symbol of connection, love, and progress. Whether you’re there for the history, the view, or the thrill of crossing the Philippines’ longest bridge, it’s an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting Eastern Visayas.

#SanJuanicoBridge #Leyte #Samar #EasternVisayas #PhilippinesTravel #BridgeOfLove #LongestBridgePH #TravelLeyte...

Currently holding the title as the longest bridge in the Philippines, the San Juanico Bridge is an iconic landmark not just in Leyte but in the entire Philippines. Seeing the structure for the very first time serves me goosebumps worth remembering.

The bridge is the most imposing structure on the area. On both ends lies the panoramic view of the islands of Samar and Leyte. You can actually come here for a quick stroll, jugging, or taking pictures.

If you are standing in the Leyte side of the bridge, you can see the bridge looks like an "S" for Samar, while looking at the bridge on the opposite side it would look like an "L" for Leyte. Below the bridge you'll see small islets and whirlpools... yup "whirlpools!"

Tip#1: When I went there, me and my companions chartered a tricycle from Tacloban proper to Samar back and forth for P300. We just told the driver to fetch us after 30 mins. Its not the cheapest option but probably the easiest. You can divide the P300 if you are many, and the vehicle can carry up to three passengers so this option works best when you are on groups.

Tip#2: If you try to cross the bridge on foot for the very first time you'll notice a strong earthquake like shake everytime a huge truck pass by. Don't worry! The bridge is not falling. It's how the bridge works as it is designed to bounce in events of earthquake; thats why it shakes so much.

Tip#3: Be careful. Specially if you take pictures. There aren't any guards in the area and its not really a place for casual tourist. When you're taking pictures, be careful of...