OP Hill and Breakneck Ridge - Capoocan Leyte


This eye-catching grassy hill is more appealing when you pass the Leyte-Lemon-Tacloban national highway. The hill is situated within the boundary between barangay Belen, barangay Limon and barangay Cabul-an


The place is a wonderful destination with 360° breathtaking views and landscapes. Here, you’ll get a chance to see the Carigara Bay, the Biliran island, nearby towns, the winding Leyte river, and the imposing Amandiwing mountain range.


To reach the site, Look for a local guide in sitio Marag-ing and hike uphill for about 30 minutes. Mostly the trail is covered with cogon grasses, so you must wear appropriate clothes to protect you from grass cuts. And also don't forget to bring enough water with you.


OP hill is a part of the historical Breakneck Ridge that was just separated by the national highway. This hill was once used as a vantage point by the Japanese soldiers during the World War 2 hence the American forces called the place as Observation Post or OP hill when they seized the knoll in November 5, 1944.* 

Located to the south of OP hill, and 1000 meters across the road is the historical Breakneck Ridge. Nicknamed by US forces because they are aware that a big concentration of the Japanese army lies here and that any hasty attempt to take the ridge would be suicide. 


Breakneck Ridge was defended by the Japanese Army during late 1944. The bloodiest 8-day battle between the two forces happened here that resulted with 2,800 deaths and almost ten thousand is wounded.



Like the OP hill and Breakneck Ridge, there are many mountains in Leyte that not just rich in biodiversity but also in history. Not only the beauty of the mountains will amazed you, but you'll also gain insight into its historical occurrences.


When you visit here, don't forget to get a local guide, be a responsible visitor, respect locals, and don't leave your trash anywhere.

Watch the video here:


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