ferries Surigao, Mindanao-Liloan, Leyte

which ferry company(s) ply this route and how often do they sail? As far as I understand it, its about five hours sail so a day sail would be fine, overnight and then bus in the morning.

my ultimate destination is Tacloban, is there any other port in southern Leyte I could use that might be a bit easier?

The name of the ferry is ,,Maharlika,, but since a few years they no longer use the port of Surigao, but the port of Lipata, a few kilometers west of Surigao, its indied 5 hours sailing, and the vessel departure in Lipata 4 a.m 7 a.m. 11a.m 2p.m and 8 p.m

yes welcome to Tacloban,
I am from the place and have done some touring around Biliran, Leyte and Samar.. feel free to ask me anything about Leyte and Samar :)