GETTING TO Eastern SAMAR Three airlines operate regularly from Manila to Tacloban City. PAL flies to Tacloban from Manila twice a daily. Buses ply the Manila-Maharlika-Highway route passing Eastern Visayas. Fast ferries and ships facilitate inter-island travel from Cebu, Manila, and other ports of call. Available types of land transportation are cars, vans, jeepneys, tricycles, and buses.
Calicoan island is readily accessible by land, sea and air. Chartered flights can land in Guiuan's airport, a 5 minute drive from Calicoan. The nearby regional capital of Tacloban is only two to three hours away. Several buses and vans on regular schedules shuttle passengers to Guiuan via a scenic two-lane coastal highway which runs past mountains, steep cliffs, distant rock islands and boat-filled bays. Tacloban is regularly serviced by scheduled flights from Manila. Alternatively, several bus companies have daily trips to Guiuan from Manila. Travel time is approximately twenty-one hours.
Calicoan Island is envisioned to become the surfing capital and a top tourist destination in Eastern Visayas.
BY AIR Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific both have scheduled flights from Manila to Tacloban City. The flight time is approximately 70 minutes and a single ticket should cost approximately P2,900 but lookout for frequent special promotional prices. You can continue your travels to Eastern Samar by Bus or Van.
BY LAND Eagle Star and SilverStar all operate aircon and/or ordinary buses from Manila to Borongan and Guiuan, whilst local companies operate buses and vans between Tacloban and Borongan, Guiuan & Ormoc (Western Leyte). Both van operators offer a door-to-door pickup and drop-off service. See below for contact details of the major bus and van operators.
Eagle Star and Silverstar journey details from Manila to Borongan & Guiuan. See the tables below for journey details, every bus takes passengers for both Borongan and Guiuan. The indicated price includes the ferry from Matnog (Sorsogon, Luzon) to Allen (Northern Samar). Eagle Star offer Students and Senior Citizens on production of valid ID, a 20% reduction on the quoted price. The journey time to Borongan is approx. 24 hrs, depending on the ferry connection, add another 3.5 hrs for arrival time in Guiuan.
BY SEAEntry into Eastern Samar is via the island of Leyte. Several companies operate from Ormoc, Western Leyte. The most popular route is documented below but more detailed information can be obtained by visiting the Southern Leyte Provincial Site at:
http://www.southernleyte.com/tourism/quickfacts.htmFrom Cebu City, Cebu:
Cebu Ferries (5 hrs), SuperCat (2 hrs) both operate daily services between Cebu City (Cebu Island) and Ormoc (Western Leyte). You can continue your travels to Eastern Samar by bus or van via Tacloban.
From Lilo-an, Southern Leyte:
Operators do run several ferries daily, between Surigao, Mindanao and Lilo-an, Southern Leyte. You can continue your travels to Eastern Samar by bus or van via Tacloban.
Eastern SAMAR HISTORY The
Province of Eastern Samar was created by Republic Act. No. 4221 approved by Congress on June 19, 1965. It divided the whole island of Samar into three independent provinces: Northern Samar, Western Samar (subsequently renamed Samar), and Eastern Samar. The eastern province was to be composed of 23 municipalities, with Borongan as the capital. The first set of officials were elected in 1967.
Eastern Samar played important roles in the country’s history. On March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil in the island of Homonhon, on his way to rediscover the Philippines for the western world.
An American garrison occupation troops was annihilated by the townspeople of Balangiga on September 28, 1901. Now known in history as the “Balangiga Massacre,” the accident triggered a wave of reprisals against the people of the whole island of Samar.
On October 17, 1944, rangers of the U.S. Army landed on the tiny island of Suluan Guiuan and had their first encounter of the Philippine territory three days before General Douglas MacArthur landed on the beaches of Leyte.
Earliest known chronicles reveal that further contact with western civilization, aside from the Magellan landing, occurred as early as 1596 when Jesuit missionaries worked their way from the western coast of the island of Samar and established mission centers in what is now the Eastern Samar territory. It is most probable that the populated existing settlements were created pueblos shortly after this time. The eastern part of the island was known as “ibabao” and distinct from Samar, which was the name of the western part. It was Magellan who named the place where he landed as Homonhon.
Guiuan is widely known for two significant events in history 423 years apart. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil in Homonhon on his way to discover the Philippines for the Western World. In 1944, the American Forces landed on the island of Suluan where they fought their first battle in the Philippine territory three days before Gen. Mac Arthur stormed the beaches of Leyte.
The name of the town originated from its geographical location. The first settlers named the town “Guibang” when they discovered a sharp break in the mountain range (Tenigbang – partly chiseled off) which screens the town from the Pacific Ocean in the East. Subsequently, settlers modified its name to Guiuan.
The occurrence of World War II shook the town and people moved to the mountains to find comfort. In June 28, 1943, several Japanese soldiers set foot on Guiuan soil. Not as fearful and brutal as they were thought of by the local populace, a cordial relation soon existed between the conquered and the conquerors. Evacuees came down from the mountains and resumed a normal urban life.
Except for a few killings of suspected traitors by both Japanese and guerillas, not a drop of blood was shed needlessly. This made Guiuan one of the few places in the islands where World War II did not leave so many tragic memories.
The first sign of liberation of the town came on November 27, 1944 when a US Navy submarine chaser steamed the harbor for reconnaissance duty. On December 1, 1944 a fleet of LCTs, Liberty ships and barges poured into the Guiuan Bay to unload machines that was to transform Guiuan into one of the biggest Naval Base in the Far East that time.
Many years after the American Liberation, Guiuan has slowly progressed from a sleepy town to a bustling municipality.
On November 10, 1978, Proclamation No. 1801 was issued declaring Guiuan, Eastern Samar as a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).
SIGHTSEEING IN EASTERN SAMAREastern Samar Is Famous For:
Homonhon Island
The tiny island of Homonhon was where Ferdinand Magellan and his men first set foot on Philippine soil on March 16, 1521, on their way to conquer the country for the West. Viewing of the historic Magellan plaque/marker is available in the area, which is located southeast of Guiuan, 60 nautical miles from Tacloban City.
Sohotan Cave
The large cave characterized by a natural rock formation was where the old folks used to hide during the Pulahan days. Land travel to Sohotan Cave takes about 5 to 10 minutes via the exotic jeepney or tricycle from Borongan town proper.
Navy 3149 Base
The site had been the base of the American soldiers of WWII as well as the famed Enola Gay, the B-52 Bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on August 7, 1945 in Hiroshima, Japan. Located in Ngolos, 23 km. from the town proper of Guiuan, Navy 3149 commands a view of the Pacific Ocean.
Kantican Island / Pearl Island
Located in the town of Guiuan, the pearl culture farm is a haven of rich marine life such as lobsters, shells, fishes, abalones, and corals. Kantican Island is endowed with clear blue waters and an immaculately white coral beach, making it the perfect site for scuba diving, fishing, and swimming.
Hamorawon Spring
Situated right at the heart of the town of Borongan, Hamorawon is a natural spring believed to be miraculous. Boronganon legend has it that whoever takes a bath in this cool spring, especially those who come from foreign lands, will surely return home with a Boronganon wife. Around the spring is a Spanish-built stone wall.
Calbiga Whitewater River
Samar is one of the least developed islands in the country, and the Calbiga River runs through kilometers of rugged hills carpeted with dense jungle. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are available through the Leyte Park Hotel in Tacloban., Leyte, which has rafts, double kayaks and single kayaks available for hire.
The 18km navigable section of the river contains 70 rapids, with more than 100 drops ranging from 2m to 5m. Most of the run is grade 2 and 3, but some areas reach grade 4 in high water.
ADVENTURES IN EASTERN SAMARThings to Do and see in Eastern Samar...
Historical Homonhon Island
Located southeast of Guiuan, 60 nautical miles from Tacloban City. Tiny island where Ferdinand Magellan and his men first set foot on Philippine soil on March 16, 1521; viewing of the historic Magellan plaque/marker.
Suluan Island
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The first Filipinos who made contact with Magellan lived here; has sandy beaches.
Tubabau Island
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Where the White Russians’ IRO (International Refugee Organization) stayed immediately after World War II.
Navy 3149 Base
Located in Ngolos, 23 km. from the town proper of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Base of the American soldiers of WWII; commands a view of the Pacific Ocean. Base of the “Enola Gay” (B-52 Bomber) which dropped the first atomic bomb on August 7, 1945 in Hiroshima, Japan.
Guiuan World War II Operating Base
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It has a three-kilometer runaway that could service even jet-propelled planes; constructed by WWII US Navy in 1944. During the Liberation of the Philippines, it was the airstrip of war planes; good picnic area.
Santiago Monument
Located in front of the Borongan Cathedral. Uprooted from where it has stood in its equestrian dignity for centuries.
Religious Guiuan Church
The 16th-century Church of the Immaculate Conception is preserved intact, including its hand carved altars, doors and old santos.
Man-Made Barawalte
Located in Borongan, Eastern Samar, along the seaside boulevard facing the east. A watchover during the Spanish regime to guard against the intruding Moros.
Divinubo Lighthouse
Located in Divinubo Islands, which could be reached from Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan. A beautiful lighthouse atop the mountain of Divinubo, which was constructed by the American engineers in 1906. It was originally a gas-operated facility but now it is electrically lighted and is enclosed in thick glass. It beams a bright light every 15 seconds. It serves to locate and guide the position of international and inter-island ships passing the treacherous Pacific Ocean.
Festivals Homonhon Landing
(March 16; Homonhon, Eastern Samar). Reenactment of the discovery of the Philippines by Magellan.
Padul-ong
(September 7; Borongan, Eastern Samar). Padul-ong relates how the lady of Nativity became the Patroness of Borongan.
Balangiga Incident
(September 28; Balangiga, Eastern Samar). The 1901 Philippine-American encounter is commemorated through a pageant as a reminder of the Filipinos quest for freedom.
Natural Sulangan Beach
Located 24 km. from the town proper of Guiuan. Habitat of the world-famous “Golden Cowrie”; ideal site for deep fishing , scuba diving; multi-colored school of fishes is a common sight.
Kantikan Island (Pearl Island)
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is a pearl culture farm; haven of rich marine life such as lobsters, shells, fishes, abalones, corals; clear blue waters and immaculately white coral beach; perfect site for scuba diving, fishing, and swimming.
Sapao Beach
Located 14 km. from Guiuan town proper. Beautiful beach with white sand and shells of various kinds and colors; view of the Pacific Ocean; ideal for swimming.
Santa Monica Caves
Located in Borongan, Eastern Samar. Has a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean; excellent place for fishing, scuba diving, surfing, swimming.
Menasnge Park
Located in Maydolong, Eastern Samar. Magnificent natural rock formation made more beautiful by the Maydolong landscape aficionados.
Church of the Immaculate
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. A 16th century church with its entire structure still preserved, including old relics of “santos” and handcarved altars and doors.
Guintagican Beach
Located in Barangay Santa Maria in the town of Borongan. A 2-kilometer long beautiful white beach ideal for surfing and swimming.
Divinuvo Island
A 3-sq. kilometer island in Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan. It has crystal-clear water, white beach, swaying palm trees, multi-colored fishes and corals beneath; best suited for scuba diving and swimming.
Hamorawon Spring
Located at the heart of the town of Borongan. A natural spring said to be miraculous. Boronganon legend has it that whoever takes a bath in this cool spring, especially those who come from foreign lands, will surely go home with a Boronganon wife. Around the spring is a Spanish-built stone wall.
San Julian Beach
Located 17 km. north of Borongan. Beautiful white beach with swaying palm trees. Just a few meters away from the beach lies a small lake with fresh water.
Mercedes Beach
Located in Brgy. Bus-Bua, 2 km. north of Guiuan. A clean white beach considered as a tourist haven. It offers a lot of excitement as you go paddling through its crystal-clear blue waters.
Canhugas Beach
Located in Hernani, Eastern Samar. This beach is legendary. It has a 200-meter foot bridge from the reef to the sea said to be built by a giant. There is also a rock formation that looks like man-made steps, and the waves slamming on it flow down through the steps resembling a waterfall.
Lawa-an Islet
It is rather amusing that this small island with an area of 200 sq. meters has calm waters despite the fact that it is facing the Pacific Ocean. It also has beautiful beaches excellent for swimming.
Binaloan Rapids
Located between Brgy. San Rafael and Brgy. Binaloan at Taft, Eastern Samar. Can be reached by public transport, 63 km. from Borongan. It is a beautiful rapids which is visible along the highway.
Sangat of Ando
A 45-minute travel by motorboat from Borongan town proper. Features a large cave with cathedral-like interior filled with relics and rock formations.
Ganap Cave
Located in Barangay Cagbonga which is about 13 km. northwest of Borongan townproper. With beautiful spring; stalactites and stalagmites of various colors and sizes.
Locso-on Cave
Located in Barangay Locso-on, about 8.5 kilometers south of Borongan. A beautiful cave full of stories and legends. Old folks would swear that many strangers get lost in this cave when they go deep into the hinterlands of Suribao River.
Sohotan Cave
Located about 5 to 10 minutes by jeepney or tricycle from Borongan town proper. A large cave with natural rock formation where old folks used to hide during the Pulahan days.
Black Sand Beaches of Cabong
Located about 4 km. south of Borongan. A rich fishing ground and good place for swimming, skiing, snorkeling, and just plain lazing amidst palms trees and sunrise.
Bihid Falls
Located between the municipalities of Calbiga and Borongan, Eastern Samar. A potential source of hydroelectric power.
Springs of Borongan
The springs of Borongan are Capinian, Kalugtugan, Gaanap, Can-apong, Maybito, Sunog, Bito, Masacpasac.
SURFINGSamar has an idyllic tropical background for the surf adventurer. There are no real details in surf magazines as to where the surf areas are, and this is a place for the true surfer to explore. Many of the breaks on Eastern Samar have been surfed by but a few, real enthusiasts. Some have most likely never been surfed before.
However, with time and effort you could be well rewarded with one of many locations in this area of secret surfing paradise. You would be best advised to start your quest around Borongan and linger there, and then head off north, or south.
The season for the best waves is generally September through to March, with the bigger swells arriving later in that period.
Calicoan Island boasts of miles of white sand beaches. With powerful swells rolling in from the Pacific over the 10,000 meters Philippine Deep, Calicoan is a surfer's paradise. The season for the best waves is generally from October to March.
The people of Samar are extremely friendly. The scenery is a tropical delight, which when combined with some classic un-crowded surf makes this an ideal place to visit and explore.
pasikat,bato,tagitisan,shitty beach, abcd, mameng's, stichess, borongan beaches surf spots!
