Samar Island Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Samar Island with this helpful guide featuring top attractions, accommodations, and tips for safety and health.


Introduction to Samar Island

Samar Island is a hidden gem located in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the third-largest island in the country, featuring stunning natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. The island is divided into three provinces: Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. Each province has its charm, offering something unique to visitors. Samar Island is relatively undiscovered, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path.

List of Places to Visit in Samar Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Samar Island has a rich cultural history that is exhibited by several museums and historical places. Here are a few must-visit sites:

  • Samar Archaeological Museum - Located in Catbalogan City, this museum showcases the island’s pre-colonial artifacts.
  • Leyte-Samar Heritage Center - Located in Tacloban City, this museum exhibits the history and culture of Samar and Leyte provinces.
  • Bangon Falls - This waterfall is considered historically significant because it served as a hiding place for the locals during World War II.

Natural Attractions of Samar Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Samar Island is home to numerous natural landscapes that offer breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Here are a few must-visit sites:

  • Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park - This park is known for its stunning karst formations and natural pools.
  • San Juanico Bridge - The longest bridge in the Philippines, spanning over 2 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of San Juanico Strait.
  • Calbiga Cave System - Located in Calbiga, this cave system boasts impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Samar Island

Samar Island offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some popular hiking/biking routes:

  • Mount Huraw - Located in Calbayog City, it’s the highest point on the island. It takes around 3 hours to hike to the summit.
  • Samar Island Circuit - This is a 360km loop that passes through scenic landscapes and charming villages. It takes about a week to complete the circuit.
  • Lulugayan Falls - This trail leads to three beautiful waterfalls, located in the municipality of Calbiga.

Best Things to Do in Samar Island: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor adventures, Samar Island offers various activities and tours. Here are a few popular ones:

  • Island Hopping Tour - Take a boat tour around the island and explore its hidden gems.
  • Surfing in Calicoan Island - The island is known for its world-class waves, attracting surfers from all around the world.
  • Beach Bumming - Samar Island has several pristine beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun.

Week-Long Itinerary for Samar Island

Day 1: Visit the Samar Archaeological Museum and Bangon Falls.

Day 2: Explore Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park.

Day 3: Hike to Mount Huraw.

Day 4: Take an island hopping tour and visit four islands.

Day 5: Go surfing in Calicoan Island.

Day 6: Visit Lulugayan Falls.

Day 7: Relax on one of the island’s stunning beaches.

Food and Drink Scene of Samar Island

Must-Try Dishes

Samar Island’s cuisine is a fusion of various influences, including Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Binagol - A sweet dessert made of mashed taro and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves.
  • Sarsa or Adobo ng Visayas - This is a local version of the national dish, Adobo.
  • Tinu-om - Chicken or pork wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with coconut milk and ginger.

Local Beverages

  • Tuba - A local alcoholic drink made from coconut sap.
  • Barako Coffee - A type of coffee produced in the region, known for its strength.

Where to Stay in Samar Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Samar Island has various accommodation options to suit every budget and lifestyle. Here are some popular options:

  • Samar Island Inn - Located in Catbalogan City, it’s an excellent option for budget travelers.
  • Caluwayan Palm Island Resort - Located in Marabut, it offers luxurious villas and stunning beach views.
  • Makabata Guesthouse - Located in Calbayog City, it’s an excellent option for travelers seeking a homey atmosphere.

What to Buy in Samar Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Banig - A type of traditional mat woven from pandan leaves, used for various purposes such as sleeping and picnic mats.
  • Tinagak - A local delicacy made from glutinous rice and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves.
  • Handwoven Clothes - Samar is famous for its handwoven clothes, such as the piña cloth made from pineapple fibers.

Local Culture and Customs of Samar Island

Samar Island’s culture is a blend of various influences, including Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous cultures. The locals are warm and hospitable and take pride in their traditions. Here are some customs to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Respect for Elders - Samar Island’s culture places high value on respecting elders and their knowledge.
  • Celebrations - Locals celebrate various festivals throughout the year, with the Pagoda Festival being the most popular.
  • Religion - The majority of the island’s population is Roman Catholic, and religion plays an essential role in their daily lives.

Best Time to Visit Samar Island

The best time to visit Samar Island is from November to April when the weather is dry and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Samar Island

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Respect the customs and traditions of the locals.
  • Bring cash as there are few ATMs on the island.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public places.
  • Litter or damage the island’s natural landscapes.
  • Disrespect local beliefs and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Samar Island

Samar Island is generally safe for visitors, with low crime rates. However, it’s always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as not leaving your valuables unattended and avoiding isolated areas at night.

Health in Samar Island

Samar Island has several hospitals and medical facilities that provide basic medical care. However, visitors should take necessary precautions, such as being up-to-date on their vaccinations and bringing mosquito repellent as dengue fever is prevalent in the region.

Getting to Samar Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Samar Island

The island has two airports:

  • Calbayog Airport - Located in Calbayog City, it serves flights to Manila and Cebu.
  • Borongan Airport - Located in Borongan City, it serves flights to Manila and Cebu.

Bus Stations Near Samar Island

Visitors can take a bus from Manila to Samar Island. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, such as Philtranco and CUL Transport.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a ferry from Cebu to Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar Province.

How to Get Around in Samar Island

The most common mode of transportation in Samar Island is by jeepney, a local converted jeep that serves as a public transport system. Visitors can also rent a car or hire a motorcycle for a more flexible experience.

Where to Go Next from Samar Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore:

  • Biri Island - Located in Northern Samar, it’s known for its stunning rock formations.
  • Calbayog City - Known for its hot springs and beautiful beaches.
  • Tacloban City - The capital of Leyte Province, it’s known for its historical sites and landmarks.

Conclusion

Samar Island is a hidden gem in the Philippines, offering visitors a unique experience beyond the typical tourist destinations. The island’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it an excellent destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their trip to Samar Island with ease and make the most of their time on the island.



    Catbalogan
    Eastern Samar
    Marabut
    Northern Samar
    Samar Province