Catarman Travel Guide

Plan your trip with this ultimate travel guide to Catarman, Philippines. Learn about its cultural and natural attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Catarman

Catarman is a small yet charming town that is located in Northern Samar, in Samar Island, in Visayas, in the Philippines, in Southeast Asia, and in Asia. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic views, and outdoor adventures. Catarman is also a gateway to other attractions in the region, making it a great starting point for exploring Samar Island.

List of Places to Visit in Catarman

If you’re visiting Catarman, here are the top places you must visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church - Built in the early 1900s, this church is a great example of Spanish colonial architecture.
  • Northern Samar Provincial Museum - This museum showcases the history and culture of Northern Samar.
  • Old Capul Bridge - A historical bridge that connects the town of San Vicente to the nearby island of Capul.

Natural Attractions of Catarman: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sohoton Caves - A network of caves that are perfect for spelunking and underground river cruising.
  • Lulugayan Falls - A picturesque waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Mount Puloy - A challenging trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Catarman

Catarman has some of the most exciting hiking and biking routes in the region. Here are some of the best:

  • Mount Puloy Trail - A 4-hour trek to the summit of Mount Puloy.
  • Sohoton Caves Trail - A 2-hour hike to the entrance of the Sohoton Caves.
  • Catarman Coastal Trail - A scenic biking route that runs along the coast of Catarman.

Best Things to Do in Catarman: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things you can do in Catarman:

  • Island Hopping Tour - Visit nearby islands and explore their beaches and natural attractions.
  • Spelunking Tour - Explore the Sohoton Caves and its underground river system.
  • Food Tour - Sample the local cuisine and try traditional dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Catarman

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Catarman:

Day Activities
1 Arrive in Catarman, explore the town center
2 Trek to Mount Puloy
3 Go spelunking at the Sohoton Caves
4 Visit nearby islands for an island hopping tour
5 Relax and take a dip at Lulugayan Falls
6 Do a food tour and sample local dishes
7 Spend the day at the beach and enjoy the ocean views

Food and Drink Scene of Catarman

When in Catarman, make sure to try these must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Binagol - A sweet delicacy made of taro root, coconut milk, and sugar.
  • Tinuom - A hearty chicken and rice soup that is cooked inside a bamboo stalk.
  • Sinangkutsa na Manok - Chicken cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves.

Local Beverages

  • Tuba - A local alcoholic drink made from fermented coconut sap.
  • Barako Coffee - A strong and bold coffee that is known for its rich flavor.
  • Sampalok Juice - A refreshing drink made of tamarind fruit.

Where to Stay in Catarman: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the best accommodations in Catarman:

  • Celandine Island Resort - A luxurious resort that is located on an island.
  • Northern Samar National Comprehensive High School Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel that offers basic amenities.
  • Roro’s Guesthouse - A cozy guesthouse that offers clean rooms and a friendly staff.

What to Buy in Catarman: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Catarman, make sure to buy these souvenirs and local products:

  • Binagol - A pack of this local delicacy is a great souvenir or pasalubong.
  • Capiz Shells - Decorative items made of Capiz shells are popular in the region.
  • Buri Products - Buri bags, hats, and accessories are great souvenirs that are made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Catarman

Here are some of the local customs and traditions in Catarman:

  • Fiesta Celebrations - Catarman celebrates its annual fiesta in honor of its patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker, on May 1st.
  • Lingganay Festival - A festival that celebrates the town’s cultural heritage and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Catarman

The best time to visit Catarman is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. The weather during this season is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities and adventures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Catarman

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while in Catarman:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Keep the town clean and litter-free.
  • Try the local cuisine and traditional dishes.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Leave trash behind when exploring natural attractions.
  • Insult or disrespect the locals.

Safety and Health

Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind while in Catarman:

Safety in Catarman

  • Leave your valuables in your hotel room and avoid carrying large sums of money and flashy jewelry.
  • Always have a copy of your passport and important documents with you.
  • Be cautious when exploring natural attractions and follow all safety precautions and guidelines.

Health in Catarman

  • Make sure to drink only bottled or filtered water.
  • Apply insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
  • Consult your doctor before traveling and get the necessary vaccinations and medications.

Getting to Catarman: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Catarman is fairly easy. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Catarman

  • Catarman National Airport - The closest airport to Catarman.

Bus Stations Near Catarman

  • Catarman Central Bus Terminal - A major bus terminal that connects Catarman to other towns and cities in the region.

Other Options

  • Ferry Service - The nearest port is in Allen, Northern Samar.

How to Get Around in Catarman

Getting around Catarman is fairly easy. Here are some transportation options:

  • Tricycle - A popular mode of transportation in the town.
  • Habal-Habal - A motorcycle taxi that can take you to nearby attractions and destinations.
  • Bicycle Rental - Bicycles are available for rent at some accommodations in Catarman.

Where to Go Next from Catarman: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Catarman is a great starting point for exploring Samar Island and the surrounding regions. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Capul Island - A nearby island that is known for its lighthouse and historical sites.
  • Samar Island Natural Park - A vast nature reserve that is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
  • Biri Island - A scenic island that is known for its unique rock formations.

Conclusion

Catarman may be a small town, but it offers so much for travelers who want to experience the rich culture, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures of the region. With this travel guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Catarman.

Northern Samar Provincial Capitol Northern Samar Provincial Capitol Catarman Cathedral Catarman Cathedral