Samar travel and tourist guide
Few tourists make it as far as Samar
Samar is a popular Philippine province located in the region of eastern Visayas. Its land area spans more than 6,000 square kilometres and it consists of two major cities and 24 municipalities, with the capital being Catbalogan City. Explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos arrived in Samar on 1543 and called it Las Islas Filipinas. Back in the time of Spanish colonisation, Samar belonged to Cebu. It was also united with Leyte and Carigara, but in 1768 became a separate province once more. Today, Samar is an attractive and unspoilt province with a wealth of heritage and culture.
Scenic views and the warm, tropical climate of Samar are enjoyed by most visitors to the province. In general, people visit the area to explore unspoilt wilderness areas, enjoy water sports or simply to relax whilst surrounded by the naturally beautiful environment. People also come to Samar to witness or participate in famous festivals such as Pasidungog, Parayan Harvest Festival and the Kadayaw Festival.
Below is an introduction to the island but visit 1stopPhilippines for our comprehensive Samar travel guide.
Visiting Samar from Boracay
The people of Samar are generally friendly people and they speak in their native tongue, which is Samarnon-Wara-Waray. Their language is also referred to as Samar-Leyte Visayan, Samarnon or Waraynon, but in municipalities like Santo Nino and Almagro people speak in Cebuano.
Catbalogan City is the main educational, financial, political, commercial and trading centre of Samar and it also serves as the major seaport for inter-island ships. Its central location on eastern Visayas makes it a convenient starting point for trips to other Samar provinces. The city boasts a range of shopping and dining establishments catered to both locals and tourists alike. More on Samar restaurants and bars.
Visitors can come to Catbalogan City any day of the year, but if the purpose for visit is to enjoy outdoor activities or to explore a beach, summer is the right season from April to July. In general, Samar's climate does not have distinctive seasons because rainfall is balanced throughout the year, which contributes to the growth of its rainforests.
Samar has a wealth of natural attractions, which make outdoor activities the top priority of most of its visitors. The Sohoton Cave in eastern Samar is among the top destinations in the province because it offers a relaxed and safe venue for activities like rock climbing, hiking and trekking. Locals also appreciate the cave for its historical value when it served as shelter for native people during ancient times.
Travel tip
Samar also features a range of places where you can enjoy modern shopping options. The best places to visit include the Wilsam Uptown Mall in Eastern Samar but be sure to consider visiting souvenir and speciality stores such as Wayang Wayang Souvenir Shop and Delzas Native Products.
Samar is noted for some odd seascapes
For activities like kayaking and water rafting, Calbiga Whitewater River is an ideal place to visit. The river spans 18 kilometres long and is surrounded by a lush green forest. Local residents and tourist guides offer more outdoor activities in that area. More on Samar attractions.
For history buffs, Homonhon Island is the place to visit because it is where Ferdinand Magellan first landed upon discovering the Philippines. The island may not be as attractive or inviting compared to other tourist attractions of Samar, but it still has important cultural value for locals.
The Wilsam Uptown Mall is Samar's largest shopping centre and is home to many food stalls plus retail establishments and services. If you are in Catbalogan City, Catbalogan Centro is the place to go shopping for affordable apparel and merchandise, and it is also home to food stalls selling tasty snacks and beverages. For native products, Delzas Native products is on Basey, Samar at San Fernando Street and it sells tikog handicrafts ranging from household décor to footwear.
Where to stay in Samar
Not many options for accommodation in Samar exist because it still lacks the reputation as a major tourist attraction in the Philippines. While your options are limited, there are lodging options available strategically located near the main attractions at affordable prices and complete with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. There is no need to rush when booking because the hotels and resorts are readily available at any season. More on Samar hotels.
Sohoton National Park Guesthouse & Club Tara Resort
Sohoton National Park is among Samar's top destinations and it has its own tropical-style guesthouse for visitors who wish to stay. It consists of five rooms and each can accommodate three persons. Meanwhile, for more Western comforts, Club Tara Resort offers lodging for tourists with a taste for high-end accommodation. About US$20 per night for Sohoton National Park Guesthouse. (Club Tara Resort, Tel: +63 (0)91 7328 2448)
Caluwayan Palm Island Resort
An eco-tourism themed resort perfect for nature lovers with a relaxing ambiance overlooking the surrounding islands. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking. US$40. (Marabut, Samar. Tel: +63 (0)5 5276 5206)
Jasmin Beach Resort
A Mediterranean-style accommodation offering good views of the beach with reasonably priced amenities and food. Water sports and other outdoor activities like basketball and beach volleyball are also offered. US$48. (Barangay Amambucale. Tel: +63 (0)53 276 5232)
Rolet Hotel
Overlooking the mountains, this hotel is located in the capital of Samar and it prides itself with a friendly and amiable staff. Php 650. (Catbalogan City, Samar. Tel: +63 (0)5 5251 5512)
Getting to Samar
Coming from Manila, there is a range of transportation options which can help the traveller get to Samar. No direct flights are available so the best way to get there by air is flying to Cebu or Tacloban. Travel time is about an hour and thirty minutes to Tacloban City and when you get there, you can rely on a jeep, bus or an air-conditioned van to take you to the San Juanico Bridge, which leads to Samar. Alternatively, you can ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay in Manila to Sorsogon's Matnog island where a ferry will be waiting to take you the Samar terminal. More on Samar transportation.
