Travelling Sambawan Island in Biliran Province

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

With its sand, size, and clear waters, Sambawan island is probably Biliran’s prime spot for travellers.

To get to Sambawan, make your way to Brgy Ol-Og through the Brian Claire boat from Naval that leaves 10:00AM (or a little earlier depending on the number of passengers). Fare is P60 inclusive of a complimentary service to the town proper (and passing through brgy Ol-Og which is the jump off to the island).

From Ol Og, it will be a 15-20 minute boat ride to the island. Fare for Boat from Barangay Ol-Og to Sambawan is P500 for return trip. In case you are travelling alone, you may want to wait in the brgy for other passengers so you have a group to share your boat cost with. 

In my case, i met some volunteer travellers coming from All hands in Tacloban. 

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

3 volunteer travellers to All Hands in Tacloban whom I met in Brgy Ol-og, Maripipi, Biliran

Entrance fee is now (may 2015) P100 per head plus P25 per boat.

port in Naval, Biliran

There are open cottages for P500 and closed bungalows with beddings for P2500. Water for rinsing (fetched from maripipi) is payable at P25 per container. Bring your food as none available in the island except for canned or eggs at prices 5x the market price (coffee at P25. Eggs at P25). No alcohol or cigarettes sold in the island.

Electricity, at least for light, is available at night. You can charge your gadgets at the barracks for P10 per device, or if you are renting one of their cottages, you may want to bring one of these extensions that you put on the bulb to get additional sockets for other pluggables.

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Diving is offered, though there don’t seems to be much around. Plus, a volunteer expat is still mapping out the dive sites, though he mentions there are some shark apparitions in the vicinity.

They offer mask rental for P150 per set, though snorkelling is not really a fancy. There don’t seem to be much around. In case you want to check out a reef, the backside of the island is a better snorkelling site. Do it in the morning when the backside is flat with wave.

The waves are strong at some point, normally on the beach side in the morning, then moving on to the rocky backside from the afternoon. At the time of my visit, looking for a quiet spot to think life through J, i walked onto the backside and spotted a lot of phlanktons. They would be a delight at night, so check them out before saying good night.

In case you plan to walk the island, do it with slippers. The ground could get so hot, and I mean hot, during sun up. We got caught up by noontime walking to one end of the island, such that I had to make a makeshift slipper to not burn my sole with the heat of the ground. 

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

walking towards the end of Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

With its sand, size, and clear waters, Sambawan island is probably Biliran’s prime spot for travellers.

To get to Sambawan, make your way to Brgy Ol-Og through the Brian Claire boat from Naval that leaves 10:00AM (or a little earlier depending on the number of passengers). Fare is P60 inclusive of a complimentary service to the town proper (and passing through brgy Ol-Og which is the jump off to the island).

From Ol Og, it will be a 15-20 minute boat ride to the island. Fare for Boat from Barangay Ol-Og to Sambawan is P500 for return trip. In case you are travelling alone, you may want to wait in the brgy for other passengers so you have a group to share your boat cost with. 

In my case, i met some volunteer travellers coming from All hands in Tacloban. 

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

3 volunteer travellers to All Hands in Tacloban whom I met in Brgy Ol-og, Maripipi, Biliran

Entrance fee is now (may 2015) P100 per head plus P25 per boat.

port in Naval, Biliran

There are open cottages for P500 and closed bungalows with beddings for P2500. Water for rinsing (fetched from maripipi) is payable at P25 per container. Bring your food as none available in the island except for canned or eggs at prices 5x the market price (coffee at P25. Eggs at P25). No alcohol or cigarettes sold in the island.

Electricity, at least for light, is available at night. You can charge your gadgets at the barracks for P10 per device, or if you are renting one of their cottages, you may want to bring one of these extensions that you put on the bulb to get additional sockets for other pluggables.

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Diving is offered, though there don’t seems to be much around. Plus, a volunteer expat is still mapping out the dive sites, though he mentions there are some shark apparitions in the vicinity.

They offer mask rental for P150 per set, though snorkelling is not really a fancy. There don’t seem to be much around. In case you want to check out a reef, the backside of the island is a better snorkelling site. Do it in the morning when the backside is flat with wave.

The waves are strong at some point, normally on the beach side in the morning, then moving on to the rocky backside from the afternoon. At the time of my visit, looking for a quiet spot to think life through J, i walked onto the backside and spotted a lot of phlanktons. They would be a delight at night, so check them out before saying good night.

In case you plan to walk the island, do it with slippers. The ground could get so hot, and I mean hot, during sun up. We got caught up by noontime walking to one end of the island, such that I had to make a makeshift slipper to not burn my sole with the heat of the ground. 

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

Sambawan island in Maripipi, Biliran

walking towards the end of Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran

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Budget Accomodation: 3RJ&Y Pension House: in San Jose, Dinagat Islands,

Below are pictures of 3RJ&Y Pension House in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. They are about 2 mins walk from the pier. 

Room starts at P200 for a single fan; A little warm though during daylight. Toilets are also shared. 

It is an old house, reworked for a pension house. 2 sets of toilet. 1 on the ground and another on the 3rd floor. Rooms are all on the 2nd and 3rd. There is also a wifi signal from the nearby internet cafe. The internet cafe allows wifi connection for P10/hour. If you connect though, you will have unlimited connection as the password is saved on your PC/Mobile. 

Contact 0920 679 7503

Also on the pier, nearby that is, is another guesthouse. I just forgot the name but it's right next to the sea; Hence, much cooler breeze. 

Follow @cheapbedsph for Philippine Accomodations below P400. 

Below are pictures of 3RJ&Y Pension House in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. They are about 2 mins walk from the pier. 

Room starts at P200 for a single fan; A little warm though during daylight. Toilets are also shared. 

It is an old house, reworked for a pension house. 2 sets of toilet. 1 on the ground and another on the 3rd floor. Rooms are all on the 2nd and 3rd. There is also a wifi signal from the nearby internet cafe. The internet cafe allows wifi connection for P10/hour. If you connect though, you will have unlimited connection as the password is saved on your PC/Mobile. 

Contact 0920 679 7503

Also on the pier, nearby that is, is another guesthouse. I just forgot the name but it's right next to the sea; Hence, much cooler breeze. 

Follow @cheapbedsph for Philippine Accomodations below P400. 

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Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Kep, Cambodia

Where I stayed in Kep, Cambodia

The plan was actually to stay with a local family, but one of the host family's relative interfered, so I had to stay at a guesthouse.

Sinan, the supposed host family's son, drove me to the town to look for accomodation; I went for the cheapest one I found on the lonely planet book, which is Kukuluku Guesthouse for $5/night in their dorm.

The dorms beds weren't bunk, and were really wide enough to fit two. 

When I arrived, there were 2 other girls, from Switzerland who were checked in, and according to them, they negotiated for $3.50/person for two persons in one of the dorm beds.

Their dorm beds have mosquito nets, and the room is on the second floor of the building thats fronting the beach; Thus, it was quite cool in the dorm room.

They also have a desktop computer in the room for use by guests (only thing is in french, so if you don't understand french, you'll have to rely on your recall of the positions of the proper buttons to click on).

They also have a mini pool in the vicinity, billiards, and a gazebo right next to the shore.

Then again, Kep is not really a swimming beach, so shore don't really add so much value to your stay, except that exact feel of staying next to the beach.

For cheap food, there aren't much establishments in this province of Cambodia. The nearest local restaurant is probably a kilometer away, where you'd get fried rice for $2.00. There is a nearby store though that serves coffee for just $0.25.

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

Where I stayed in Kep, Cambodia

The plan was actually to stay with a local family, but one of the host family's relative interfered, so I had to stay at a guesthouse.

Sinan, the supposed host family's son, drove me to the town to look for accomodation; I went for the cheapest one I found on the lonely planet book, which is Kukuluku Guesthouse for $5/night in their dorm.

The dorms beds weren't bunk, and were really wide enough to fit two. 

When I arrived, there were 2 other girls, from Switzerland who were checked in, and according to them, they negotiated for $3.50/person for two persons in one of the dorm beds.

Their dorm beds have mosquito nets, and the room is on the second floor of the building thats fronting the beach; Thus, it was quite cool in the dorm room.

They also have a desktop computer in the room for use by guests (only thing is in french, so if you don't understand french, you'll have to rely on your recall of the positions of the proper buttons to click on).

They also have a mini pool in the vicinity, billiards, and a gazebo right next to the shore.

Then again, Kep is not really a swimming beach, so shore don't really add so much value to your stay, except that exact feel of staying next to the beach.

For cheap food, there aren't much establishments in this province of Cambodia. The nearest local restaurant is probably a kilometer away, where you'd get fried rice for $2.00. There is a nearby store though that serves coffee for just $0.25.

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

Read More »

Travelling Northern, Western, Eastern Samar

With most number of islands in this archipelago lying in the Visayas, it might be a logical conclusion to say that the better beaches are in this region. Within the visayas, Samar is among the less talked about destination when it comes to travel, and as some people say that it makes a good share of the country’s great beaches, not so many people chose this destination, it might be a great place indeed.

The Samar Island is divided into 3 provinces: Northern, Western (which is commonly what is referred to with "Samar" and Eastern Samar).

For beach goers, those who’d like a picturesque selfie, or underwater shots, or snorkelling, Northen Samar is your best bet. In fact, if not Northeastern Palawan, beaches between Sorsogon and Northern Samar would make it to the clearest waters of the Philippines.

Check out Subic Beach or the Pink beach in San VicenteIsland.

Towards the east is Biri Island boasting of its rock formations.  It takes about half day to travel from Allen to Biri, and the walk from the shore to the rock formation might eat some time. It is not possible to do all 5 formations in just one day. 2-3 days perhaps in case you’d like to see all spots. Swimming is not a fancy in this area too. The most inviting water would have been in the port. It looks really nice, except that it might not be a delight to think that you are swimming between boats or next to household stilts. The one near the rock formation would have been the best, but water is too shallow.

Going south, you have the cities of Catarman, Calbayog (a possible jumpoff to Biliran’s Maripipi Island which gets you to Sambawan island) and Catbalogan. There are some nice private beaches on the road from Allen to Calbayog.  From Catbalogan, you may get to Borongan (and then to Guiwan) or Tacloban (and again to Guiwan or other Leyte Destinations).

Borongan and Guiuan are both surfing paradise, though guiuan will have a lot more than just surfing, as opposed to borongan. Guiuan would have caves, a lot of mangroves, flat (0 wave) beaches on the other side (as opposed to the side facing the pacific).

A bridge (saltwater channel) in Guiuan is a swim spot for locals

waves of Guiuan, Samar

waves in Borongan, Samar

Between the cities of Samar (Catarman, Calbayog,  Catbalogan, Borongan and Guiwan), I thought I most enjoyed Borongan. First, for P150, my accomodation was a delight. The room in an old wooden building, just with the right elevation, 2^nd floor, with a window facing next to a clean and fresh river; Then the city and the accomodation is a walk away to the bay, which is a hangout place. The city, being next to the sea, is also not so humid. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat. The other cities are the same kind of city you can imagine.

Calbiga (an hour away from Catbalogan) would have been a good destination for caving and the waterfalls. However, tourism policies don’t suit solo travelling. Permit fee of P500 is a killer; needless to mention the caving packages.

Meantime, travelling between cities is a breeze with the transport operators Grand Tours, Van Van’s and Dup Tours; Samar-Leyte’s van transport I would say is the best in the Philippines. Passenger capacity is just 3 per row, unlike 4-5 in some places (especially compared to the Cotabato-Pagadian route where sometimes they put 3 passengers plus driver in the front row. Fares are another thing; Apparently, they are cheaper than the LTFRB tariiffs (and Cotabato-Pagadian again being the worst for P350 fare for less than 200km distance). They also leave on time, with or without the van being full.

With most number of islands in this archipelago lying in the Visayas, it might be a logical conclusion to say that the better beaches are in this region. Within the visayas, Samar is among the less talked about destination when it comes to travel, and as some people say that it makes a good share of the country’s great beaches, not so many people chose this destination, it might be a great place indeed.

The Samar Island is divided into 3 provinces: Northern, Western (which is commonly what is referred to with "Samar" and Eastern Samar).

For beach goers, those who’d like a picturesque selfie, or underwater shots, or snorkelling, Northen Samar is your best bet. In fact, if not Northeastern Palawan, beaches between Sorsogon and Northern Samar would make it to the clearest waters of the Philippines.

Check out Subic Beach or the Pink beach in San VicenteIsland.

Towards the east is Biri Island boasting of its rock formations.  It takes about half day to travel from Allen to Biri, and the walk from the shore to the rock formation might eat some time. It is not possible to do all 5 formations in just one day. 2-3 days perhaps in case you’d like to see all spots. Swimming is not a fancy in this area too. The most inviting water would have been in the port. It looks really nice, except that it might not be a delight to think that you are swimming between boats or next to household stilts. The one near the rock formation would have been the best, but water is too shallow.

Going south, you have the cities of Catarman, Calbayog (a possible jumpoff to Biliran’s Maripipi Island which gets you to Sambawan island) and Catbalogan. There are some nice private beaches on the road from Allen to Calbayog.  From Catbalogan, you may get to Borongan (and then to Guiwan) or Tacloban (and again to Guiwan or other Leyte Destinations).

Borongan and Guiuan are both surfing paradise, though guiuan will have a lot more than just surfing, as opposed to borongan. Guiuan would have caves, a lot of mangroves, flat (0 wave) beaches on the other side (as opposed to the side facing the pacific).

A bridge (saltwater channel) in Guiuan is a swim spot for locals

waves of Guiuan, Samar

waves in Borongan, Samar

Between the cities of Samar (Catarman, Calbayog,  Catbalogan, Borongan and Guiwan), I thought I most enjoyed Borongan. First, for P150, my accomodation was a delight. The room in an old wooden building, just with the right elevation, 2^nd floor, with a window facing next to a clean and fresh river; Then the city and the accomodation is a walk away to the bay, which is a hangout place. The city, being next to the sea, is also not so humid. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat. The other cities are the same kind of city you can imagine.

Calbiga (an hour away from Catbalogan) would have been a good destination for caving and the waterfalls. However, tourism policies don’t suit solo travelling. Permit fee of P500 is a killer; needless to mention the caving packages.

Meantime, travelling between cities is a breeze with the transport operators Grand Tours, Van Van’s and Dup Tours; Samar-Leyte’s van transport I would say is the best in the Philippines. Passenger capacity is just 3 per row, unlike 4-5 in some places (especially compared to the Cotabato-Pagadian route where sometimes they put 3 passengers plus driver in the front row. Fares are another thing; Apparently, they are cheaper than the LTFRB tariiffs (and Cotabato-Pagadian again being the worst for P350 fare for less than 200km distance). They also leave on time, with or without the van being full.

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Backpacking Biliran

Sambawan and Maripipi Islands in Biliran

The island which I did not know was in itself a province until I got to Samar. 

For sometime, i was hearing people say Biliran, Samar. Then, I would also recall people saying Biliran, Leyte. Eventually, it’s Biliran by its own.

Traveller’s arrival point will be the capital town of Naval unless coming from a ferry from Calbayog (to Maripipi). There is nothing in the traveller’s interest in Naval except for the sunset (and barbeque) in the Pier.

There are several lodging houses right in town (D'Mei Residence Inn, GV Hotel, El Roman Pensionne, TJ's lodging house, and Brigida Tourist Inn).

Naval Town, Biliran

D' Mei Residence Inn, Naval, Biliran

El Roman Pension in Naval, Biliran

GV Hotel in Naval, Biliran

Interesting enough though, when I was walking around, i spotted a shop that had movie posters as those of a video rental shop. Then again, i could not see cupboards of disks; it looks too small as well for a cinema. Instead of living a life curious of what that was, I walked in and asked. It was a Biliran Moviehouse. You have a sort of KTV rooms with a TV, and where you play a movie of your choice for P100 per movie.

Another thing that is interesting about Naval is that people sleep late (or at least not as early as 8am of other provincial capitals; if not at least at the time of my visit, and that it is a school holidays).

For food, carinderia's are your best bet. I spotted a number of them, at least 1 on every street, but I ate in the market instead. There is only 1 upscale restaurant I spotted, but with the price and the expected especialty of the cooking, it is most likely just a place to be.

Boulevard of Naval, Biliran

Sunset in Naval, Biliran

From Naval, you can make your way to a several waterfalls, the best one of which is said to be is the Ulan ulan – Recoletos falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria. This barangay is up in the upland with a lot of scenic rice terraces en route. From Naval to Sampao is a habal ride costing P25 per head, though motorman might ask to earn with 2 passengers at minimum before leaving. If coming from Almeria town, habal ride is P70 to Sampao. Surprisingly though, I was able to walk in no time from Sampao all the way to the highway.

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Recolletos Falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

While in Biliran, I also saw a billboard of the church in Almeria, though when I visited it, i did not even come close (Nothing historical, heritage, or sort about it which is the normal reason for visiting churches in provinces).

There are also several small and interesting islands around, and again, travellers would not want to miss Sambawan island off Maripipi island. From Naval, you can get the 10am boat to Maripipi all the way to brgy Ol-Og where you can get the boat to Sambawan island. Take the Brian Claire boat as fare (P60) includes a jeep service from dock point to your destination in Maripipi. Otherwise, you spend an additional P50 for a habal ride to Ol-Og.


The Boats leave Maripipi to Naval at 5am; Hence, visitors of Sambawan who would like to catch the Naval boat the next day will have to leave the island the day before. It is not possible to leave the island very early (like 2am) as waves are said to be big at night. The Brian Claire jeep picks up from Brgy Ol-Og at 2:30am.

Naval Port in Biliran

There are homestays near the port, and even in Brgy Ol-og. However, with just a few hours to go before riding the boat, I would rather get straight to the boat, from Sambawan island, so I don't have to spend for a few hours sleep. Plus, i don't have to wake up early just to get to the boat, since I am already in the boat. I can just wake up when I am in Naval.

Some travellers take the Cauayan route in Biliran mainland, and take the boat from there; But with the waves in the area, it will get everyone wet and screaming. It may have been quicker to get to Cawayan through the jeep, but it will even out, if not longer, with the boat time from Cawayan to Sambawan (especially this time it will be a smaller boat compared to the big boat between naval and maripipi). Besides, since Sambawan is off Maripipi, and Maripipi being an island municipality has less income compared to Biliran, it is but as a courtesy to give the livelihood to the boatmen of Maripipi. 

Naval is a no smoking City.

To get to Biliran, there are boats coming from Cebu, Vans from Tacloban (Fare is P120 with Duptours and Van Vans), and Boat from Calbayog.

Sambawan and Maripipi Islands in Biliran

The island which I did not know was in itself a province until I got to Samar. 

For sometime, i was hearing people say Biliran, Samar. Then, I would also recall people saying Biliran, Leyte. Eventually, it’s Biliran by its own.

Traveller’s arrival point will be the capital town of Naval unless coming from a ferry from Calbayog (to Maripipi). There is nothing in the traveller’s interest in Naval except for the sunset (and barbeque) in the Pier.

There are several lodging houses right in town (D'Mei Residence Inn, GV Hotel, El Roman Pensionne, TJ's lodging house, and Brigida Tourist Inn).

Naval Town, Biliran

D' Mei Residence Inn, Naval, Biliran

El Roman Pension in Naval, Biliran

GV Hotel in Naval, Biliran

Interesting enough though, when I was walking around, i spotted a shop that had movie posters as those of a video rental shop. Then again, i could not see cupboards of disks; it looks too small as well for a cinema. Instead of living a life curious of what that was, I walked in and asked. It was a Biliran Moviehouse. You have a sort of KTV rooms with a TV, and where you play a movie of your choice for P100 per movie.

Another thing that is interesting about Naval is that people sleep late (or at least not as early as 8am of other provincial capitals; if not at least at the time of my visit, and that it is a school holidays).

For food, carinderia's are your best bet. I spotted a number of them, at least 1 on every street, but I ate in the market instead. There is only 1 upscale restaurant I spotted, but with the price and the expected especialty of the cooking, it is most likely just a place to be.

Boulevard of Naval, Biliran

Sunset in Naval, Biliran

From Naval, you can make your way to a several waterfalls, the best one of which is said to be is the Ulan ulan – Recoletos falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria. This barangay is up in the upland with a lot of scenic rice terraces en route. From Naval to Sampao is a habal ride costing P25 per head, though motorman might ask to earn with 2 passengers at minimum before leaving. If coming from Almeria town, habal ride is P70 to Sampao. Surprisingly though, I was able to walk in no time from Sampao all the way to the highway.

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Recolletos Falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

While in Biliran, I also saw a billboard of the church in Almeria, though when I visited it, i did not even come close (Nothing historical, heritage, or sort about it which is the normal reason for visiting churches in provinces).

There are also several small and interesting islands around, and again, travellers would not want to miss Sambawan island off Maripipi island. From Naval, you can get the 10am boat to Maripipi all the way to brgy Ol-Og where you can get the boat to Sambawan island. Take the Brian Claire boat as fare (P60) includes a jeep service from dock point to your destination in Maripipi. Otherwise, you spend an additional P50 for a habal ride to Ol-Og.


The Boats leave Maripipi to Naval at 5am; Hence, visitors of Sambawan who would like to catch the Naval boat the next day will have to leave the island the day before. It is not possible to leave the island very early (like 2am) as waves are said to be big at night. The Brian Claire jeep picks up from Brgy Ol-Og at 2:30am.

Naval Port in Biliran

There are homestays near the port, and even in Brgy Ol-og. However, with just a few hours to go before riding the boat, I would rather get straight to the boat, from Sambawan island, so I don't have to spend for a few hours sleep. Plus, i don't have to wake up early just to get to the boat, since I am already in the boat. I can just wake up when I am in Naval.

Some travellers take the Cauayan route in Biliran mainland, and take the boat from there; But with the waves in the area, it will get everyone wet and screaming. It may have been quicker to get to Cawayan through the jeep, but it will even out, if not longer, with the boat time from Cawayan to Sambawan (especially this time it will be a smaller boat compared to the big boat between naval and maripipi). Besides, since Sambawan is off Maripipi, and Maripipi being an island municipality has less income compared to Biliran, it is but as a courtesy to give the livelihood to the boatmen of Maripipi. 

Naval is a no smoking City.

To get to Biliran, there are boats coming from Cebu, Vans from Tacloban (Fare is P120 with Duptours and Van Vans), and Boat from Calbayog.

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Borongan: Backpacking Eastern Samar

Welcome arch to Eastern Samar from Tacloban

There are 2 main cities that might be interesting for travellers in this province: Borongan and Guiuan.

In Borongan, there is the Ando island, Hinantangan beach in Tres Marias, and some waterfalls, but nothing fancy for me. I then limited my plan to just surfing.

Surfing in Borongan is not as convenient as it is in Baler, or La Union, or any other destination. It seems it is so novice to the reach of the local lifestyle.

Borongan is at least where you can get an accomodation. Otherwise, there is really nothing to go there for. Nevertheless, the city is vibrant enough with plenty of dining options, including the boulevard, where you can get chicken/port barbecues at night. It is the local hangout destination, with a few videokes and acoustic bars on the roadside.

Church in Borongan, Eastern Samar

Then, for surfing, while the bay in the boulevard would have been a great destination, there is no surf shop. Surfers who come here bring their boards as I was told.

Baybay shore in Borongan, Eastern Samar

To do surfing, traveller will have to get an 18km, 30 minute, P25 multicab ride to Brgy Owamas. From there, while if you are a rough traveller, you can arrange to stay in the resort’s accomodation (though their facilities are not complete. More than the 4 corners of a cube, there is none, not even a foam). In case traveller plans to sleep the night in Borongan, leave before 4pm, as the last trip for the multicabs may just be out.

Surf Omawas in the town of Maydolong, Eastern Samar

You can eat from P25 up in the local carinderias (P15 veggie + P10 rice).  Chickenitos seems to be a popular destination for Chicken BBQ at P45 for a part (even cheaper than the P50 from the stalls in the boulevard.

To get to Guiwan from Borongan (or vice versa) take the Duptours to Crossing. From there, take another van going the other city. Fare to and fro the city is P180. Borongan to Crossing was P120 and said to be P60 from there to Guiuan.

Guiuan seems to have so much to offer, though the popular destination is the ABCD beach in Calicoan for surfing. During my visit here, which was 1.5 years after typhoon, nothing seems to have recovered. All there is in the beach are the ruins of the resorts that were there previously, and the cottage of the surfiing boys that somehow have reclaimed the surfing in this city.

ABCD Beach in Calicoan, Guiuan, Samar

The Surf Camp in Guiuan Samar

On my way back to guiuan town proper, I decided to stop by a bridge. It seems it is where locals often go to with a few groups spotted there, including one group who was drinking right in the river. The river (seawater) is actually a channel between 2 sees on either sides of Guiuan.

Fares from Guiuan Town Plaza to ABCD Beach in Calicoan costs P25. From ABCD to Bridge costs P25, and Bridge to Town is P15.

the bridge in Guiuan

The 400 year old church would have been picturesque but badly torn to powder after the typhoon.

In Guiuan, the food around the market tend to be more expensive at P20-P25 for vegetable dish, though I was able to get to a carinderia a bit outside the town plaza for P15 per dish.

In Lupuk (port) you can catch boats to Sulapan and Homonhon islands. 

400 Year old church in Guiuan, Samar

To get to Borongan, from Manila, there are  direct  business  trips by DLTB. Alternatively, take a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Borongan. Van fare with Duptours is P200 as of May 2015. Travel time is 3.5 to 5 hours.

From Catbalogan, you may also take jeeps going to Taft, and from there, take another jeep to Borongan.

To get to Guiuan, just like Borongan, there are direct  business  trips by DLTB  business . Alternatively, take  a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Guiuan. Van fare with either is P150. Travel time is 3-4 hours.

There are jeeps going between borongan and guiuan with P120 fare. Travel time is about 1 hour more than the van trip. These are also buses from Terminal in Tacloban to both cities.

Better not to pick seats 1 (beside the driver) and those at the far end of the van. The road is a twirl and will surely keep you insane on the road.

Signal from crossing to these cities is obnoxious. If you want to keep your battery life, keep them on airplane mode.

For Surfing in Calicoan, contact Jun Jun of Guiuan Surfing Club. 0906 451 9719

Tanghay View Lodge in Guiuan at 0936 531 9495

Ednalyn of Omawas Surf Camp at 0936 835 1831

Welcome arch to Eastern Samar from Tacloban

There are 2 main cities that might be interesting for travellers in this province: Borongan and Guiuan.

In Borongan, there is the Ando island, Hinantangan beach in Tres Marias, and some waterfalls, but nothing fancy for me. I then limited my plan to just surfing.

Surfing in Borongan is not as convenient as it is in Baler, or La Union, or any other destination. It seems it is so novice to the reach of the local lifestyle.

Borongan is at least where you can get an accomodation. Otherwise, there is really nothing to go there for. Nevertheless, the city is vibrant enough with plenty of dining options, including the boulevard, where you can get chicken/port barbecues at night. It is the local hangout destination, with a few videokes and acoustic bars on the roadside.

Church in Borongan, Eastern Samar

Then, for surfing, while the bay in the boulevard would have been a great destination, there is no surf shop. Surfers who come here bring their boards as I was told.

Baybay shore in Borongan, Eastern Samar

To do surfing, traveller will have to get an 18km, 30 minute, P25 multicab ride to Brgy Owamas. From there, while if you are a rough traveller, you can arrange to stay in the resort’s accomodation (though their facilities are not complete. More than the 4 corners of a cube, there is none, not even a foam). In case traveller plans to sleep the night in Borongan, leave before 4pm, as the last trip for the multicabs may just be out.

Surf Omawas in the town of Maydolong, Eastern Samar

You can eat from P25 up in the local carinderias (P15 veggie + P10 rice).  Chickenitos seems to be a popular destination for Chicken BBQ at P45 for a part (even cheaper than the P50 from the stalls in the boulevard.

To get to Guiwan from Borongan (or vice versa) take the Duptours to Crossing. From there, take another van going the other city. Fare to and fro the city is P180. Borongan to Crossing was P120 and said to be P60 from there to Guiuan.

Guiuan seems to have so much to offer, though the popular destination is the ABCD beach in Calicoan for surfing. During my visit here, which was 1.5 years after typhoon, nothing seems to have recovered. All there is in the beach are the ruins of the resorts that were there previously, and the cottage of the surfiing boys that somehow have reclaimed the surfing in this city.

ABCD Beach in Calicoan, Guiuan, Samar

The Surf Camp in Guiuan Samar

On my way back to guiuan town proper, I decided to stop by a bridge. It seems it is where locals often go to with a few groups spotted there, including one group who was drinking right in the river. The river (seawater) is actually a channel between 2 sees on either sides of Guiuan.

Fares from Guiuan Town Plaza to ABCD Beach in Calicoan costs P25. From ABCD to Bridge costs P25, and Bridge to Town is P15.

the bridge in Guiuan

The 400 year old church would have been picturesque but badly torn to powder after the typhoon.

In Guiuan, the food around the market tend to be more expensive at P20-P25 for vegetable dish, though I was able to get to a carinderia a bit outside the town plaza for P15 per dish.

In Lupuk (port) you can catch boats to Sulapan and Homonhon islands. 

400 Year old church in Guiuan, Samar

To get to Borongan, from Manila, there are  direct  business  trips by DLTB. Alternatively, take a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Borongan. Van fare with Duptours is P200 as of May 2015. Travel time is 3.5 to 5 hours.

From Catbalogan, you may also take jeeps going to Taft, and from there, take another jeep to Borongan.

To get to Guiuan, just like Borongan, there are direct  business  trips by DLTB  business . Alternatively, take  a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Guiuan. Van fare with either is P150. Travel time is 3-4 hours.

There are jeeps going between borongan and guiuan with P120 fare. Travel time is about 1 hour more than the van trip. These are also buses from Terminal in Tacloban to both cities.

Better not to pick seats 1 (beside the driver) and those at the far end of the van. The road is a twirl and will surely keep you insane on the road.

Signal from crossing to these cities is obnoxious. If you want to keep your battery life, keep them on airplane mode.

For Surfing in Calicoan, contact Jun Jun of Guiuan Surfing Club. 0906 451 9719

Tanghay View Lodge in Guiuan at 0936 531 9495

Ednalyn of Omawas Surf Camp at 0936 835 1831

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Mining in Claver, Surigao is Sick!

It was awkward, but I got so tensed at the color of the mountains ahead of me. Everything was red and raw. I started taking pictures, and a little while later, it was action. Raging trucks everywhere, going up and down vast mountains, and mining companies one after another; dust blowing up like a mountain on fire. This place is sick.

I hope I have better pictures to show you; I tried looking on google, but no picture could get me the same goose bumps I that rose as we were passing by the mountains of Surigao.

For those coming to Surigao (del norte), please please do pass by the town of Claver. This place needs serious attention. The Mining is ill; The whole landscape has been ripped off bare and raw.  

If only this place would have been somewhere where in the popular routes, I don’t think it will ever come this worst. You don't even need a big heart, nor a broad mind to feel how regretfully horrible it. Please please please pass by this route, take pictures, share on your social media. Please...

Update 10-21-2015:
Someone who did a dive research in the area notes: The iron-laden soil is already affecting the surrounding waters. I performed coastal resource assessments in surigao del norte last year, and the hard corals are disappearing. They are being replaced by corallimorpharians, which thrive in high iron environments, but fish need hard corals to build the reefs they live in.

The red soil is being blown into the ocean, choking the reefs and feeding a different type of organism. Unless something is done to address this, the waters around surigao will be without fish in the years to come.

Adding a video by Pia Ranada uploaded on Youtube on July 2015

It was awkward, but I got so tensed at the color of the mountains ahead of me. Everything was red and raw. I started taking pictures, and a little while later, it was action. Raging trucks everywhere, going up and down vast mountains, and mining companies one after another; dust blowing up like a mountain on fire. This place is sick.

I hope I have better pictures to show you; I tried looking on google, but no picture could get me the same goose bumps I that rose as we were passing by the mountains of Surigao.

For those coming to Surigao (del norte), please please do pass by the town of Claver. This place needs serious attention. The Mining is ill; The whole landscape has been ripped off bare and raw.  

If only this place would have been somewhere where in the popular routes, I don’t think it will ever come this worst. You don't even need a big heart, nor a broad mind to feel how regretfully horrible it. Please please please pass by this route, take pictures, share on your social media. Please...

Update 10-21-2015:
Someone who did a dive research in the area notes: The iron-laden soil is already affecting the surrounding waters. I performed coastal resource assessments in surigao del norte last year, and the hard corals are disappearing. They are being replaced by corallimorpharians, which thrive in high iron environments, but fish need hard corals to build the reefs they live in.

The red soil is being blown into the ocean, choking the reefs and feeding a different type of organism. Unless something is done to address this, the waters around surigao will be without fish in the years to come.

Adding a video by Pia Ranada uploaded on Youtube on July 2015

Read More »