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Provinces of Samar, Philippines
Ruggedly beautiful and unspoilt. Samar Island is divided into three provinces: Northern, Western and Eastern Samar. Its ruggedness is so charming that an international endurance competition was held in the island just a few years ago.
Northern Samar is usually reached via ferryboats from Bicol, with the port town of Allen as landing point. To the east are the stunning rock formations of Biri Island maritime sanctuary.
To the west are the beaches of the Balicuatro Islands and the fortress church of Capul Island. Other attractions include Pinipiskan Falls in Las Navas, Onay Beach in Laoang, and the Sumoroy Rebellion Marker in Palapag, which was a port of call for spanish galleons.
Because of its historical role as an entry point for the ships coming from the Pacific as well as a haunt of Moro pirates, the province is actually dotted with lighthoused and watchtowers. Lighthouses can be found at San Bernardino Strait, Capul and Laoang.
Sohoton Caves National Park in Basey with its subterranean rivers, waterfalls and limestone formations is Western Samar's best attractions. Another must see is Marabut Marine Park, with 15 unusual rock formations and secluded beach coves.
North of the capital of Catbalogan os Maria Aurora Falls in Gandara, while to the south is Calbiga Caves, with 12 caverns that have what is believed to be the county's biggest karst formations. Culture buffs can view historical artifacts at the Samar Archeological Museum in Calbayog or visit the colonial-era Basey Church.
Facing the Pacific Ocean, Eastern Samar is home to Homonhon Island, the first landing site in the country of Ferdinand Magellan's fleet in 1521. Until recently, there was said to be a rock near the stream called Cantialdo where the Spanish explorer was said to have chiseled some inscriptions. Across Homonhon is the smaller island of Suluan, where the early inhabitants first sighted Magellan's fleet.
Balangiga on the main island of samar was the site of an infamous Philippine-American War massacre, where Filipino revolutionaries made a surprise attack on American troops in 1901; the town was subsequently razed to the ground in retaliation. Today, the bells of Balangiga, which were carried away as war booty, are found in a military base in the United States.
Durectly facing the Pacific Ocean, Guiuan has a centuries-old church which boasts of the finest religious art in Eastern Visayas. It was said that former First Lady Imelda Marcosonce offered to buy its elaborate carve portals for two million pesos. The town also has remains of World War II airbases (a former US President stayed there, in fact) and Sulangan Beach, where the world-famous golden cowrie is found.
In the vicinity of the capital of Borongan is Divinuvo Island, Hamorawon Spring, and Pangi Falls. Other sites are the newly-explored Suribao Caves, Ngolos Beach (which is suited for surfing), and rivers ideal for whitewater rafting.
by: David King, Philippine Travel Companion