Eastern Samar tourist spot

Eastern Samar is one of the provinces located in the Eastern Visayas Region of Philippines. It is one of the 3 provinces that compose the entire Samar Island, the other 2 are Northern Samar and Western Samar. Unknown to many, Eastern Samar offers a lot of varieties of tourist spot from waterfalls, caves, white beaches, beautiful rock formations and even gigantic waves that are perfect for surfing they have it here. Eastern Samar is really a hidden gem which has a lot of promising eco-tourism destination that would surely be loved by wanderers. And as a guide for our fellow wanderers, we created our list of 5 must-visit Eastern Samar tourist spot.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE EASTERN SAMAR

Seasons in the Philippines 

•Dry –  November to May – From November to February the temperature is colder than the usual but as the summer approaches the weather gets hotter and hotter.

•Wet – June to October –  During this time, it is the time when the typhoons pass through the Philippines.

Voltage and Power Plugs – Philippine uses 220v and uses type A power plug

There are a lot of countries that use a different kind of power plugs. For frequent travelers or planning to be one, We recommend that you purchase a universal adapter. Less hassle and you don’t need to worry anymore for what type of power plug they used.

WI-FI – There is a traveler sim card available in the airport but the store is not 24hrs open, we recommend that you buy in advance for less hassle. 3G/4G Traveler Sim

Know the tide – Make sure to check the tide in considering your itinerary, especially if you wanted to surf.

Google Map – Although there are signages for tourist spots, we still recommend using google map for guidance. 

Currency – Philippine Peso, there are money changers in the Manila Airport.

Time Zone – Philippine uses UTC +08: 00-time zone

Transportation System:

• Passenger Van, Jeepney, and Tricycle are the common way means of transportation in Eastern Samar. Passenger vans are the most efficient way of transportation out of these 3.
• Public transportation is not 24 hours available, it becomes infrequent during the late afternoon.

ATM – There are few ATMs available in Eastern Samar, most of them are in the cities. We suggest prior to your trip make sure to bring enough cash.

HOW TO GO TO EASTERN SAMAR

By Plane: Unfortunately, Eastern Samar does not have yet its own commercial airport. The nearest airport to it is the Tacloban City Airport (Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport). Travel time – 1 hour.

Please check our post on our tips in booking budget flights -> How we get our Promo Fare

From the Airport:

• Ride a Multicab/Jeep going to Downtown
• From Downtown, ride a tricycle going to Vanvans Terminal
  • Ride the van going to Guiuan. (Fare  – 150 PHP or 3 USD)
  • Travel time 2.5-3 hours

By Bus: There are provincial buses that go to Eastern Samar, but due to its long travel time we do not recommend this. Travel time – Usually 1 day.

WHERE TO STAY IN EASTERN SAMAR

Considering the transportation system in Eastern Samar plus the travel time from Tacloban to Eastern Samar, we strongly suggest that you stay/book a hotel near Calicoan beach. It is more economical since you are staying near 3 tourist spots in the area plus it will give you more time to enjoy the waves in Calicoan.

Here are some of the hotels that you may choose from in Calicoan

Calicoan Villa – Contact number 09172069602

La Luna Beach Resort – Contact number 0917 324 3129

You could also try to search in Airbnb, there are a lot of hosts in Calicoan. In fact, you could also find La Luna Beach resort in Airbnb. Want a discount in Airbnb? register in here (Airbnb)to have your discount on your 1st booking.

5 MUST VISIT EASTERN SAMAR TOURIST SPOT

CALICOAN SURF CAMP

Did you know that the Surfing capital of Visayas is located in Eastern Samar? Yes, you heard it right, Thanks to its coastal line that faces the Pacific Ocean, Eastern Samar is blessed with beautiful waves that are perfect for surfing.  

Calicoan surf camp is the go-to place of the locals and foreign tourists who wanted to ride waves. Calicoan surf camp is 40-1 hour ride from the town proper of Guiuan. 

How to go to Calicoan Surf Camp

• From Guiuan, Ride a multicab/jeepney going to Sulangan (Fare 40 Php or 0.8 USD)
• Get off to ABCD surf camp, it is easy to locate since the place is along the national road.

Note:

• There are tricycles that offer a ride but with much higher fare.
• If you do not intend to stay in the hotels in Calicoan Surf Camp, Make sure to manage your time well. Transportation in the area is not 24 hours, Multicabs/Jeepneys are infrequent in the afternoon.

LINAO CAVE

5-10 Minutes away from ABCD surf camp, you will find signage pointing to the direction of this hidden gem. From this signage, tourist needs to walk for about 100 meters in order to see the entrance of the cave.

The name Linao Cave is derived from the word Linao or Linaw, a local dialect which means clear. And indeed, the water inside the cave is not only clear but cold also, a perfect way to refresh from the summer heat.   

How to go to Linao Cave

• From ABCD surf camp, ride a multicab/jeepney going to Sulangan
• Drop off to Linao Cave

Note: There is a small fee of 15 Php (0.30 USD)

For 1st timers, we recommended that you get a tour guide. Although the cave is not far from the main road, the entrance of the cave is too dark and some part of it is slippery.

Saint Antony de Padua Church

Sulangan Church or St. Anthony of Padua Church is one or maybe the most popular church in Eastern Samar.  Located in the coastal town of Sulangan, Saint Antony de Padua church is famous to both the locals and pilgrims for its miraculous deed.

How to go to Saint Antony de Padua Church

• From Guiuan, Ride a multicab/jeepney going to Sulangan (Fare 40 Php or 0.8 USD)
• Just inform the driver that you are heading to Sulangan Church.

CANHUGAS NATURE PARK

Canhugas Nature Park is located in the town of Hernani Eastern Samar, a 2.5 – 3 hours of land travel from Tacloban City. The name Canhugas derives from the word “Hugas” which literally means “to wash”. This place was used to be a washing place for fishermen for the fishes that they caught. 

Aside from being amazed by the stunning rock formations and swimming in the natural lagoons of Canhugas Nature Park, you can also try cliff diving and their mini waterfalls which are created by the gigantic waves.

How to go to Canhugas Nature Park

• From Guiuan, Ride a van going to Boronggan (Fare 100 Php or 2 USD)
• From Tacloban, Ride a van going to Boronggan (Fare 150 Php or 3 USD)
• Drop off to Hernani town proper
• Ride a tricycle or walk towards Canhugas Nature Park.
  • Tricycle fare 10 Php

GINDUYANAN COVE

Not far from Canhugas Nature Park, still in the town of Hernani, you will find this hidden paradise. Going in Ginduyanan cove requires a 10-15 minute walk from the drop-off point, not bad for an amazing view like this.

Just a reminder, make sure to follow the advice of the locals. There are times that waves are too strong.

How to go to Ginduyan Cove

• From Guiuan, Ride a van going to Boronggan (Fare 100 Php or 2 USD)
• From Tacloban, Ride a van going to Boronggan (Fare 150 Php or 3 USD)
• Drop off to Hernani town proper
• Ride a tricycle and tell the driver you are heading to Ginduyanan cove
  • Tricycle fare 20-25 Php
  • Ask the driver if he can guide you towards Ginduyanan Cove. (Tips are much appreciated)