Melo Villareal
Top 10 Best Things to do in Samar
Samar Province is located on Samar Island in Eastern Visayas Region, Philippines. It’s nestled in the middle of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Leyte Gulf. Catbalogan City is the provincial capital of Samar Province. San Juanico Bridge connects it to the Province of Leyte.
The province is rich in marine and agricultural resources and it’s the primary source of income for the locals. It has the most extensive cave system in the country which makes it the ‘Caving Capital of the Philippines.
Here are ten must do in Samar Province.
Visit Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park
Some of the caves in Samar Province can be found in this National Park, like Panhulugan Cave. A 15-minute kayak leisure ride can take you to some limestone cliffs, rock formations, and virgin forests. You also get to see the natural bridge if you take this ride. They call this a ‘hidden and secret paradise.’
Go on Torpedo Boat Adventure Ride in the Ulot River
The TORPEDO Boat Extreme Ride goes through 10.5 kilometers of rapid. You’ll ride a boat that can take the intense rapids of that river. The end of the destination is Deni’s Point which has cool waters and boulders where you and your friends can have a picnic. Some visitors jump into the water from the boulders for a more exciting adventure.
Discover Langun-Gobingob Cave System
The town of Calbiga is the cradle of this amazing underground system, the largest karst in the Philippines. The cave system comprises Langun, Gobingob, Bitong Mahangin, and Lurodpon. The same cave system is one of the biggest in Asia. That’s why caving enthusiasts should go there when in Samar.
Visit Calbayog City Beaches
Calbayog is located in Samar Province, and the city is beaming with marine life. Its coastline is home to many beach resorts, so you can find rest and relaxation and join in water activities like snorkeling. Aside from having a stunning beach, it’s also where the Samar Archeological Museum is. The museum houses many burial jars, artifacts, Chinese porcelains, religious pieces, and log coffins with skeletal remains.
Experience the Boat Ride to Marabut Rock Formation
You can see many limestone rock formations when you set out for this marine park. The limestone formations are out on the sea, so they look like they’re floating, which makes a fantastic contrast with the blue sky. It’s located at San Pedro Bay, which they say has calm waters.
Additionally, you can check out the 16th Century Lighthouse of San Pedro Bay, which sits on an islet and is visited by many birds.
Swim in Lulugayan Falls
Swim in the natural pools or walk on the banks and the waterfalls when you visit Lulugayan Falls. There are cottages in the area where you can admire the beauty of the place. The uniqueness of the falls comes from its cascading waters that look like a pretty curtain from afar and the sky and some trees as backdrops.
Visit Pinipisakan Falls
If Lulugayan Falls features a curtain-like appearance, Pinipisakan Falls is different because it features two tiers in a magical position. You’ll know you’re in paradise when you see those tiers. The water is pale green, and there’s a cave by the falls. This is a good place for swimming, but more importantly, it’s the best place to take photos for your Instagram.
Watch the Making of Tikog Mats
The cottage industry of Basey is where you will find the Tikog Mats or Banig and learn about them. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the craft. You will be taken to the Saob Cave, where they let the tikog grass become sturdy because the cave’s environment is appropriate for the grass. You will see how it is prepared and the end product, which is colorful and durable.
Try the Foods of Samar
Samar Province offers many delectable dishes to try when you go there. Some of their must-try dishes are Lelang, a native pork dish with shrimps, sotanghon, and togue. Another dish in Samar that you should try is its Tamalos which they say is the local version of Tamales.
The native sweets of the province include Salukara, which resembles a pancake and uses tuba (young coconut wine) as a rising agent. Another one is Tambis-tambis or sweet coconut shreds that’s been deep-fried and have white sugar topping. You also must try their ‘Kesong Puti’, one of the province’s best sellers.
Watch Festivals
The province hosts many festivals and events like the Manaragat in Catbalogan, which is held every August and honors the patron saint of the city, St. Bartholomew.
The Hadang in Calbayog is also a must-see festival. It’s an event where there is a colorful parade, and people wear rooster costumes as a ritual to worship their gods.
There’s also the Carabao (Gandara) Festival which celebrates the ‘farm beast of burden’ for their precious carabao milk, which they used for their kesiyo (kesong puti).
The last one is the Kawayan-Banigan, held every September 28, focusing on the province’s bamboo and mat weaving livelihood. The celebration also showcases various street dances, parades, and exhibits.
These are just some of the things you can do in Samar, and there are plenty more activities for you and your family to embark on in this Visayan province. Keep an open mind and always be ready for new adventures and memories.
Also Read:
- 16 Best Things to do in Calbayog City
- Safest Travel Spots In The Philippines
- Beat the crowds: 5 ‘Virgin’ Beaches to Visit in the Philippines this Summer
- Biri Island: The Philippines’ top emerging destination
- Tacloban City Travel Guide
