10 Exciting Things to Do in Eastern Samar
Immerse in nature through these various outdoor activities.
(SPOT.ph) Eastern Samar is an emerging destination in Eastern Visayas. With a long coastline where the Pacific Ocean laps onto the shore and a rich biodiversity, many attractions range from scuba diving and surfing to trekking and spelunking. According to Borongan City Information Office (BCIO) head Rupert Ambil, Borongan alone has a 71% forest cover.
Now, it’s even easier to get to Borongan—your gateway to all these adventures, because Philippine Airlines operates hour-long flights between Cebu and Borongan twice a week: Mondays and Fridays. The local government of Borongan provides a free shuttle bus between the Borongan Airport and the town proper—about half an hour away. The bus leaves the airport soon after all of the passengers have retrieved their luggage (around 12 noon) and drops off along Baybay Boulevard. You can catch the same bus returning to the airport at 9 a.m.
Also read: 10 Exciting Things to Do in Western Samar
Here are 10 adrenaline-pumping activities in Eastern Samar:
Ride the waves in Borongan and beyond
If you don’t yet know how, the waves at Surf City along Baybay Boulevard are perfect for learning to conquer your fears.
There are different difficulty levels all along Borongan’s coast, in Sabang, Bato, Lalawigan, Bato, and Locso-on. There are many surf spots up and down the coast of Eastern Samar: in Sulat, Maydolong, Llorente, Hernani, all the way to Guiuan.
The 2.2-kilometer stretch of fine sand beach, along which Baybay Boulevard runs parallel, is also a hub of different above-water activities almost daily. Starting at the Surf City Lifeguard Tower, tourists and locals engage in surfing, beach volleyball, kite-flying, frisbee, football/soccer, and even skateboarding and in-line skating at the paved Skate Park. After (or between activities), you can find grilled meats and other snacks to satiate your hunger.
Paddle and dive on Divinubo Island
Just a short boat ride from Borongan, Divinubo Island (formerly Poro Halipot) is only about one kilometer long and wide—but packs a lot of attractions within its 65-hectare land area. Karawisan Beach is home to a range of community-run activities collectively run out of the Divinubo Eco-Park. Here, you can go more leisurely by swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking, to more exciting ones like riding banana boats, cliff diving, and snorkeling. You can even explore the underwater cave system, coral formations, and rock structures by scuba diving. Just make sure you have your open-water dive license.
Contact the Divinubo Community Resource Management Association to make reservations: 0999-366-7981.
Welcome the day at the Hebacong Sea of Clouds in Borongan
Watch the sunrise over an amazing panorama from the Hebacong Sea of Clouds Nature Park. You will need to find transportation that can navigate the steep road going up. Trust us, the lush vegetation accented by the seemingly low-lying puffy clouds is worth getting out of bed!
Pro-tip: To avoid the crowds, visit between Monday and Thursday.
Chill on Mina-anod Island
From Barangay Soong in Llorente, boats regularly ferry passengers past lush mangroves, skimming the calm waters to the island of Mina-anod. There, you can rent cottages for the day and even feast on fresh-caught bounties of the sea that locals can cook for you for a minimal fee. Buy coconuts fresh from the tree. Oh, and did we mention the gorgeous white sand beaches where you can sunbathe?
Get splashed and soaked at Canhugas Nature Park
Come visit during the ‘ber months so you can experience the maximum sea sprays as the waves crash against the limestone rock formations. You can carefully walk to the highest point by the sea, called Bato-Bato Peak, to take some awe-inspiring photos.
Within the resort, there are paved pathways that benefit from the shade of native trees. The name Canhugas comes from “hugas” or “to wash,” and, to this day, fisherfolk wash their day’s catch here.
Walk then dive into the beaches of Hernani
The municipality of Hernani has an abundance and variety of beaches that are very accessible—just a short walk from the main road. Check out Panay Beach, where you can also go snorkeling, and Atang Beach, which boasts soft white sand and marvelous rock formations.
Enjoy refreshing and abundant waterfalls in Lawaan
Due to the abundance of forests in Lawaan, the Bolusao Watershed and Forest Reserve have enough trees to supply the water needs of the municipality, and more. Take your pick from or trek to all the enchanting waterfalls: Amandaraga, Pange, Amanjuray, and Ban-Awan.
Amandaraga has unique rock formations and overgrowth that present a challenge, but the crystalline waterfall that you finally get to is worth the tired muscles. The Ban-awan Falls is the highest in Eastern Samar, with well-shaded areas where you can lounge and relax after a tiring hike. Meanwhile, in Amanjuray, you can find a small hydroelectric power plant that converts the waterfalls’ power to energy for nearby residents.
Send a message to the Lawaan Tourist Hub to make arrangements.
Scream your heart out at Minasangay Island Ecological Park
From Balangkayan town, you only have to cross a cable bridge to get to the island, passing by lush mangroves. Massive rocks tower high above, and you can go cliff-diving, scuba diving, or simply sunbathing.
Pro-tip: Come when the tide is low!
Visit the monument and church in Balangiga
If the thought of being in close proximity to items of Philippine historical significance excites you (and why shouldn’t it?), then a trip to Balangiga is worth your while. The town of Balangiga was the site of the U.S.’ worst single defeat during the Philippine-American War on September 28, 1901. However, the retaliation resulted in Filipino deaths for many months after.
The bells of Balangiga played an important role in the Filipinos’ surprise attack, and three of them were taken as war booty by American forces. The movement to have them returned started in 1958 and was only realized in 2018.
A sprawling monument depicting the resistance of brave and gallant Filipinos stands adjacent to the Church (dedicated to St. Lawrence the Martyr). In the church courtyard, the names of those who were part of the encounter are listed and remembered with crosses. During the annual commemoration, a reenactment of the events surrounding Balangiga Encounter Day is held.
Buy some snacks and souvenirs from the small store beside the church. You can also visit the market nearby, where you can have some merienda and enjoy them while sitting by the sea.
Go diving and spelunking at the same time at Linao Cave
At Linao Cave, spelunking while submerged in cool, clear waters. Strap on your best gear for this adventure because access to the cave can be done only by rappelling from the cave's mouth or going down a narrow tunnel. Yet what awaits inside and below is a truly memorable cave exploration experience!
How to get to Eastern Samar:
Philippine Airlines flies between Cebu and Borongan two times a week. PAL, Air Asia, and Cebu Pacific regularly fly between Manila and Tacloban. Several bus and van companies operate hourly trips between Borongan and Tacloban, passing by some of the municipalities mentioned above.
Also read:
10 Things You Can Do in Leyte Other Than Cross the San Juanico Bridge
10 Things You Can Do in Albay Other Than Gazing at Mayon