Jump to: About | How to Get There | Itinerary | Where to Stay
About
Samar Province, the third-largest island in the Philippines, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Known for its rugged landscapes, it boasts breathtaking waterfalls, pristine beaches, mysterious caves, and lush forests teeming with wildlife. The province is also home to historic sites and vibrant festivals that reflect the rich traditions of its people. Adventure seekers will find plenty to explore, from the world-renowned Sohoton Caves to the majestic Lulugayan Falls. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, Samar offers an unforgettable travel experience.
How to Get There
By Plane: Book a flight to Tacloban City (TAC) or Calbayog (CGY). Take their local transport to the Integrated Bus Terminal and to your destinations.
By Bus: In Cubao, Alabang, Pasay Five Star, or PITX, ride in a bus bound for Calbayog City. The travel time is around 14 hours, which includes the RoRo transport.
Where to Book Your Flight
Trip.com can give you huge discount if you book your flight to Calbayog Airport. Check the rates and book your flight here.
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Travel by Bus and Ferry
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Itinerary
This is Day 1 – Solo-Backpacking in Region 8 (6 Provinces for 6 Days)
The Province of Samar is an hour and ten minutes from Manila by plane. I arrived at Tacloban Airport at 8 AM. Since I had no idea about the means of transportation and routes, I asked one of the guards at the airport. In fairness, they were accommodating. As instructed, in front of the airport, I rode a jeepney to “Downtown” and alighted at McDonald's. Travel Time: around 20 to 30 minutes. I had my breakfast. Then, I checked DupTour’s schedule at the terminal, but no available schedule for Catbalogan City. So, I rode a trike to Grand Tours Terminal. Took a van to Catbalogan.
What made my backpacking in Samar and Leyte provinces exciting? It was Typhoon Samuel that hit the region on Day 1. I was okay with it because I was using the Project NOAH mobile app. By using the application, I was able to monitor the weather with an actual photo taken by the Himawari IR satellite. As expected, upon arrival at Catbalogan City, I was welcomed by rain showers and the stratus clouds from above. Aside from the weather, I had a walking tour of the tourist attractions below using the Project NOAH App.
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| Imelda Park |
The Obelisk at Imelda Park is located in front of the Samar Capitol building. On the sides, it depicts the four major events in the province, such as the Balangiga Encounter during the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). On the other side, the 1649 Sumuroy Rebellion was led by Juan Sumuroy against the Spaniards. The other is about the arrival of the first Jesuit missionaries in Samar on 15 October 1596. The last side is the declaration of Samar as an independent province by Queen Isabella II of Spain on 11 August 1841.
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| Samar Provincial Capitol |
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| Jose Rizal Monument |
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| Saint Bartholomew Church |
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| Calbayog Cathedral |
The rain showers stopped, but the ground remained wet. Kesa mag-mukmuk sa room, naglakad-lakad nalang ako on the streets of Catbalogan. I entered a few restaurants but ended up at a carinderia, where I had my early dinner. I also bought food and water before heading back to the GV Hotel. Bathed. Relaxed and rested. By the way, the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral photo was taken on Day 2 while en route to Capul Island. Click the images below to view my expenses from Day 1 to 3 and Day 4 to 6.
Cheap Hotels to Stay
Before my backpacking, I had already booked an overnight stay at GV Hotel online, just in front of the Jose Rizal Monument and a few blocks away from some van terminals. Below are the list of the top places to stay in the city.
1. GV Hotel
GV Hotel provides budget-friendly rooms with clean and simple amenities. It’s a practical choice for backpackers and travelers seeking affordability in the city center. Book GV Hotel here and get a discounted price of 845 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Agoda
2. Asia Novo Boutique Hotel
Asia Novo Boutique Hotel features stylish interiors and cozy accommodations. Guests enjoy a blend of affordability and comfort, perfect for short stays in Samar. Book Asia Novo here for as low as 1,419 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Hotels.com
3. Meaco Hotel
Meaco Hotel Calbayog offers modern facilities and comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. Its convenient location makes it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Book Meaco Hotel here for as low as 1,100 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Trip.com
4. Rolet Hotel
Rolet Hotel provides spacious rooms and warm hospitality. It’s a reliable option for families and groups visiting Catbalogan City. Book Rolet Hotel here and get a discounted price of 1,800 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Booking.com
5. Go Hotels
Go Hotels Tacloban offers budget-friendly yet modern accommodations with easy access to Tacloban’s attractions. It’s a popular choice for travelers exploring Leyte and Samar. Book Go Hotels here and get a promo price of 1,580 pesos per night.
👉 Find more hotel options on Klook
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Please note that rates are subject to change without prior notice. Always confirm prices directly with the booking platform or hotel.
Airbnb
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As someone who has visited all provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines Provinces Travel Guide here.
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