Top 37 Best Samar Tourist Spots : Top Things to Do in Samar
Samar is the third largest island in the Philippines
It is located in the eastern Visayas, which are in the central Philippines. The island is divided into three provinces: Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. – Wikipedia
It is home to the famous Sohoton Cave and Lake Danao.
Traveling to Samar Island for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money and maximize your time. This guide will also make sure that you get the best out of your money while traveling to the Island.
How to Get to Samar Island
✓ OPTION 1 (BY VAN/BUS)
Entry Point is in ORMOC PORT.
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- From the port, walk to Ormoc City Terminal near the Ormoc Public Market/2go Express ticketing.
- Then, ride a VAN or Bus going to tacloban/samar. (Make sure to ask if there are trips to samar)
- If you are riding transportation going to Tacloban, hop off at Tacloban New Bus Terminal.
- At Tacloban New Bus Terminal, ride a jeep or van going to Samar Island. Travel time is almost 3 hours.
- Tacloban to Samar Travel Time is almost 30mins but it depends on traffic.
✓ OPTION 2 (BY PLANE W/ BUS/VAN)
Entry Point is in NAIA via CATBALOGAN AIRPORT.
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- From Airport, board the plane going to catbalogan airport.
- At Catbalogan Airport, hail a motorcycle, or tricycle, or just rent a ride for transportation to your destination.
✓ OPTION 3 (BY PLANE W/ BUS/VAN)
Entry Point is in NAIA via TACLOBAN AIRPORT.
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- From Airport, board the plane going to Catbalogan Airport.
- At Tacloban Airport, ride a jeep going to Tacloban New Bus Terminal.
- At Tacloban New Bus Terminal, ride a jeep or van going to Samar Island. Travel time is almost 3 hours.
- Tacloban to Samar Travel Time is almost 30mins but it depends on traffic.
✓ OPTION 4 (BY BOAT W/ BUS/VAN) (OCEANJET FAST CRAFT)
Entry Point is in CEBU PIER 1 VIA ORMOC PORT
CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE
- At Cebu Pier 1, ride a boat / fast craft going to Ormoc City.
- From the port of Ormoc, walk to Ormoc City Terminal near the Ormoc Public Market/2go Express ticketing.
- Then, ride a VAN or Bus going to tacloban/samar. (Make sure to ask if there are trips to samar)
- If you are riding transportation going to Tacloban, hop off at Tacloban New Bus Terminal.
- At Tacloban New Bus Terminal, ride a jeep or van going to Samar Island. Travel time is almost 3 hours.
- Tacloban to Samar Travel Time is almost 30mins but it depends on traffic.
- Just use the “WAZE” or “GOOGLE MAP” app to navigate your way to Samar Island.
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How to get around Samar Island
1.By Habal-Habal or known as Motorcycle
Good for couples. It is much better if you can drive it yourself.
2. By Van
It can accommodate up to 10-13 passengers. If you want to rent tour the island using the van, it will cost you around Php 2000-2500 or $40-50 per day.
3. By Multi-Cab
It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers. If you want to rent and tour the island using the multi-cab, it will costs you around Php 1500-1700 or $30-34 per day.
37 Things to Do in Samar
Check out these Must-Do activities on Camotes Island.
1. Explore the Sohoton Cave
2. Kayak your way to Sohoton Natural Bridge
3. Visit the Oldest Church – St. Michael Archangel Church
4. Be Amaze by San Juanico Bridge Lights
5. Chase Sunset at San Juan by the Bay Floating Cottages and Boardwalk
6. See the wonders of Balantak Falls
7. Visit Pinipisakan Falls
8. Watch the Women Weavers at Saob, Cave
9. Swim at Ulot River
10. Caving at Langun-Gobingob Cave
11. Chase Sunset at Lulugayan Falls and Rapids
12. Explore Marabut Rock Formations
13. Immerse your Brain with History at Samar Archaeological Museum
14. Jump your Heart out at Tarangban Falls
15. Explore Biri Island
16. Unwind at Capul Lighthouse
17. Sight seeing at Biri Island Rock Formation
18. Swim at Onay/Unay Beach
19. Chill and Swim at Dalupiri Island
20. Beaching at Acapulco Beach
21. Swim and Chill at Bel-at Natural Pool
22. Experience Pink Beach
23. Enjoy Nature at Matikawol Falls
24. Majestic View at Ban-awan Falls
25. Another one for Cave Enthusiasts- Linao Cave
26. Try lagoons at Divinubo Island
27. Blue Water at Apiton Island
28. First Island Ferdinand Magellan Reach – Homonhon Island
29. Unwind at Calicoan Island & Beach
30. Enjoy Nature Canjuway Nature Park
31. Dive at Makati Island
32. Chill and Unwind at Minasangay Marine Eco-Park
33. Hike at Samar Island National Park
34. Enjoy Nature Belat Pool
35. Spelunking at Lobo Cave
36. Swim at Calicoan Island
37. Little Palawan at Kandiwata island
1. Explore the Sohoton Cave
- The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park is an 841-hectare protected natural area and tourist attraction inside the Samar Island Natural Park. The natural park includes caverns, subterranean rivers, waterfalls, limestone structures, dense vegetation, and a natural stone bridge.
Read more: How to Get to Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park
2. Kayak your way to Sohoton Natural Bridge
- Just a few meters from the Sohoton Cave, you can already reach the Sohoton River by kayaking. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!
Read more: How to Get to Sohoton Cave and Natural bridge Park
3. Visit the Oldest Church – St. Michael Archangel Church
- The centuries-old St. Michal the Arcangel Church, set on a hill, is one of Samar’s most beautifully maintained churches. The bell tower on the church’s left wing is one of its most notable features.
Read more:
4. Be Amaze by San Juanico Bridge Lights
- The San Juanico Bridge connecting the provinces of Samar and Leyte is one of the monumental projects under Former President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration. The bridge is an arch-shaped truss bridge,
- It is known to be the longest bridge in the Philippines spanning a body of seawater with a length of 2.162 kilometers (1.34 mi) and a width of 10.620 meters supported by 43 spans.
Read more: How to Get to San Juanico Bridge and San Juanico Bridge Lights Schedule
5. Chase Sunset at San Juan by the Bay Floating Cottages and Boardwalk
- The name of the attraction is taken from the San Juanico strait, where the San Juanico Bridge is located. San Juanico Bridge is the Philippines’ longest bridge, measuring approximately 2.16 kilometers in length, and connects two major islands, Samar and Leyte. The municipality of Sta. Cruz is located on the other side of the bridge, namely on the Samar side. Rita can be found.
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6. See the wonders of Balantak Falls
- Balantak Falls is located in Rawis, a barangay next to Sohoton. This waterfall is made up of three water falls. You may also hike to the falls. Its chilly and flowing waters are ideal for soothing and massaging fatigued muscles. Going to Balance Falls takes time, but when you see the water falls, you will realize that it was well worth the effort. You can also ride a habal-habal to Balantak.
Read more:
7. Visit Pinipisakan Falls
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Bai-ang, San Jorge
- Trekking Time: 2 hours
- Pinipisakan Falls, with its stunning and breathtaking scenery, is one of Samar’s most gorgeous tourist destinations. It is divided into four strata by refreshing rivers that emerge from lush jungles upstream.
- The natural pool of the falls reflects the pale green hue of the forest, and one couldn’t help but jump from one of the rocks and have a refreshing dip.
- Despite its remoteness, Pinipisakan Falls is one of Northern Samar’s most renowned tourist destinations.
8. Watch the Women Weavers at Saob, Cave
- Saob Cave in Basey, Samar, was formerly home to hundreds of banig weavers, known as paraglara in the local dialect. Weavers, primarily women, would throng the whole length of the cave’s vast chasm, and the walls would reverberate with laughing, loose conversation, and the rustle of dry grass under delicate fingers.
9. Swim at Ulot River
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tenani, Paranas
- Fee: Php 1,800 a boat for five pax
- Boating Time: 45 minutes
The Ulot River is the best place for anyone seeking a thrilling canoe trip known as the Ulot Torpedo Boat Extreme Ride.
Expect bumps and humps as the boat brings you to the river’s fierce rapids, which terminate at Deni’s Point. You may enjoy a picnic here and swim in the cold, clear water.
There are several large rocks, and you may attempt leaping or diving from one of them into a deep section of the river.
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10. Caving at Langun-Gobingob Cave
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Panayuran, Calbiga
- Tour Packages: Php 3000/head for one day, Php 10 000/head for three days
Langun-Gobingob Cave has the greatest karst in the Philippines, and the cave system is one of the largest in Asia. However, it is only recently that both local and foreign visitors have begun to visit the aforementioned cave.
There are beautiful rock formations within, such as massive columns. Within are bats and other species.
Read more:
11. Chase Sunset at Lulugayan Falls and Rapids
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Literon, Calbiga
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Lulugayan Falls, often known as the Philippines’ “Mini-Niagara Falls,” is one of Samar’s most famous tourist attractions. It looks like a massive curtain flowing over a window.
The waterfall is also surrounded by dense jungles. Its crystal-clear waves excavated deep pockets of the pool where you may relax and swim. Climb one of the boulders and leap into the pool’s deepest area.
But be sure you know how to swim. In the meanwhile, there are cabins where you may picnic and prepare your meals.
12. Explore Marabut Rock Formations
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Osmena, Marabut
The Marabut Marine Park in San Pedro Bay is home to various limestone rock formations, some of which tower more than 30 meters high and have their own vegetation.
In contrast to the blue water, they resemble floating islands. If you’re an experienced diver and swimmer, you can attempt jumping from one of them. When you’re done with them, you may go to a 16th-century lighthouse on an islet.
You’ll get a beautiful glimpse of the surrounding seascapes as well as encounter several types of birds.
13. Immerse your Brain in History at Samar Archaeological Museum
- Location/Jump-off: Calbayog City
The Samar Archaeological Museum is a well-known cultural tourism attraction in Samar. The museum, located among Samar’s best beaches, houses a diverse collection of historical and cultural objects such as burial jars, Chinese porcelains, religious figurines, and log coffins with skeleton remains.
14. Jump your Heart out at Tarangban Falls
- Location/Jump-off: Calbayog City
- Trekking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tarangban Falls is one of Samar province’s lesser-known tourist attractions, although it deserves further research and recording. It has numerous layers that cascade on top of each other.
The waterfall is hundreds of feet tall, making it one of the tallest in Samar and the region.\
15. Explore Biri Island
- Location/Jump-off: Lavezares, Biri
- Boat Ride: 20 minutes
Biri Island is located in northern Samar. It has breathtaking rock formations such as Magasang, Bel-at, Magsapad, Caranas, Macadlaw, and Puhunan.
You can go exploring and take Instagrammable photos if you want. Other popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, and paddle-boarding.
16. Unwind at Capul Lighthouse
- Location/Jump-off: Capul Island
During the Spanish period, the Capul Lighthouse was erected to warn the residents of oncoming invasions by pirates or plunderers. It is a well-known historical tourist destination in Samar.
Apart from its historical significance, it provides a spectacular view of the seas and the cliff. A picnic area is available near the lighthouse for visitors.
17. Sightseeing at Biri Island Rock Formation
- Location/Jump-off: Biri Island
- Boat Ride: 20 minutes
Biri Island Rock Formation is more than only its beautiful beaches and lovely bathing waters. It also has massive rock formations known locally as Magasang, Bel-at, Macadlaw, Magsapad, Pinanahawan, and Puhunan.
Because of the massive size of the rocks, the island is also known as the “battleground of the gods,” and it offers tourist activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.
18. Swim at Onay/Unay Beach
- Location/Jump-off: Laoang
Onay/Unay Beach is located on the northeastern coast of Northern Samar and is one of the more remote tourist destinations. Enjoy trailing on the golden beach sand while staring out at the sea’s beautiful and quiet ocean.
Two enormous boulders may be seen on one end of the beach. You may leap from one of them into a deep portion of the water for an exciting experience. Simply ensure that you know how to swim.
19. Chill and Swim at Dalupiri Island
- Location/Jump-off: San Antonia & Victorina town
- Boat Ride: 30 minutes
Dalupiri Island has a lengthy stretch of white beaches that compliment rows of palm trees. There are several lodging options available. Aside from swimming in the clear seas, visitors may go snorkeling.
A marine sanctuary on the other side of the island is home to a variety of animals. When you see these, you will be taken aback.
20. Beaching at Acapulco Beach
- Location/Jump-off: Capul Island
Acapulco Beach is one of Northern Samar’s burgeoning tourism destinations. Because of its immaculate condition, both locals and foreign tourists enjoy visiting here. Its coastline features both grayish and white beaches, and the sea is rich in marine life and coral reefs.
21. Swim and Chill at Bel-at Natural Pool
- Location/Jump-off: Biri
Belat Pool is well-known in the area for its crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations. It is appropriate for both diving and swimming. Because of the calm waters, even bachelors can learn to swim here. Just keep an expert swimmer on the lookout at all times.
22. Experience Pink Beach
- Location/Jump-off: Sila Island, San Vicente Island
Pink Beach is a renowned tourist destination in Northern Samar. Unlike Boracay’s white, powdery dunes, the sands here are truly pink! Who wouldn’t be smitten by such an amazing landscape?
In addition to the pinkish sands, the seas here are crystal clear and teem with marine life, including coral reefs.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY TO SAMAR ISLAND
23. Enjoy Nature at Matikawol Falls
- Location/Jump-off: Gamay town
Swimming in Matikawol Falls’ wide pool will provide you with long-lasting refreshment due to its chilly and crystal-clear waters.
Locals report that because the waters are in such good condition, tourists may recover from common ailments, particularly colds. The waterfall is surrounded by lush woodlands, creating a spectacular scene.
24. Majestic View at Ban-awan Falls
- Location/Jump-off: Lawaan
Ban-awan Falls is one of the most distant tourist destinations in Eastern Samar. However, both residents and tourists continue to visit because of the breathtaking scenery provided by the tallest falls in the region.
It pours down a steep cliff surrounded by lush vegetation. Before reaching the waterfall, expect to go through forests and cross brooks.
25. Another one for Cave Enthusiasts – Linao Cave
- Location/Jump-off: Sulangan Island, Guian
Linao Cave is one of Eastern Samar’s lesser-known tourist attractions. However, it is a prospective destination that might propel the local community into the spotlight of ecotourism.
If you’ve heard of the famed Enchanted River in Surigao, you’ll recognize Linao Cave. It is located deep in the bush, giving it a strange appearance. Linao Cave’s waters are similarly crystal clear and blue.
26. Try lagoons at Divinubo Island
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Lalawigan, Borongan City
With its pure white beaches, lush woods, and stunning rock formations, Divinubo Island is a promising ecotourism destination. A boat ride around the island will reveal various marine caves, tidal pools, and lagoons. A lighthouse perched on a mountaintop overlooks the wide Pacific Ocean.
27. Blue Water at Apiton Island
- Location/Jump-off: Apiton Island, San Policarpo
Apiton Island is one of Eastern Samar’s most potential tourism destinations. Beautiful blue lagoons, tidal pools, and beautiful rock formations may be seen here.
Some of the rock formations tower many meters above the ground. Experiment with leaping or diving from one of these into deep waters. Simply ensure that you know how to swim. If you have the time, hire a guide to explore the deep woodlands.
28. First Island Ferdinand Magellan Reach – Homonhon Island
- Location/Jump-off: Guian
Homonhon Island is a well-known historical tourist destination in Eastern Samar. On March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived at the first island on his journey around the world.
More than that, Homonhon Island is a natural paradise with kilometers of white sand beaches.
29. Unwind at Calicoan Island & Beach
- Location/Jump-off: Calicoan Island
Calicoan Island Beach, also known as ABCD Beach, is a popular tourist destination in Eastern Samar. The beach is located on the Pacific Ocean, which allows for larger waves.
As a result, the island is one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines. You may relax on the sandy beach or try jumping/diving from one of the cliffs into a deeper portion of the water.
30. Stroll around Canjuway Nature Park
- Location/Jump-off: Canjuway, Borongan
Canjuway Nature Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. The park, tucked away in a distant location, gives you the impression that time has stopped.
Consider sitting on one of the many rock formations and staring out at the roaring waves and boundless ocean. That’s how it is around here.
31. Makati Island
- Location/Jump-off: Sulat, Eastern Samar
Makati Island is known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear seas. The beach is lined by coconut palms. Makati Island, like many other islands in Eastern Samar, is less touristic, making it ideal for people seeking a rural escape.
32. Chill and Unwind at Minasangay Marine Eco-Park
- Location/Jump-off: Balangkayan
Minasangay Marine Eco-Park is one of Eastern Samar’s burgeoning tourism destinations. Locals and international visitors alike enjoy the verdant woods, coconut plantations, mangrove forests, and rock formations on the shore.
33. Hike at Samar Island National Park
The Philippines’ biggest contiguous stretch of old-growth rainforest is found at Samar Island National Park. The park, which spans over 333,300 hectares, is home to unique and endangered species, making it a biological hotspot.
Some of Samar’s most renowned sites, such as the Sohotan Natural Bridge National Park, are also included in the park. Much of the park has been logged over time.
Fortunately, more community-based initiatives are emerging to safeguard the park while advocating for community-based development through ecotourism.
34. Swim at Belat Pool
- Location/Jump-off: Biri
Belat Pool is well-known in the area for its crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations. It is appropriate for both diving and swimming. Because of the tranquil waters, even bachelors may learn to swim here. Just keep an adept swimmer on the alert at all times.
35. Spelunking at Lobo Cave
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tagbayaon, Jiabong
Lobo Cave is a well-known tourist destination in Samar. Fairies (called enkanto in the local tongue) are said to inhabit the cave. When you arrive, ask a local tour guide about the cave, and you’ll learn a lot about it.
Inside, there’s a gigantic stalagmite structure that looks like a fabled angel. An subterranean river and cascading waterfalls may also be found in Lobo Cave.
36. Swim at Calicoan Island
- Location/Jump-off: Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Calicoan Island is located a few kilometers off the mainland of Samar. It is ideal for individuals who like less touristic areas. There’s nothing like it if you’re an introvert like me.
Imagine laying on the beach and staring out at the calm waters, waving palms, and unspoilt white beaches. You’ll also have a sense of belonging here because the people are nice and welcoming.
37. Little Palawan or Kandiwata island
- Location/ Jump-off: Daram, Samar Province, Philippines.
Kandiwata Rock Formation, or Kandiwata, is a rock formation in the municipality of Daram, Samar Province, Philippines.
This tourist attraction is known as Samar’s “Small Palawan” because it features rock formations that will transport you to Palawan. Some people say it was named Kandiwata after the deities and spirits that formerly lived there.
TIPS, NOTES, AND REMINDERS
- Bring extra clothes so that in every corner, the outfit is different.
- Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
- Bring water so that you can’t be dehydrated.
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Dispose of waste properly so bring a trash bag if possible.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
Read More: 101 Things to Do in Cebu
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without Shellwander’s notice. Should you know the updated information, please message me on Facebook.
WHAT’S NEARBY?
✓ ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY TO SAMAR ISLAND
🏷️10% OFF Private Mactan-Cebu Airport Transfers (CEB) for Cebu or Mactan
🏷️ 5% OFF 4G WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up/Delivery) for the Philippines
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🏷️18% OFF Private Cebu & Mactan Twin City Tour
MAP TO HELP YOU LOCATE NEARBY ACTIVITIES
Samar Island! Little Palawan in the Philippines! Come Visit 🙂
Always remember to “Develop your One Days to Day Ones!“
XOXO,
