Samar Solstice: Unexpected and lesser-known getaways

MANILA, Philippines – For most people, hearing the word “Samar” unfairly conjures up images of election-related violence, or perhaps New People’s Army hidden in the jungles. Little do they know of its hidden treasures: a paradise known to only a handful of people.

Samar Island, contrary to its dubious reputation, is actually rich in flora and fauna set in forests, stunning caves, waterfalls, and dramatic karst formations along white sand beaches.

From Tacloban City, nicknamed the “Gateway to Eastern Visayas”, a trip to the nearby towns of Eastern Samar takes somewhere between an hour to four hours depending on the particular destination.

Here are some of the little-known tourist attractions in Eastern Samar, as told by an avid Taclobanon traveler:

Sohoton Caves and Balantak Falls in Basey

Traversing the waterways of Basey is like going back in time. Despite its proximity to Tacloban City (Basey is around 30-40 minutes away), a majority of people still use traditional means of transport namely passenger outrigger boats and sometimes, the motorcycle, locals call “habal-habal”.

Our trip to the Sohoton caves in Rawis was in conjunction with a trip to the gorgeous Balantak falls, also in the same village.

Though we hit a few bumps along the way (I was soaked from the waist down from the water splashing coupled with the boat having engine problems that had us idly waiting for half an hour), the places of interest were well worth the trouble.

Our guide was an imaginative and jolly 54 year-old man, who led the way inside the caverns of Sohoton. Helmets with flashlights are available at additional cost, but I do suggest you grab one as it is very useful.

The trip to Balantak was another 30 minutes on rough road riding the “habal-habal”, which could accommodate up to 6 passengers plus cargo. The roaring waterfall was quite a sight- and at the time we visited we were the only tourists around.

A useful tip: Book a tour at the Tourism office in Basey town proper. Brochures are given so tourists can choose from a number of packages. The 16th century church in the town proper is also a must-see, as well as ‘banig’ weaving which is a traditional craft in Basey.

Calicoan Island in Guiuan

Calicoan is located on the tip of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and is dubbed the “Surfing capital of Visayas”. Large waves from the Pacific Ocean lure surfers and adventurers alike, and curiously enough, religious devotees of St. Anthony of Padua.

The barrio of Sulangan has a church that is said to be miraculous, and special trips from Tacloban City (travel time is around 4 hours) allow people to hear the pilgrim mass around mid-morning.

Seafood is cheap and plentiful at the town market of Guiuan. For sand and surf enthusiasts, white sand beaches circle the coast while comfortable accommodations are available both in the town proper and in Calicoan Island.

Where to stay: If you favor 4-star accommodations (costing you about P8, 400 for an overnight stay in a tropical villa), the fabulous Surf Camp is for you. Amenities include an infinity pool, Balinese-style villas with tasteful decor, a restaurant, viewing deck with an awesome view of the Pacific. The resort was designed by renowned Filipino Architect Francisco Manosa.

Those with more modest pockets can stay at Calicoan Villa- just beside Surf Camp. Here you can book a cottage with no air-conditioning which costs somewhere between P1, 500 - 2, 000 a night.

Twenty-five minutes away in the town proper are hostels that cost around Php600 for overnight twin accommodations.

Perhaps one of the reasons why these places manage to stay pristine is because very few tourists visit the place, as opposed to more famous sites like Boracay or Bohol.

But truth be told, what Samar has to offer rivals even the beauty of Palawan or Phuket in Thailand. Next time you plan for a vacation, consider these gems of Eastern Samar- and you might find yourself eager to experience more of what Samar has to offer.

[ The Surf Camp Wiki ]