Discover Samar

BANGON-BUGTONG FALLS

Location
A 1.5 hrs. ride from Brgy. San Joaquin of Calbayog City to Brgy. Tinaplacan plus a 45-minute walk to the vicinity of the falls.
Description
Among the family of waterfalls of Calbayog City, Bangon-Bugtong Falls is one of the most majestic and spectacular  spots that is worth visiting.  As one ascends the stream, he will be amazed to see a circular pond of about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving.  The cascading water seems to come from streams flowing endlessly resulting from the pressure of its disgorge which becomes even bigger in volume and noticeable as the time of the day passes.  Bugtong Falls is not only a tourist spot but also a potential source of power for Calbayog City and its neighboring localities.

SAMAR ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
AND RESEARCH CENTER

Location
Christ the King College, Calbayog City
Description
Opened on April 11, 1970, it is the first and only museum in Samar Island.  A collection of archaeological artifacts including burial jars and covers, log coffin, jarlets, cups, howls, saucers and dishes dating back to the 14th century; coins, heirlooms, old household items, religious items such as saints, altar, chalices and monstrance.

SOHOTON NATURAL BRIDGE NATIONAL PARK

Location
Basey, Samar; about 45 minutes away from Tacloban City by land transportation plus a 2-hour pumpboat ride to the cave.
Description
Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park showcases the grandeur of natural resources of Samar Island and of Region 8.  It is internationally known for its natural beauty expressed in its caves, subterranean rivers, waterfalls and unique limestone formations.  It is idyllic place for recreation.

It was established as a national park on June 19, 1935 by virtue of Proclamation No. 831 primarily to preserve its geological features and natural wonders.

A magnificent stone bridge, from which the park got its name, connecting two mountain ridges, underneath flows the Sohoton River.

An exciting adventure inside caves with unique, exquisite limestone formations.  Panhulugan Cave I is the largest and most spectacular endogenic cave.  Panhulugan II is a long scar that cuts into the face of Panhulugan Cliff, a high and deep rock formation.

CALBIGA CAVE

Location
Calbiga, Samar; 52 kms. from Tacloban City and 6 kms. away from the town proper, accessible by land transport and by foot.
Description
The Philippines' biggest karst formations and one of the largest in Asia, the 2,968-hectare cave system is composed of 12 caves with wide underground spaces, unique rock formations and sub-terranean watercourse.  The surface area of Calbiga Caves has a "mid-mountain" forest which is the habitat of some threatened wild species like bats, cave crickets, eyeless shell fishes.

It was first scientifically explored in 1987 by an eight-man team of Italian speleologists who believed there are still several hundreds of kilometers of galleries waiting to be explored.  The karst has an estimated total surface area of 900 sq. km.  The main cave, Langun, has a chamber that could easily fit in three football fields.  The two other big caves are Gobingob and Bitong Mahangin.

BLANCA AURORA FALLS

Location
San Jorge, Samar
Description
A favorite bathing resort of Samareños.  The ruins of Bangahon in Gandara is a historical landmark as it was once a town during the revolutionary days.  It was abandoned by the old residents who later found the present town of Gandara.

BASEY 17th CENTURY CHURCH
(St. Michael the Archangel Church)

Location
Basey, Samar; a 45-minute drive from Tacloban City.
Description
An old Catholic Church built during the Spanish era.  It features a watchtower and old images of saints painted on the ceiling.

LOLOGAYAN FALLS

Location
A 45-minute ride to Brgy. San Joaquin, Tinambacan Dist. from Calbayog City proper and a 25-minute hike onward to the falls.  It is separated away from the mainland by the Silangan Channel.
Description
A series of towering altars of rugged stones where between its depressions flow ribbon-like cool water that cleansed the hair of a legendary lady.  A source of potable water for local folks.

NIJAGA PARK

Location
Ten-minute drive from Calbayog City proper.
Description
Site of social, political, cultural and sports activities.  The Rizal monument, a fountain and amphitheater are its focal features.

MARABUT MARINE PARK

Location
Marabut, Samar
Facilities
Resort, boats, aqua sports equipment.
Description
Fifteen towering rock islets with secluded beach coves and coral gardens ideal for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, sunbathing and other aqua-sports activities.