Eastern Samar
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Positives
- Typhoons and windswells
- Undiscovered quality breaks
- Warm and tropical
- Cheap and lively
Negatives
- Erratic typhoon swells
- Messy windswells
- Heavy rains
- Time consuming travel
- No tourist infrastructure
Eastern Samar surf travel guide
Samar is the Philippines third largest volcanic island with rough, hilly terrain covered by lush tropical vegetation. Swell exposure is good with waves hitting both the north and east-facing coasts. In Borongan, the provincial capital with 50,000 people is a good starting point to discover the 150km-long pristine coastline, which is largely unexplored, since travelling around Southern Samar by road is challenging and slow, especially during the wet season.
Surf spots in Eastern Samar
Research the 6 surf breaks in Eastern Samar and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Eastern Samar.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Eastern Samar
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 7,168,000
- Population
- 109,581,078
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PHP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 48.79 PHP PHP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +63
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Filipino (Tagalog) and English (both official) plus many reginal dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abc
Visas
The Philippines offers visa free travel to all countries for up to 30 days. It is easy to get an extensions to make a total of 59 days and sometimes longer. Small fees are payable for any visa extension.
Getting There
Domestic flights (PAL) are cheap. There is a 24h bus trip from Manila all the way to Borongan. Or fly from Manila to Tacloban City, then by road from Tacloban City, Leyte to Borongan (4h). Tacloban City is on the island of Leyte. From Leyte to Samar, you cross the picturesque San Juanico Bridge, the longest in Southeast Asia.
Getting Around
Local transport includes jeepneys (rebuilt jeeps), metered taxis, sidecar motorbikes, PU-cabs (small taxis, no meters) and trishaws. Favour local town rental cars for day trips.
Accommodation
In Borongan, try Pension Alang-Alang, in front of Provincial Capital building ($4-8/d), or Domsowir Hotel in the same range. In Guiuan, try the Tanghay Lodge ($3-14/d), on the W-facing beach (flat). Expect to pay $3 for a decent meal.
Activities
Samar has the 2nd largest virgin forest in the Philippines. Close by are secluded waterfalls, caves and jungle treks. Try river tubing which involves lazily drifting downstream and enjoying the cool waters and tropical scenery. Local sailboats are called 'siling'. Borongan Fiesta in September. Cross Sohoton Natural Bridge!
Hazards & hassles
Be ready to face buckets of rain especially in the NE monsoon season. Samar has now been decalred malaria free. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Coral reefbreaks can be very shallow.
Handy Hints
Take two all-round boards especially if staying for a while; the locals should be stoked to buy old gear upon departure. Rodel Aboy is the best local in Borongan. English is widely spoken.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.