SIRANG LENTE: Featuring Samar Province - Solo-Backpacking in Region 8

Featuring Samar Province - Solo-Backpacking in Region 8

The San Juanico Bridge is the most visited tourist spot in Samar and Leyte. A few years ago, the province captured the world's attention because of the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda. But did you know that Samar also hides something in their mountainous and forested areas? These are breathtaking and definitely a splendor of nature’s beauty that needs to be discovered. Some of Samar Island's must-visit tourist spots and destinations are historical landmarks, waterfalls, and caves.

Tourist Spots in Samar:

San Juanico Bridge
Samar Provincial Capitol
Imelda Park
The Unique Jose Rizal Monument
St. Bartholomew Church
The statue of The Pieta
Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
Sohoton Caves & Natural Bridge Park

How to Get to Samar:

By Plane: Book a flight to Tacloban City (TAC). Take a Taxi or Jeepney to their Integrated Bus Terminal. Ride a UV Express Van to your destinations.
By Bus: In Cubao, Alabang, Pasay Five Star, or PITX, ride in a bus bound for Calbayog City, Samar. Time time is around 14 hours which includes the RoRo transport.

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, I rode in a jeepney to “Downtown” by the street in front of the airport and alighted at McDonald's. Travel Time: around 20 to 30 minutes. I had my breakfast. Then, I checked DupTour’s schedule at their terminal, but no available schedule for Catbalogan City (the capital of Samar). So, I rode in a trike to Grand Tours Terminal.

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.

Photo: Selfie at Imelda Park.

The Obelisk at the 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.

Photo: The gorgeous Samar Provincial Capitol.

Photo of the most unique Jose Rizal Monument.

A photo of Saint Bartholomew Church.

The original structure of St. Bartholomew Church was built in 1616; however, it was burnt in 1760 and was repaired in 1814. Unfortunately, for the second time, the church was burnt in 1835 and then rebuilt by the Franciscans.

Photo of the statue of The Pieta.

Photo of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, Calbayog City.

The rain showers stopped, but the ground remained wet. I continued walking 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. Furthermore, below is my list of Expenses during solo backpacking in Region 8. Click the images to enlarge.