Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Samar Hospitals and Health Care
Samar is one of the provinces in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines that feature several public and private medical institutions. To enhance the medical programs implemented in the province, Samar hospitals and health care facilities address the common problems of patients by offering quality services as well as reasonable medical costs to them. There are tertiary hospitals in the area that use modern equipment in diagnosing patients. Local people who cannot afford to seek assistance from private health care facilities can go to rural health units as well as governmental hospitals in the province. Below are the most visited medical establishments in Samar.
Catarman Hospital
Catarman Hospital is one of the tertiary health care facilities in the province that have modern devices and equipment that can be used in treating serious health conditions, which is the reason why many patients who need immediate medical help are brought to this place. Aside from emergency services, this institution has an outpatient section where people can see physicians for regular medical check-ups. In addition to this, the institute specializes in pulmonology, immunology and surgery. Moreover, it has a pediatric ward where children and infants who need medical treatments can be admitted. To ask for immediate medical response, patients can always call (038) 387-7002.
Samar Provincial Hospital
Another public health care establishment that patients can visit if they need assistance from medical professionals is the Samar Provincial Hospital. Consultations are free so patients who have limited budget allotted for hospitalization bills can always seek help at this place. Laboratory testing services are cheaper than in other Samar hospitals and health care establishments. To lessen the costs, the hospital has a pharmacy that offers discounted medicines and medical supplies. Situated in Calbayog City, this establishment can admit 100 patients and it specializes in different aspects of medicine like pathology, immunology and cardiology.
Our Lady of Porziuncola Hospital
A tertiary medical facility in the City of Calbayog, Our Lady of Porziuncola Hospital takes pride on the efficient dental and pediatric services that it provides to residents and tourists. It also employs medical professionals who have expertise on various fields like internal medicine, surgery and family medicine. To provide financial assistance to patients, this establishment gives discounts to health card holders. To help students improve their understanding and knowledge on different medical treatments, this facility provides internship programs to those who have completed a degree in medicine. Additionally, it offers interesting courses like Midwifery as well as Nursing Aide.
Samar Government Sites
The Province of Samar
Once known as Western Samar, Samar is a province in the Philippines situated in the Eastern Visayas Region. Catbalogan City is its capital and the western portion of Samar Island is its jurisdiction (this also includes the islands in the Samar Sea which are situated to the west of the mainland). Two of the three cities of Samar Island (Catbalogan City and Calbayog City) are positioned in the district or municipality of Samar. Flanking the area to the east is Eastern Samar. Samar is connected to Leyte via the San Juanico Bridge, which traverses the San Juanico Strait, the thinnest channel in the Philippines and the region to the north is Northern Samar. Leyte Gulf is situated at the south of the province is the. The phrase ‘Samar Al Safar’ is also signifying the season of summer.
Arts in Samar Province
The province of Samar is considered the center of kut-kut art. It is a method or technique merging or combining antique Western (European) and Oriental art procedure. Kut-kut creation is considered to be a lost art and thus it is now highly popular amongst are enthusiasts and collectors. Nowadays, only a small number of these art pieces are known to survive or exist. According to history and research, it was between the 1600′s to 1800′s that the technique was practiced. For this reason, Kut-kut was considered an exotic art technique in the Philippines based on early century methods (layering, encaustic and sgraffito). The combination of these early techniques created a unique artwork distinguished by multi-layered surface, an illusion of three-dimensional space and fragile whirling interwoven strokes.
Culture and the Natives of Samar
The majority of locals in Samar province speak the native dialect Samarnon-Waray-Waray. This dialect or language is also known as or Samar-Leyte Visayan, Waraynon or Samarnon. However, Cebuano is the native tongue or dialect in the island municipalities of Santo Niño and Almagro.
Accessing the Province of Samar in the Internet
The internet is one of the best ways to gain access some of the vital information regarding the province of Samar. The official website of tourism in Northern Samar (http://www.northernsamartourism.ph/) and the official website of Eastern Samar (http://www.easternsamar.gov.ph/) are some of the helpful sites to visit for related facts about Samar Province. These websites have updated and real-time news and information about current events happening in Samar. It is a must for first time visitors to check these sites.
Samar Sightseeing and Activities
Samar is an island south of the Philippines surrounded by Leyte Gulf, San Bernardino Strait and San Juanico Straight. It is blessed by natural wonders such as beaches, mountain ranges and rivers. It also has a rich history dating from pre-Spanish times. Samar has several destinations for sightseeing and other activities for tourists.
For a sightseeing historical and cultural tour, one should not miss visiting the Samar Archaeological Museum and Research Center. This museum showcases various artifacts from different periods of history. One can appreciate its collection of antiques dating from pre-Spanish times. Art works of Christian saints and martyrs showcasing the Spanish period are also displayed in the museum.
Another historical site to visit for a sightseeing tour is Homonhon Island. This is the site where Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan first landed on Philippine territory in March 14, 1521.
Caves scattered around the province are destinations for the adventurous travelers. Sohoton Cave, a fifteen-minute drive from Borongan, Eastern Samar, has magnificent rock formations and breathtaking landscapes. This is destination is ideal for activities like hiking, rock climbing and geology. The Calbiga Cave, located in Westeren Samar, is in a 3,000-hectare area. It is a series of caves with underground rivers, tunnels, caverns and rock formations. Hiking and spelunking are the popular activities in Sohotan Cave and Calbiga Cave.
While in Calbiga, one should not miss the Calbiga Whitewater River. This is an ideal place for activities like sightseeing, kayaking and white water rafting. The river having a length of ten miles showcases wild cool waters and lush vegetation along its banks. The numerous rapids and drops will surely add to the thrill of navigating this river.
Water activities enthusiasts should visit to the Marabut Marine Park. Located in Southern Samar, this destination boasts of beautiful corals, reefs and diverse aquatic life. This is ideal fro scuba diving, snorkeling or just beach combing.
For those who want rest and relaxation, there are several destinations for activities like sightseeing, picnics and swimming. Blanca Aurora Falls in Catbalogan offers families to have picnics and sightseeing. Resorts abound the area. The spectacular waterfall is a perfect backdrop to an enjoyable picnic and sightseeing. Guuian Island has a pristine natural beauty with clear deep waters and soft sands. This is why the island is visited by tourists. Scuba diving the waters will reveal colorful exotic fishes and coral reefs. Near this place is Mercedes Beach. White sands, gorgeous underwater life and a lovely sunset are the attractions of this place. These are the reasons sightseeing, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities in this place.
Samar Hotels and Resorts
Overview
Samar is a very interesting place to visit with several tourist attractions that are considered as natural wonders. Samar hotels are not that easy to find though because although there are several good ones, they are not as well advertised as the other hotels in the Philippines.
Rolet Hotel
Rolet Hotel was built at a time that there was an urgent need to increase the number of hotels in Samar and that was in 2001. The good thing about this Samar hotel is that despite the high demand for tourist lodging in Samar it didn’t follow the economic principle that the higher the demand, the less the supply, the higher the cost. Rolet Hotel has rooms for as low as US $22 but despite its incredibly low rates, this Samar hotel delivers when it comes to a good night’s sleep and good facilities. The rooms at Rolet Hotel are very spacious, comfortably accommodating up to 4 people and all have air conditioning and its own private bathroom.
There is no hot shower at this Samar hotel though but one will hardly miss this because of how refreshed one will feel after a shower. The Rolet Hotel is very clean, it has queen sized beds in all the rooms and it has very friendly personnel. This Samar hotel is very small and although it has no restaurant of its own, there are many outside which are a walking distance and reception will gladly point out the best ones to dine at. The Rolet Hotel only has 11 rooms but it does have a swimming pool where one can do a couple of laps.
Jasmin Beach Resort
If one is Amambucale, a good Samar hotel that comes highly recommended is the Jasmin Beach Resort. True to its name, this Samar hotel looks out to the sea and one can take a romantic stroll at night under the moon and the stars on the beach. The rooms are moderately prices at Jasmin Beach Resort with rates starting at US $48 and it has good amenities. Among the amenities included at this Samar hotel are a pool, restaurant and a business center.
The food served at the restaurant of Jasmin Beach Resort is just heavenly and one is served authentic Filipino dishes that will have one craving for more. Sunsets and sunrises are also beautiful at the Jasmin Beach Resort and this is not only an ideal Samar hotel for families, but also for couples and honeymooners. Jasmin Beach Resort also has tour packages and can accommodate large groups.
Samar Destination Guides
Overview
The Samar Group of Islands has gained so much popularity after its natural beauty and astonishing landmarks were made known. Whether it is the east, west or north of this province that one is going to visit, there are surely Samar destinations that if not visited would be a great opportunity loss. Although it is said that Samar is less developed as compared to other provinces, it is precisely the virgin and unspoiled state of many of its Samar destinations that draws visitors here.
The Calbiga Whitewater River
The Calbiga Whitewater River is for the adventure hungry visitor who wants to experience rapids and go rafting or kayaking. The Calbiga Whitewater River passes right through rugged hills and a thick forest and is 18 kilometers long. Watch out for rapids when at this Samar destination and the thrilling drops that range from 3 to 6 meters. In fact there are 70 rapids all in all at the Calbiga Whitewater River and over 120 drops. For those who have never tried rafting, this is definitely one of the things that one should do at the Calbiga Whitewater River and in fact without doing this, the trip is incomplete. Activities such as kayaking and rafting are provided by the Leyte Park Hotel regardless of whether one is a guest or not. These activities are supervised by experts who know how to maneuver the raft and live vests are available. In fact, the Calbiga Whitewater River activities can be enjoyed by children as long as they are 10 years old and above.
The Sohotan Cave
There is just something very mesmerizing about caves and one should be prepared to be mesmerized by the Sohotan Cave. This Samar destination was formed over centuries by rock build up and the Sohotan Cave served as the hiding place of our ancestors from tribal battles to the wars. This Samar destination is accessible via public transportation and one just has to get to the town of Borong and take the jeepney or tricycle headed straight for the Sohotan Cave. Once at this Samar destination, there are tourist guides that will walk visitors through the Sohotan Cave and be more than happy to give a little history of the civilizations that used this place as a sanctuary as well as the archeological finds made here. The Sohotan Cave is exceptionally fun for big groups or families who want to spend some quality time bonding.
Sorsogon Beach Guide
Sorsogon is one of the provinces in the south of the Philippines. It is not surprising that this region has many great beaches. Sorsogon also has the best beach where you can see great whales swimming together.
1. Donsol Beach – This beach is in Donsol town. It is just an hour away from Legazpi city. This beach is famous for being the best beach in the Philippines where you can see the great Dugong.You can stay in the Woodland beach. You can inquire their accommodation rates by calling +(63)(0921) 9699544 and +(63)(0918) 2315420.Another best resort in Donsol is Amor Farm Beach and if you are interested to stay here you can call them at +(63)(056) 4113180 or +(63)(056) 4111109.
2. Rizal Beach- This beach is situated in the town of Gubat.This is considered by many locals as one of the prettiest beaches in the Philippines. It faces the vast Pacific Ocean. This beach is not as commercialized as the other beaches. There are several resorts however surrounding the beach like Vera Maris where many tourists can sleep. There is still some sense of purity and paradise feel in this beach giving a peaceful getaway feeling. There is still no required fee for anyone to enter. The beach is still free for all.
The cottages however are for rent and they do not accept any reservations. Some people like going after three in the afternoon and stay until late six in the evening just to have a picnic and swimming for a few hours.
3. Tiklin Island has a very clean beach. The sand in this beach is also pure white. The current of the water though can get strong sometimes. You can rent a boat and go fishing or sailing.Some tourists like snorkeling and trekking some forests that are near and some caves where you can see bats.
4. Olango beach – This is a beach in the town of San Rafael. There is a point in the beach where there is a good amount of sand and where swimming is safer. Many tourists like snorkeling in this area as well. The water in this beach has an aquamarine color and the area has high coconut trees.
5. Tolongapo Beach- This is another popular beach in Sorsogon. Many divers from Luzon come here for the good diving spots. Many simple hotels and resorts surround this beach. You can also explore some caves with limestones for some spelunking adventure.
Samar Travel Agents
Getting to know some information some information on a certain vacation spot should always be considered before going into the place. It does not really matter (unless the trip is all about serious investigation) whether the information is noteworthy or not the point is; information gives a sort of an idea of the place in a way or two.
Destination: Samar Island
The island of Samar is located within the central Philippines. It is specifically, an island of the Visayas Region. It is actually the easternmost island of the Visayas Region. Before the Spanish regime, the island had couple names attached to it. Names like Tanday, Samal and Ibabao were attributed to this island until the late 1500’s. The rough physical features of the place were the main reasons it was named ‘Samar’ (from the word ‘samad’ meaning a wound or cut). The province of Samar involved the island of Samar as a whole until it was divided into three main provinces namely Western Samar (officially known as Samar), Eastern Samar (capital-Borongan) and Northern Samar (capital-Catarman).
The Best of Samar Island
The island of Samar has been showered by nature’s beauty like other noted places in the Philippines. Tourists could enjoy unexplored terrain and caves defined by exotic flora and fauna or wildlife. Sohoton Cave, which is located inside the Sohoton National Park is a cathedral-like ground with a parabolic arch-type entrance for approximately fifty (50) meters high. The Panhulugan Cave 1 and 2 are also considered places to check in Samar. The Panhulugan Cave 1 is recognized with a cliff-forming letter ‘H’ and snow-white gleaming stalactites of various proportions characterized Panhulugan Cave 2. Both wonderful caves are located at Sohoton National Park in Basey. Another special spot at Sohoton National Park is the Sohoton Natural Bridge that extends through the Sohoton River. This huge arch-shaped rock has a vertical clearance of about 23 feet. It is natural bridge is 40 meters long and 8 meters wide.
Soing to Samar Island
The wonders of the island of Samar and of some proximate islands or spots are the main reasons why there is a steady influx of tourists in the Visayas Region. As we all know, tourism means a lot to have a more stable economy. One of the travel agencies that answered the heed to maintain and tourism as a vital industry is the Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours or LGTT. They are specialized in setting up educational and family tours around the Visayas Region. To further enhance tourism, Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours is trying their best to unravel undeveloped and untapped tourist destinations in the said region. The name ‘Samar’ may bear a tinge of imperfection in its name; nonetheless, Samar Island is the one of the perfect places to enjoy the wonders of nature.
Samar Festivals and Events
Overview
Celebration of life and all the blessings received are the central themes of Samar festivals and for those who like watching Filipino merrymaking, nothing compares to how the inhabitants of this region celebrate. It is said that the best of all the Samar festivals are held mid year, in between the start of the summer in March until the rainy season August.
Embajada Festival
Some Samar festivals are confined to certain towns but the Embajada Festival is something that is celebrated by the entire province albeit at different dates. The very first towns that celebrate Embajada Festival right after New Year, in January, are Catubig and Laoang. Similar to a domino effect, the nearby towns follow and come mid June, this Samar festival would have reached Catarman. The Moro-Moros, an indigenous group in Samar is said to be the first Filipinos ever to celebrate the Embajada Festival and being a tradition, they have been celebrating it for centuries.
This Samar festival depicts a time in history when conflict prevailed between the Moro-Moros and the Spaniards although nowadays it is presented in a comical fashion. During the Embajada Festival, street dancing is common and there’s always the delicious array of food served in the town center as night sets in. The Moro-Moros themselves take part in the Embajada Festival and this Samar festival is also a good opportunity to learn so much about one of the oldest tribes in Samar.
Parayang Harvest Festival
The main source of livelihood of the inhabitants of Samar is farming and harvesting is something that is celebrated, being considered by the locals as a time of abundance and blessing. The Parayang Harvest Festival is just one of the few festivities that center on harvest but this Samar festival is primarily held in the town of San Roque. The Parayang Harvest Festival is a day filled with celebration with several contests being held throughout the day such as cooking competitions and beauty pageants.
There’s also street dancing during the Parayang Harvest Festival where both young and old practice both modern and traditional dances prior to the event. There are of course prizes given out to winners of these competitions and at the end of the Parayang Harvest Festival, families and friends gather to enjoy a sumptuous feast together. The Parayang Harvest Festival is so much a part of Filipino tradition having been celebrated for a little over a century now.
Samar Hotel Guide
Samar is the province of the Philippines in the eastern part of Visayas. Samar has other smaller islands which most tourists like to visit. Samar is famous for the longest bride of the country. It is known as San Juanico Bridge. The people are also known for their hospitality and warmth nature.Samar also has a lot of hotels and resorts where you and your family can stay safe and relaxed.
1. Caluwayan Palm Island Resort – This is a good place to enjoy ecological tourism. This place is good as an alternative to those modern hotels. This is situated in Marabut.Marabut is in the western side of Samar. This hotel is surrounded by a islands and smaller island with different coves. The best beach is just nearby this hotel. Guests can scuba dive, snorkel, sail and swim. The guests can also enjoy the nice view of the bay.
2. Domsowir Hotel – This is a hotel you can find in the town of Boronan. They offer different types of room for the guests. They can offer a room with single beds complete with amenities and air-conditioning. They also have rooms for two persons. This hotel offers discounted rates during non-peak seasons.
3. Maqueda Bay Hotel- This is one of Samar’s main hotels.This hotel has a good view of the Maqueda Bay. The bay offers a good view of the sunset when the day is clear. The hotel has its own restaurant where you can enjoy international dishes. This hotel is not a five star hotel but the amenities are great and the rate of accommodation can be pricey. This is situated in Guinsurungan and you can reach this hotel from the city by riding on a tricycle.
4. Rose Scent Inn – This inn is in the center of the city so almost everyone knows this place. This is a good place to stay in for those with a tight budget. The residents call this place the pension. It offers cozy rooms where two to four people can stay. The rooms have all the amenities like bathroom and air-con. The place is also known for its accessibility where some of your relatives can easily go to since it is a popular inn. The television is in a big room with chairs and should be shared by all the guests.
5. Jasmin Beach Resort – This is resort with a Mediterranean theme. This is a good place for people who likes being close to nature. Their beach is covered in white sand and the water is clear. Guests also like snorkeling and diving in this beach because the beach has plenty of marine animals. A popular feature is the floating cottages where guests can stay. This resort also has several large rooms for different occasions like weddings.
Samar Travel Guide
Samar is a popular and attractive province in southern Philippines since it is known for its rich culture and heritage. Throughout the year, many people visit the beautiful tourist spots in the province. However, to have an enjoyable, remarkable, and exciting vacation in the place, there are different Samar travel guides that people can look at to have ideas about the famous hospitality service providers in the province that offer reasonable rates. Additionally, the guides also offer information on restaurants that serve sumptuous and affordable meals to everyone.
Accommodations in Samar Travel Guide
For the convenience and comfort of travelers and tourists, most Samar travel guides feature a section on accommodations in the province. The section offers knowledge on the amenities as well as accommodation rates in several hospitality service providers in Samar, Philippines. To tourists who are in search for hotels that have attractive facilities, they can always make advance reservations at Dumpao Beach Resort, Jasmin Beach Resort, and Bobon Beach Resort. Meanwhile, for those who like to stay in lodges and inns that have affordable accommodations, they should visit Sogod Bay Lodge, Huraw Lodge, and Travelers Home Lodge Inn.
Dining in Samar Travel Guide
Another section in Samar travel guides that get the attention of travelers to the province is dining. By looking at this section, people can always look at the specialties of several restaurants and dining places in Samar, Philippines. For those who prefer to dine in places that serve both local and foreign cuisines, they can visit these dining places; Arnelli’s Pizza, Caluwayan Palm Island Resort and Restaurant, as well as C’Italian Dining.
Festivals
Most Samar travel guides also feature festivals and special events in Samar, Philippines. Hence, for tourists who want to observe some of the famous festivals in the province, they can refer to Samar travel guides for the details of the events. Most of these guides feature information like history and what to see in the attractive Samar festivals Kadayaw Festival, Parayan Harvest Festival, and Pasidungog Festival.
Tourist Destinations
Above all, Samar travel guides provide knowledge on tourist destinations or spots in Samar, Philippines. For people who like to see natural attractions in the province, they can always visit Panhulugan Cave, Shoton Cave, and Bugasan Cave. On the other hand, for individuals who plan to visit the province’s manmade attractions, they can visit Calbayog Cathedral, Basey 17th Century Church, and Shoton National Park. With the use of Samar travel guides, people can surely have a relaxing and worry-free visit to one of the famous provinces in southern Philippines, Samar.
