Surf like a pro in Borongan, Eastern Samar: A 'Biyahe Ni Drew' Itinerary

Who wouldn't want to explore this beautiful place?

They say that if you want to go on a trip to Borongan, Eastern Samar you must have a lot of patience, a sense of adventure, and a strong pair of legs! But don't worry, because the things you'll get to experience here will definitely be worth all the effort and sweat!

What are we waiting for? Let’s explore Borongan, Biyaheros!

En route Borongan, Samar

It’s super easy! You just have to take a plane going to the province of Tacloban then rent a van going to Borongan, Samar. The van ride will take around 3-4 hours so make sure to bring a neck pillow!

Biyahero tip! You might want to stay awake during your trip to Borongan from Tacloban to see iconic landmarks like the San Juanico Bridge!

Try to stay awake during your road trip to see this beauty!

Where to stay

Boro Bay
Baybay Blvd., Brgy. Songco, Borongan City

Biyahe Ni Drew chose to stay in this comfortable and old-fashioned Filipino hotel.

Their executive accommodations include single, superior and double executive rooms which ranges from P1,190 to P2, 490. Their family accommodations  include superior family 1 and 2 which ranges from P2,590 to P3,490. While their suite accommodations include deluxe, superior deluxe and presidential suites and ranges from P2,490 to P3,690.

Drew Arellano’s room had a queen-sized bed, a flatscreen TV, a small refrigerator and a huge CR with a bathtub. All their room accommodations here also come with a complimentary breakfast.

Hotel Dona Vicenta
Real St, Brgy. Songco, Borongan City

This hotel is near the capital of Borongan. Their presidential suite  is around P3,570 and has a receiving area, a flatscreen TV, a refrigerator and an extra bed. And in its master’s bedroom is a queen-sized bed and CR with bathtub.

They also have a family room that is good for 6 pax which costs P5,300. Their bathroom sink, comfort room and shower room are separated from each other so that guests may use them at the same time.

All their accommodations include a free breakfast and use of their swimming pool.

Act like a local and go explore!

Surfing and Skim Boarding

Drew Arellano tries skimboarding along the shores of Borongan

Are you a surfing enthusiast?

Borongan, Samar is one of the places to be if you love to surf because they have big and ‘surf-friendly’ waves all year-round. While surfing, Drew Arellano also observed that the beaches here aren’t as rocky as other beaches which means that it’s safer for surfers.

Biyahero tip! A local from Borongan advices that you go surfing when the wind isn’t so strong or if the wind is coming from the direction of the farms and not from the ocean so that you’ll be able to catch nice waves. Also, you can bed-space in some surf houses near the beach!

Pahungaw Waterfalls
Brgy. San Pablo, Borongan City

You’ll surely fall in love with this place!

To get here, you have to go on a short cruise along Maypangdan River which will take around 30-45 minutes. After that, you’ll trek for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed, to get to the waterfalls.

Pahungaw Falls is a multi-level falls where you’ll find a natural pool in each level. There’s also a pool right under the falls where you can relax or get a water massage. And at the end part of the falls is a spot where you can jump!

Biyahero tip! Trekking here is pretty long so make sure to wear comfortable footwear!

Talubagnan Cave
Brgy. Bato, Borongan City

Waterfalls inside a cave? Borongan never runs out of surprises!

Aside from the beautiful bodies of water in Borongan, tourists also go here for the caves.

Trekking to Talubagnan Cave will take you around 30-45 minutes. At the entrance, you will find huge rock formations that you’ll have to climb to get inside the cave. Once you’re inside, you’ll see more rock formations and lots of bats.

Bonus! This cave has a swimming pool and a mini-falls inside where you can swim! Worth the sweat!

Island Hopping

There are also various islands located in Borongan, Samar that you may want to visit like:

Monbon Island

Can you believe that  you can enjoy in this island for only P5?!

For only P5, you may already stay in Monbon island for the whole day! You can go swimming or snorkelling in the beach and you may also go on a picnic with your love ones or rent a cottage along the seashore for P150.

Ando Island

You will see some locals of Borongan who reside in this island but tourists go here for its beach. And for an entrance fee of only P7, you may already enjoy their beautiful beach and even get to try some of their sea shells delicacies!

If you plan to stay overnight in this island, there are simple cottages that you may rent for P350.

You will see some locals of Borongan who reside in this island but tourists go here for its beach.

Isla Divinubo

Locals say that this island was able to survive the two storms that struck it recently. Its marine life is still surprisingly rich and their Aswang lobster is a proof of that. These lobsters are so huge, they’re good for 3-4 persons!

You only have to pay an entrance fee of P10 per head to enjoy in this island.

Don’t worry! if you’re allergic to seafood then you may go for their kakanin!

Happy tummy, happy biyahero!

Get you tummies and tastebuds ready for the delicacies that they’ll serve you in Borongan!

Salukara

Salakura, anyone?

Tired of having usual pancakes for breakfast?

Locals of Borongan have their own version of pancakes called Salakura. They usually prepare this as early as 5 AM to serve it for breakfast. Its mixture is simply made up of coconut, sugar, sticky rice and tuba. Locals sell this for only P7 a piece or three pieces for P20 so make sure to try it, Biyaheros!

Lechon de Borongan

You can’t miss out on Borongan’s lechon when you go here!

Unlike other lechon that needs some type of sauce to add flavor to it, Lechon de Borongan is already good by itself because of the ingredients that were used to cook it. Also, they wipe it with milk before roasting it to make it even more delicious. Tulo laway na ba kayo, Biyaheros?

Exotic Food

Drew Arellano braving the exotic food served to him. Hehe.

Have you heard of Arakaak, Tarukog and Ulnitan?

These are exotic seafood dishes that locals also serve to tourists. Ulnitan is a caterpillar-looking sea cucumber which you’ll have to cut in half to eat.

Tarukog is a type of mollusk with a green-colored body. After boiling and cleaning it, it will somehow look like a mushroom. Arakaak on the other hand, will look pretty much the same even after cleaning it so it will some guts to try this, Biyaheros!

These are just usually served as kinilaw or raw but for Biyahe Ni Drew, they served the adobo version of tarukog and ulnitaan with coconut milk.

Boulevard along Borongan Bay

Craving for grilled food, Biyahero?

This is the perfect place to go to if you're craving for barbecue dishes. Friends and families usually go here to grab a drink and just have a good time. There are also vendors roaming around the area who sell balot, chicharon and other pulutan!

You’ll surely be in for a treat when you go to Borongan, Samar because of all the awesome things you’ll experience. But we must also keep in mind that when we go here, we must help preserve its beauty as a sign of respect to the locals who continuously take care of the place. Be a #BiyaHero!---Via Gonzales/BMS, GMA Public Affairs