Samar’s beauty lies not with their flashy accommodation or state-of- the-art man-made attractions; it’s going “back to basics”. Reveling in the God-given nature-based products scattered around the province. Samar is home to Asia’s 2nd largest cave system – the Langon-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga, as well as the world-renowned Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge. Experience a thrill of the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride in Paranas and indulge on the succulent Tenani cuisine. You can also find majestic Rock Formations in Marabut, and kayak on them, too. Then have a restful evening amid the sounds of cicadas at the Caluwayan Palm Island Resort. Learn about mangroves by trekking through the 750 hectares Mangrove Forest Safari in Pinabacdao, Samar’s agricultural capital, or at the San Juan by the Bay while eating out at floating cottages with a view of the San Juanico Bridge.Samar’s his also a hub for foodies. Try the famous tamales and a variety of Pili-based delicacies in Catbalogan City. Head over to Calbayog City’s food circuit which includes the succulent Tinapa and Alimango (Mud Crabs). The special command performance of the Calbayog City Youth Orchestra is an added attraction.
Samar (/ˈsɑːmɑːr/ SAH-mar) is the third-largest and seventh-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total population of 1,909,537 as of the 2020 census. It is located in the eastern Visayas, which are in the central Philippines. The island is divided into three provinces: Samar (formerly Western Samar), Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. These three provinces, along with the provinces on the nearby islands of Leyte and Biliran, are part of the Eastern Visayas region.
About a third of the island of Samar is protected as a natural park, known as the Samar Island Natural Park. On June 19, 1965, through Republic Act No. 4221, Samar was divided into three provinces: Northern Samar, (Western) Samar and Eastern Samar. The capitals of these provinces are, respectively, Catarman, Catbalogan, and Borongan. In commemoration of the establishment of these provinces, June 19 is celebrated as an annual holiday and many have the day off from work.
Sagmani and Binagol
In the town of Pinabacdao, sagmani is one of the star dishes. This native kakanin is made with coconut milk, brown sugar, margarine, roasted peanuts, and grated gabi. The mixture is placed inside the gabi shell and steamed for two hours. Aside from sagmani, you’ll also be able to try other native delicacies such as piking (crispy fried cassava with a sweet sauce) and linupak (also made of grated cassava with young coconut milk and sugar).
In Calbiga, there is a similar dessert called binagol. Talyan (from the taro family) is peeled and ground, then a sweet filling called latik is added to the mixture. It is placed in a bao and steamed for eight hours in a low fire. The result is a sweet and creamy dessert that is definitely worth the wait.
