Samar
1. Eastern Samar
Borongan City
Borongan City is a thriving city with 50,000 people. Expect busy roads, lots of food stalls and somewhat developed beaches. If you’re searching for unspoiled beaches then you may need to travel further up or down the coast from the city, which can be done via van or bike in the dry season. A range of white to black sand beaches, as well as mostly unexplored surf spots line the coast of Borongan City and the surrounding areas.
Catch a van from Tacloban; it’s a 3-4-hour drive from Tacloban Airport to Borongan City, or fly direct to Borongan Airport via private tour company, PASHADA Travel and Tours; they fly every Friday from Cebu and Clark.
The main surf spot in Borongan City is easy to get to and suited for beginner/intermediate to advanced surfers. For all levels of surfers, hiring a local surf guide is essential to get the most out of your stay here; they’re experienced and know the breaks inside out. The main surf spot can be tricky to navigate with strong currents and large swell, so your guide will be invaluable when it comes to maximising your surf sessions. The professional surf guides also offer surf lessons for less experienced surfers.
Eastern Samar is dominated by two seasons, the SW monsoon season (between July and Sept) which is less rainy with dominant SW offshores and erratic typhoon swells. And the NE monsoon (between November and March) which is the rainy season with its dominant onshores and more consistent swell with occasional clean conditions. The best time to surf is generally between August and October, however swell isn’t consistent during this time. During November, the typhoon season switches to the NE monsoon wind swell season, so conditions can be more consistent.
Bring your own surf wear including surf accessories as there’s not a huge supply here. Bring a spare surfboard, fins & fin keys, wax and leashes. Don’t forget your zinc as the tropical conditions will entice you to jump in the water several times a day!
Locals are friendly and welcoming; visiting Borongan City is worth the journey. You’ll experience everything that the Philippines has to offer in this coastal city.
2. South Eastern Samar
Calicoan Island, Guiuan
Located off the South Eastern point of Samar, Guiuan is a coastal town abundant with white sand beaches, as well as some awesome surf spots. A 2 to 3-hour drive from Tacloban City will get you to the town, then a further 30-minute drive via trike or van will get you to Calicoan Island.
ABCD is a reef break that’s suitable for all surfers including beginners; although it’s recommended for beginner surfers to hire a local surf guide in order to navigate the break. ABCD Beach Surf Camp provides surfboard rentals and surf lessons from local surf instructors. Due it’s remote location, they have a limited range of surf accessories which surfers can buy, so it’s recommended to bring your own surf wear like spare leashes, fins & fin keys, zinc, board repair kit and surfboards.
The swell ranges from 3-8ft and is super clean when the conditions are right. The best time to surf is between April and November. Summer (April and May) provides the best conditions for beginners, while August to October delivers big swell suited to intermediate and advanced surfers.