Hotels in Samar may be few but there are good ones to make your stay comfortable. Tourism in Samar is slowly on the rise as more people discover beaches that are just as beautiful as the beaches in other regions of the Philippines. If you are looking for comfortable hotels in Catarman and Borongan, GV Hotels should be on top of your list. Budget hotels is what GV Hotels is all about and because GV Hotels understands what it means to travel on a budget, all the basic amenities are provided for a comfortable stay without the extra cost.

Room rates can start as low as Php330 with GV Hotels with branches in the following Samar locations:

About Samar

The provinces of Samar (formerly known as Western Samar), Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar are located at the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital cities are Catbalogan (Samar), Catarman (Northern Samar), and Borongan (Eastern Samar).

Samar is connected to the island and province of Leyte via the San Juanico Bridge, which spans the San Juanico Strait, the narrowest strait in the country. To the south is the Leyte Gulf.

Visit Samar now and experience more fun in the Philippines! There may be a few other Samar hotels you can stay at but only GV Hotels provide you real value for your money. No frills, budget accommodations for the practical traveler! 

Must See (Places to Go, Tourist Spots, Things to Do)

• San Juanico Bridge – A major tourist spot, this is the country’s longest bridge that connects the twin islands of Leyte and Samar, the third biggest island in thePhilippines

• Tamburusan Beach –  Perfect for swimming, surfing and boating. This sandy beach lined with coconut palms along the shore enjoys refreshing sea breeze blowing from the San Bernardino Strait

• Veriato Falls

• Scout City UEP – Panoramic view of the San Bernardino Strait of the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east, Scout City is the venue of the national, regional and provincial Boy Scout jamborees

• Santa Monica Caves – Excellent spot for diving, fishing, swimming and surfing. This tourist destination offers an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean

• Guitagician Beach – A 2-Km stretch of white beach sand perfect for surfing and swimming.

• Divinuvo Island – White beach, rich marine life and crystal clear water makes this destination perfect for scuba diving and swimming.

• Hamorawon Spring – Surrounded by Spanish built stone, the spring is found at the heart of Borongan and is said to be a miraculous natural spring. Legend has it that whoever takes a bath at this spring, specially foreigners, will leave the town with a Borongan wife.
• San Julian Beach – another unexploited white beach from the town of Borongan.

Food – Where to Eat

• Kimbies Restaurant – Casual style dining that offers tasty Filipino dishes for P100. Some of their must try dishes are pork sinigang, chicken tinola and pork adobo. Diners can also enjoy refreshments of fruit juices and shakes

• Mitz Café – Relaxing ambiance and accomodating staff sets this restaurant apart. Have a delicious and satisfying meal for only P50

• Ronron’s Snack Inn
  Poblacion, Catarman

• By the Bay Café
  120 Jacinto St., Catarman, Northern Samar
  (055) 500-9451

• The Nest Restaurant
  Garcia St., Catarman, Northern Samar
  (055) 251-8152

• Miscellany
  Del Pilar St., Catarman, Northern Samar

• Big J. Disco and Restaurant
  J.P. Rizal St., Catarman, Northern Samar

• Casa de Coco Restaurant
  Cor. Quirino and Balite Sts., Catarman, Northern Samar

• Mamalus Restaurant
  San Francisco St., Borongan City
  (055) 560-9472

• Machu-Pichu Restaurant
  Wilsam Uptown Mall, Borongan City

Festivals

• Embajada Festival – this festival portray the Christianization of the Spanish conquistadores and the native Filipinos who embraced the religion after putting up a courageous resistance. During the festivities, people fill the streets dancing to the tunes of both old and new music. Generous servings of food are prepared by the people and are served at the town center before night falls.

• Northern Samar Founding Anniversary - A week long celebration that ends every 19th of June, this a celebration of the founding anniversary of Northern Samar

• Padul-ong – Held on September 8 of every year to commemorate the Lady of Nativity, the patroness of Borongan. The festival is a mythological re-enactment of how the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary mysteriously arrived in Borongan fromPortugal and its connection to the Lady in white who stayed in the Hamorawon Spring and caused it to have its miraculous powers

How to Get There

Catarman, Northern Samar

• By Air:
  There are four flights a day from Manila to Catarman via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirPhil Express and ZestAir

• By Land:
  Catarman can also be reached by a public bus or by private transport. Travel time will take about 9 to 14 hours from Manila to Matnog Pier, from there a ferry boat it taken to Catarman

• By Sea:
  Connecting Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao by road, the Phil. Maharlika Highway has 2 ferry connections to bridge the islands. One is the Matnog, Sorsogon-Allen, Samar connection. Roro barges leave the ports every hour 24/7, making the route as one of the busiest in the country. This a great way to see the beautiful islands in the Visayas and Mindanao

Borongan, Eastern Samar

From Manila, you can take a flight to Tacloban and proceed to the new Tacloban Bus Terminal to catch a bus to Borongan. Taking bigger buses are more convenient for passengers with a lot of luggage but the travel time takes approximately 5 hours. Smaller air conditioned buses are available too and travel for shorter period of time, usually lasting only 3 hours.

Buses from Manila are also available from bus companies like Philtranco and Eagle Star. The trip usually takes more than 24 hours depending on the Ferry schedule.

Getting Around in Samar

• Tricycle - This is the primary mode of transportation for short distance travel in Catarman.

• Jeeps- If you’re destination is in a nearby town then the most convenient transportation to take are Jeeps. Some jeeps agree to a special rate if you have an agreement for “special trips”

• Buses – Take a bus if you plan if you plan to go on a longer distance travel.

Borongan, Eastern Samar

• Buses and Jeepneys – This is the most convenient mode of transportation in Borongan when visiting neighbouring towns. All buses and jeepneys leave Borongan from the market. If you plan to go to other towns, its best to leave early as the number of buses and jeepneys leaving for other towns decline in number later in the day. Also, if you intend to come back to Borongan make sure that you inquire about the schedule of the last trip back.

• Boat – Some towns and villages like Maslog and Jipipad can only be accessed by boat.

• Multicab and tricycles – This is the most convenient mode of transportation within the town. Multicab and tricycle fare always have a flat rate unless otherwise agreed upon by both the driver and the passenger. Make sure to ask around about average fare if you plan to make an agreement for “special trips”

Useful Phrases

• Good Morning  - Maupay nga aga
• Good Afternoon – Maupay nga kulop
• Good Evening – Maupay nga gab-i
• How do I go to <location>? – paanano ako makadto sa <location>?
• How much? – Tagpira?
• Do you speak <language>? – Maram ka magbagaw <language>?

Business Essentials

Business establishments that service the needs of business people are constantly changing and adding new players. Visit the Samar Business Essentials page by clicking the button link and see the latest business services offered.

Borongan Catarman

Banks

For your financial transaction needs while you’re in Samar.

Borongan Catarman

Emergency Numbers

Emergency numbers that you might need to know including police stations and medical facilities while you’re in Samar

Borongan Catarman