Sunday, February 26, 2012

Samar for the Adventurous Traveler

Samar Province occupies the southwest of the island of Samar. It is a mix beautiful coastlines and rugged terrain with low mountain ranges. It is one of those places in the Philippines that is nestled between the sea and the towering mountains. To add to its picturesque appeal, a tropical rainforest adorns the province and becomes one of its highlights.

The Province’s Climate

The province of Samar does not have a distinct season unlike the other areas of the Philippines that experience wet and dry seasons. Rainfall here is more evened out for the entire year, which adds to the growth of the nearby rainforest. The best time of the year to visit will still be during the summer months from April to July when the climate is best suited for beach trips and inland trekking.

Brush with History

The province owes its historical records to Jesuit missionaries who founded the place in 1596. Samar has been known by names since then including Achan, Ibabao, Tandaya, and Zamal. It is said that when the Spanish first arrived they met an injured local and asked him the name of the place. Not understanding exactly what the foreigners were asking, the local pointed out his wound and said ‘samad’, which means wound in the local dialect, thus the name of the province came about.

Americans took over the area in 1900 and established their own city government in 1902. After World War II and consequent eviction of Japanese occupation forces the place became a chartered province of the Philippines in 1949.

Lodging Options

There are several lodging options when you get to visit the province. Room rates range dramatically depending on your choice of lodgings, accommodations, and available amenities. For instance, the Maqueda Bay Hotel is a bit more expensive than average hotels in the region. Rates here would go from $40 to $80. It isn’t a five-star hotel but the price is quite fine for the service, rooms, a great view of the bay area, and amenities.

Now if you’re looking for accommodations that are somewhere on the average when it comes to rates you might want to try the Rose Scent Inn. Rates here go from $20 up to $40. It is conveniently located within the urban area making services and other destinations very accessible. The size of the rooms are modest and are air-conditioned. The cheaper accommodations will usually go below $20 like in the Sohoton National Park Guesthouse. The amenities are just right and would still give you a good view of the beautiful scenery.

Samar Restaurants


One of the popular and advancing provinces in Visayas, Philippines, Samar plays home to several restaurants and fast food chains that are known for the efficient services and affordable dishes that they offer to everyone. For those who are in search for dining places that offer satisfying and cheap meals, they can always visit any of the fast food stores in the province, namely Jollibee and Chowking. Meanwhile, there are also restaurants that offer delicious and sumptuous dishes like Cobras Den Bar and Restaurant, Voltz Fastfood, Mitz Café, and Kimbies Restaurant.

Cobras Den Bar and Restaurant

Found within the City of Calbayog in Samar, Cobras Den Bar and Restaurant is a simple but famous dining place that serves snacks and rice meals to everyone. For people who like to taste some of the in-house specialties, they can order Shrimp with Mushrooms, Fish Sinigang, and Pork Nilaga. Meanwhile, when it comes to snacks, this restaurant serves Cheese Pizza, Italian Spaghetti, and Chicken Sandwich. Customers can also order Filipino dishes like Crispy Pata, Miki Bihon, and Tuna Sisig. Moreover, for those who want to relax and unwind, the restaurant serves tasty alcoholic beverages such as beers, vodkas, and tequilas.

Voltz Fastfood

A simple dining place in Allen, Samar, Voltz Fastfood specializes in Filipino dishes. Average cost of meals in this restaurant is less than 100 pesos. This fast food is known for its friendly staff and it also promotes casual type of dining. The dining area is very homey and its management makes sure that the restaurant is always clean. Some of the delicious and mouth-watering dishes available in the place are pansit, spaghetti, and beef noodles. Voltz Fastfood also serves sandwiches like tuna sandwich and chicken sandwich. For beverages, customers can order soft drinks, iced tea, and bottled water.

Mitz Café

A small restaurant in Catarman, Samar, Mitz Café is another dining place that takes pride in its relaxing ambiance and accommodating staff. Foods in this restaurant are very affordable. For only 50 pesos, people can already order a satisfying meal at this place. Furthermore, the location of Mitz Café is strategic and very easy to find.

Kimbies Restaurant

Another inviting restaurant in Catarman, Samar that offers casual style of dining to everyone, Kimbies Restaurant is known for its expertise in preparing Filipino dishes. Pork Sinigang, Chicken Tinola, and Pork Adobo are three of the tasty dishes that people can order in this place. Additionally, the restaurant also serves fruit juices and shakes for the refreshment of customers. By allotting less than 100 pesos as a budget, people can already have a complete and delicious meal at this place.


Credits : ( http://www.samarboard.com/samar-restaurants.php )

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