Weekend in Catbalogan – Samar
I hopped on my motorbike and drove the 220 kilometers to Catbalogan in about 4 1/2 hours. There was no rain and the road was beautiful, complete with white center stripes and a gold painted edges.
This wouldn’t sound like a big deal to someone that has never been to Samar – but that “road” was a true nightmare in the not so distant past.
The fiesta was to begin on Monday. This is a major event in the provinces, and the relatives come from all over to party with their former classmates and family.
I attended the wedding of some friends on Saturday…
and was able to slip away before the reception to get a rear tire put on my hable-hable trail bike. Maintenance is a never ending part of using a motorbike and I really shouldn’t have let it go this far with out replacing the tire.
It looks a little weird, but this type of bike is used extensively in the back country.
This old boy was a cheerful man and charged me 20 pesos to change the tire – that’s 40 cents US. He spoke perfect English and told me 4 1/2 hours from Ormoc to Catbalogan was moving too fast. He says “You only have one life – take care of it”.
Meeting guys like this are one of the cool things about traveling in the Philippines.
I took the bike on a test run up the mountain and had to dodge some roosters training for the main event.
They had been going at it for a while and were winded. When the cocks are in actual competition they have a sharp steel spur tied to one foot.
…visited my friends at Joey’s Cafe, a 24 hour stand by the park. I have only seen this place closed for one time for Typhoon Frank.
The parade jammed up the traffic.
The little guy above is in charge of bringing out all the tricycle seats in the mornings.
New hotel in town.
Grand Tours new terminal. This mini bus does runs in Samar and down to Tacloban in Leyte. They have really expanded their operation not that the roads are so good.
I’m so pretty!
Samar
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
Ormoc to Catbalogan? Wow, Dutch you are a brave man, and on a motorcycle? The twist-backs and curves through the mountains out of Ormoc are scary enough in a big bus, let alone a motorcycle. Enjoy every one of your videos on YouTube, it feels as if I am there (only wish I really was). When you passed through Carigara on your trip, you were in the area that I call my 2nd home.
If you ever get to Tacloban, can you do a entry on the new Robinson’s Mall?
Hello Lloyd,
I will have to stop in there and have a look.
You might get a chuckle out of this page
Moving to Ormoc from Samar
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/leyte/moving-from-samar-to-leyte.html
cheers!
dp
Hi DP, I know I asked this before and I am sure you answered but cannot find the page to check. Sorry.
I have been checking the sun star for shipping line Cebu to Catbalogon but can find nothing.
Hope to be there soon, keen to make a day caving trip with Joni.
Will get together some pics and story about my recent adventure in Canlaon and forward over the weekend.
Your site just gets better and better.
Hi Bruce,
Thanks the compliment!
About trips between Cebu and Catbalogan:
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/samar/roble-shipping.html
Roble is the only shipping company that makes the run from Cebu to Catbalogan.
I think that it leaves Cebu Friday night and arrives in Catbalogan Saturday morning. You will have to drive the bike up the ramp. When the tide is off – you will need to get some porters to help transfer the bike, because there is too great a risk of dumping it into the sea. (you will have to lay the bike on its side)
Another option would be to take the Lite Shipping Ferry leaving Cebu at 11am and arriving in Ormoc, Leyte around 5pm. You could stop at my place for the night and then carry on the next day to Catbalogan. (4 1/2 hours or so but an easy ride)
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/cebu/cebu-to-ormoc-lite-shipping.html
I am very interested in seeing your pictures of Canloan!
Joni stopped in 2 days ago and we went for pizza. They did an impressive cave dive in Calbiga and discovered a new chamber. Pretty cool – a couple of Americans out of Thailand and a German.
One thing to keep in mind is the heavy rain we have been getting lately. The water levels in the caves can be to high for safe caving.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/samar/calbiga-langun-cave.html
Keep in touch my friend.
dp
ps I plan to head to Palawan soon, and spend a month over there. MG has a new house in Puerto Princessa and one down in southern Palawan (Nara) so It was an offer that i couldn’t refuse!
Thanks so much for the info DP appreciated.
Palawan is a great place, sounds like fun, wonder how you will get the bike there.
Shall work soon on a few stories from Canlaon, cheapest place in the country.
Bruce
Hello Bruce,
I am really interested in hearing about Canlaon.
There is a typhoon rolling through the Philippines right now as you are aware I am sure. (some ferries are most likely cancelled) – Bagyong Ondoy – causing massive flooding in Manila
It would be great to see you if you come through Leyte. If not I could make a run up to Catbalogan and touch base with you up there.
As I mentioned – there is plenty of room at my apt in Ormoc if you want to crash for the night. We have reasonably secure parking.
I took a ferry via Cebu and Iloilo from Puerto Princessa 10 years ago but will have to investigate if there is still a route between the two.
dp
Hi DP!
It seems you know a lot about Catbalogan city! Which is why your posts caught my attention. I’ll be staying in Samar for the next 5 months and I just arrived a week ago. I was wondering if you know of a house/apartment/condo there where I could stay? My maximum budget for this is around P5K to P6K including utilities. I would really appreciate your help. Thanks.
Hello Anjo,
Catbalogan is a college town with a lot of boarding homes for students but there are few facilities for people in your situation.
I suggest checking with Mr and Mrs Pacoli of the Summers Garden Pension House – It is the place with many plants and flowers next to First Choice Hotel. (Just down from BDO near the park.) They probably have something in your price range.
The Maqueda Bay Hotel on the waterfront is good for short stays and the Rolet Hotel is quite popular but it runs about 1000 pesos per night.
Good luck
dp