Around Samar

Introduction to Samar Here we take a quick look at the island of Samar in the Philippines. This man is paddling the Blanca Aurora River near San Jorge. This river is a good way to get into the interior. Bright blue kingfishers hang around at the waters edge and add a little color to the landscape. This is the Ulot River (Monkey River) cutting through the Taft National Forest. The forest is pristine and the water pure but illegal logging is going on at a terrific pace. On both of these rivers it would be a good idea to have a friendly local with you, as a companion to smooth the way, because these areas are politically sensitive. Tarangban Falls is in Western Samar about a 4 kilometer walk from the National Highway near Calbayog. It is a pleasant hike through coconut palm plantations but the trail is not well marked. Going with someone that knows the area makes it an easy trip. Samar! I just love this place! Refreshing... Jeepneys, vans and habble-habble motorcycles are the most common forms of road transport in the province. ...forgot to mention motorbike tricycles ...and manpowered tricycles. This whole concept of roofed over motorcycles is an indicator about how much it rains in these parts. Here is the old church in Basey. The San Juanico Bridge connects the island of Samar and Leyte. Leaf being used as an umbrella in Eastern Samar. This neat house and garden is on the east coast near Taft. The east coast gets hit regularly by typhoons during the stormy season and has some good surfing spots. Fishermen's houses on the coast near Catbalogan. One of these fishermen brought us over to Guimit Island about 2 hours distant. There we did a little research on the python population. Boats with outriggers for stability are the norm on the fishing grounds. There are networks of caves running through the limestone of Samar. Samar has an undeveloped tourist industry but spelunkers from Europe make regular visits to explore and map the area. This is local caver, Sherwin, having a look at a flawless formation in Jiabong Cave.. Sherwin with his pet bat in Guimit Cave. Joni in Jiabong cave near Catbalogan. This local cave system gets very few visitors. You get a feeling like you are passing through the veins of the earth when swimming along in these underground rivers. I prefer these caves to the Calbiga Cave which is one of the biggest limestone caves in Asia. It is about an hour distant by car. Fishing villages spring up where ever there is a river meeting the sea. Street parades are common through out the Philippines because Filipinos are such festive people. This occasion was Charter Day in Catbalogan. Pineapples are a major crop in Samar. It takes a bit of practice to cut them but you get the knack of it by watching the locals. They are sold alongside the road - 5 for 100 pesos. Fish vendor in Borongon. Imagine fresh caught yellowfin tuna for 120 pesos a kilo! Most of these photos come with a more complete story. See the Samar section. 2008   www.dutchpickle.com

 

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