Northern Samar – Eastern Samar
Small homestead on the riverbank near the seaport town of Gamay, Samar. There had been 5 days of rain bought on by a tropical depression so I was just waiting out the weather for a few days on the edge of the Pacific Ocean here in Eastern Samar.
This is the crossing near Rawis where the interesting part of the trip begins. I had been waiting for 3 days in Allen Samar for a break in the weather and started out as soon as the sun came out. My original plan was to head up to Donsol near Legaspi, Luzon to do some swimming with the whale sharks there but heavy rains cloud the water too much so I postponed that plan and impulsively headed east instead.
These boats ferry passengers and motorbikes across the waters over to the town of Laoang – the cost is around 100 peso. Someone will sit on the bike on the way over for stability. The system seems efficient – two guys will lift the bike on and off the boat.
Muddy roads ahead.
Way down the road south of Gamay on the way to Arteche, Eastern Samar.
The new gecko that now lives on the balcony.
In all – this trip around the perimeter of Samar took me 7 days
Most of the roads in Samar have been improved upon the past few years but the bit between north and eastern Samar is going to take more work the next few years.
I kind of like getting off the main highway when ever possible. dp
PD,
Good to see your back in business again mate…I’m off over to Laos this coming July/August to check out the “Plain of Jars”
MG
Hello Mr. DP: My BF and I plan a motorcycle trip to circumnavigate Samar starting in November this year. We are trying to determine the condition of the roads. On our maps the highway goes from wide red line to black, to yellow and on the East side turns to a black dotted line. Is our plan feasible? Two people, with luggage, all the way around? Love your page………….. thanks……………..becky
Hi becky, Sorry my late reply. I have never used a road map in Samar but I did live there for a year or two.
I think you could make it ok if you are not too heavily laden with gear. If it has been rainy before or during the trip it will be slippery and muddy but that could add to the adventure if you are up to it.
I really like the eastern shores of Samar and especially the town of Gamay.
enjoy
dp
I have done a trip around Samar Island a few times and it was a blast every time.
Rain was not avoidable on my trips but I stayed at the ferry terminal in Allen one time for a few days. It was handy and comfortable. I had intended to cross over to Matnog Luzon but decided to stick around Samar instead.
You cross the river in Rawis over to Laong and you are off.
There can be a fair bit of mud but that makes the run more interesting.
I have stayed in Gamay, Samar further down the road also located on a big river. It is the best place !
Good lodging, good food, and good people !
dp
Yes MG , I had some very interesting times there in Laos years ago. I would have loved to visit the Plain of Jars with you back then.
I have met a number of Hmong people in Alaska recently and find them to be a happy people full of life and energy.
I am kind of lying low lately (now in year 2020 ) just waiting out the whole coronavirus thing. I think that world travel will be much more difficult in the future.
dp