Samar's lovely Guiuan

CEBU, Philippines - Towards the southernmost point of Samar Island, about an hour’s drive away from Borongan, is the town  of Guiuan. Within the town’s territory  are several smaller islands. These islands – namely Manicani, Calicoan, Candulo, Homonhon, Suluan, Sulangan and Tubabao – form part of a  marine reserve called the Guiuan Protected  Landscape and Seascape.

It’s obvious that Guiuan’s main attraction is its beaches and seas. With a location that’s facing the Pacific, its beaches are ideal for swimming and surfing. Although there’s a lot more to lure visitors to come to the place.

Those looking for left-hand and right-hand waves can head over to ABCD Beach on Calicoan Island, which belongs to the municipality of Guiuan. The travel website www.triptheislands.com notes that the surfing season in Guiuan starts in April and lasts until November. The website also cites the two to three-feet waves during the summer months (April to May) to be attractive to beginning surfers. The more advanced surfers, the website adds, will love the bigger and more challenging waves that come in the later months.

The popular beaches in Guiuan include Canhugas Beach, Guitagican Beach, Mercedes Beach, Sapao Beach and Sulangan Beach. There are other natural attractions, too – like the Santa Monica Caves, the Marabut Rock Formations, and the Hamorawon Spring.

Its rich history is another feature that draws visitors to Guiuan. The www.triptheislands.com website notes that Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed on Guiuan’s Homonhon Island on March 16, 1521, in order to source food and supplies.

Guiuan also played an important role as a base for the Allied forces during world War II. American forces landed on Guiuan’s Suluan Island, fought the Japanese three days prior to General MacArthur arrival at Leyte. The town’s part in that time in Philippine history could be traced in the concrete slabs, which were the foundations of a supply depot that are still there today. In fact, part of the former base is now serving as the town’s airport.

The many historical attractions in Guiuan include the Navy 3149 Base and the Guiuan World War II Operating Base. One of the oldest churches in the Philippines is also found in Guiuan – the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The church is proof that even back in those days the place was already a significant location.

To reach Guiuan, visitors may take a bus from Tacloban City, in Leyte. It takes about three to four hours to reach Guiuan. The town may also be reached from Borongan City, in Samar, where buses and vans (called V-hire) are available.

While the Guiuan’s airport allows chartered flights, it is still easier to book a flight to Tacloban and from there take a bus for Guiuan. Once in the town, there are jeepneys to get visitors around.  (FREEMAN)