Capital: Borongan

No. of towns: 23

Land area: 4,339.9 sq. km.

Location. Bounded on the north by Northern Samar, on the east by the Philippine Sea, on the west by Western Samar and on the south by Leyte Gulf.

Overview. Historians have described this part of Samar island as the "eastern gateway to the Philippines". The coast of this small province faces the Pacific Ocean and much of the land is rugged; vast parts of the province are forested. Its geographical location makes it prone to weather disturbances. On the other hand, its proximity to the Pacific distinctly gives it a tropical and exotic atmosphere. It has excellent body of waters ideal for deep sea fishing and surfing.

Points of interest

Suluan Island. Located in Guiuan, the first Filipinos who made contract with Magellan lived here; has sandy beaches.

Tubabao Island. Also located in Guiuan, site where the White Russians of the IRO (International Refugee Organization) stayed immediately after World War II.

Navy 3149 Base. Located in Ngolos, 23 kms. from the town proper of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Base of the American soldiers of World War II; commands a view of the Pacific Ocean.

Homonhon Island. Located at southeast of Guiuan, 60 nautical miles from Tacloban City. Tiny island where Ferdinand Magellan and his men first set foot on Philippine soil on March 17, 1521; viewing of the historic Magellan plaque / marker.

Guiuan World War II Operating Base. Also located in Guiuan. It has a three- kilometer runway that could service even jet-propelled planes; constructed by WWII US Navy in 1944. During the Liberation of the Philippines, it was the airstrip of war planes.

Sulang Beach. Located 24 kms. from the proper of Guiuan. Habitat of the world famous "Golden Cowrie", ideal site for deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving; multi-colored shool of fishes is a common sight.

Kantican Island (Pearl Island). Located in Guiuan. The only Pearl Culture Farm in Eastern Visayas. Haven of rich marine life such as lobsters, shells, fishes, abalones, corals; clear blue waters and immaculately white coral beach; perfect site for scuba diving, fishing and swimming.

Sapao Beach. Located 14 kms. from Guiuan. Beautiful beach resort with white sand and shells of various kinds and colors; commands view of the Pacific Ocean; excellent site for swimming.

Santa Monica Caves. Located in Borangan. Caves run underground for every 3 kms. and relics of Samar folks have been found here.

Divinuvo Island. This 3 sq. km. island in Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan is best suited for scuba diving and swimming. It has a crystal-clear water, white beach, swaying palm trees and multi-colored fishes and virgin corals beneath.

Menasnge Park. Located in Maydolong. Beautiful natural rock formation made more beautiful by the Maydolong landscape aficionados.

Borongan. The provincial capital, located midway along the coast. The municipality is noted for cattle and swine breeding.

Church of the Immaculate Conception. Located in Guiuan, 16th century church with its entire structure still preserved with handcarved altars and doors; the most beautiful antique church in Region 8.

Lawa-an Islet. It is rather amusing that this small island with an area of 200 sq. meters, despite facing the Pacific has calm waters around it . It also has beautiful beaches excellent for swimming.

Hamorawon Spring. At the heart of the town of Borongan is a natural spring said to be miraculous. This spring as the Baronganon say, is full of legend that whoever takes a bath in this cool spring, especially foreigners, will surely go home with a Borongan wife. Around this spring is a Spanish-built stone wall.

Guintagican Beach. This beautiful beach is located in Brgy. Santa Maria in the town of Borongan. It has a 2 km. long white beach ideal for surfing and swimming.

San Julian Beach. 17 kms north of Borongan is another beautiful white beach. And just a few meters away from the beach to the swaying palm trees lies a basin-like formation of a fresh water small lake.

Mercedes Beach. A clean, white beach is located in Brgy. Bua-bua, 2 kms. from the national highway and 13 kms. north of Guiuan. Also considered a tourist haven, it offers a lot of excitement as you go padding through its crystal-clear blue waters.

Canhugas Beach. This beuitiful beach is found in Hernani, Eastern Samar. Said to be legendary, it has a 200-meter foot bridge from the reef to the sea built by a giant. There is also a rock formation that looks like man-made steps and the waters slamming on it flow down through the steps looking like a waterfall.

How to get there. By land, Philitranco buses at Pasay City, Metro Manila pass through Tacloban City. And from Tacloban City, at least six transport services serve the route to Estern Samar.
By air, Philippine Airlines has at least one flight to Tacloban City daily; travel time is 1 hour and 10 minutes.