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Northern Samar Wedding Destination

Northern Samar – Hidden Paradise of Visayas

The province of Northern Samar is another hidden paradise of the country. Concealed to the world are its breathtaking natural wonders and rich history. One of its unexplored mysteries is the growing rock found in the municipality of Allen. There is also the fortified island of Capul and the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church. The Sumuroy Rebellion, the first organized rebellion against the Spanish regime, began here in present-day Palapag.

Truly, Northern Samar’s treasures are like crops waiting to be harvested and shared to all. It is just in a matter of time before the world discovers the beauty of the province.

Demographics

1. Population – 549, 759 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 3,692.9 sq. km
3. Capital – Catarman
4. Language/Dialect – Waray-Waray, Cebuano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (0)

Municipalities (24)

  • Allen
  • Biri
  • Bobon
  • Capul
  • Catarman
  • Catubig
  • Gamay
  • Laoang
  • Lapinig
  • Las Navas
  • Lavezares
  • Lope de Vega
  • Mapanas
  • Mondragon
  • Palapag
  • Pambujan
  • Rosario
  • San Antonio
  • San Isidro
  • San Jose
  • San Roque
  • San Vicente
  • Silvino Lobos
  • Victoria
Famous For ...

Sumuroy Rebellion
Northern Samar was the hometown of local Waray hero Juan Ponce Sumuroy, who started an uprising against the Spaniards in present-day Palapag.

The Growing Rock in Allen and other rock formations
As the name implies, this rock grows steadily over the years. It has even extended up to the main street. Aside from this, there are other notable rock formations in the province.

Scenic Beaches and Waterfalls
Northern Samar is filled with scenic beaches and waterfalls that are yet to be discovered. These include Matikawol Falls, Veriato Falls, White Beach, and Dancalan Beach.

University of Eastern Philippines
It is the only state university in Samar Island. The campus faces the Pacific Ocean and is nestled between hills.

Places of Interest

Historical

Capul Lighthouse
Location: San Luis, Capul, Northern Samar
It was initially built in 1896 by the Spaniards but was only completed during the American occupation. The lighthouse in 143 feet above sea level and guides sea vessels passing through the San Bernardino Strait.

Batag Lighthouse
Location: Laoang, Northern Samar
Built during the American occupation, the lighthouse complements the Capul Lighthouse in aiding sea vessels pass the San Bernardino Strait. The lighthouse is still operational to this day.

Capul Island
Location: Capul, Northern Samar
It is a fortified island that served as the last water refilling station for ships bound for Marianas and Guam. The fortified church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is located here. There is an iron cannon found in the northeast bastion of the island.

Town of Palapag
Location: Palapag, Northern Samar
The town was the site of the first organized Philippine rebellion which lasted for two years. Led by Juan Ponce Sumuroy, the rebellion was ignited by the forced labor or polo y servicio imposed by the Spaniards.

Man-made

University of Eastern Philippines
Location: Catarman, Northern Samar
The only state university in Samar Island. The campus faces the Pacific Ocean and is nestled between hills. It has well-landscaped grounds and sunken garden as well as an amphitheatre carved on a mountainside which can accommodate 10,000 people. It has two sub-campuses located in Laoang and Catubig.

Pambujan Sports Center
Location: Pambujan, Northern Samar
All the sports activities of the province is held in the Sports Center due to its high-grade facilities.

Natural

White Beach
Location: Catarman, Northern Samar
This white sand beach faces the rough San Bernardino Strait. Ideal for swimming and beach recreation activities.

Tamburusan Beach
Location: Catarman, Northern Samar
It has a sandy beach with sea breeze wafting from San Bernardino Strait and coconut palms along the shoreline. The beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and boating.

Dancalan Beach
Location: Brgy. Dancalan, Bobon, Northern Samar
Its long stretch of white sand beach makes it a favorite among the locals. There are commercial establishments in the area offering accommodation and other amenities.

Onay Beach
Location: Laoang, Northern Samar
It is one of the most visited beaches in the province. The beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities.

Flying Dog Beach Resort
Location: San Antonio, Northern Samar
The resort located northwestern side of Samar Island, just off San Bernardino Strait. The place boasts of 14 beautiful cottages and with modern amenities like billiard halls, restaurant and snack bar.

Matikawol Falls and Natural Swimming Pool
Location: Mapanas, Northern Samar
Located at the end of Gamay River, it has a 5-layer falls and three natural pools ideal for swimming. The place is accessible via motorboat ride.

Biri Island
Location: Lavezares, Northern Samar
The island is an undiscovered diving mecca. Its waters are rich with marine life that will surely attract any diving enthusiast. To the north of Biri is an enormous rock formation called Magasang. There is another one that is shaped like a mushroom.

Dalupiri Island
Location: San Antonio, Northern Samar
Isolated from the main island of San Antonio, the island is nestled with coconut trees and has a white sand beach. It is a known bird and fish sanctuary to locals. There are cabanas and private huts available for rent.

Religious

St. Ignatius Loyola Church
Location: Capul Island, Capul, Northern Samar
The original church dates back during the time Jesuit missionaries reached the island in the 1600’s. The church is surrounded by a stone wall that was made to fortify it against Moro attacks. The façade is Spartan, its only articulation are engaged pilasters and a split pediment around the central door. Since the church façade forms part of the defensive wall, artistic decorations may have been deemed unnecessary and so were omitted.

St. Michael the Archangel Church
Location: Laoang, Northern Samar
The church façade has engaged columns and horizontal mouldings. In the central section, the horizontals are softened by the retablo-like structure that connects a central niche bearing the image of St. Michael, the church’s titular, with the lower members. Scroll work and a niche for the statue of the Virgin decorates the otherwise austere pediment. Two rectangular niches flank the central door containing the images of Sts. Peter and Paul. The striking features of the façade are the arrowhead decorations on the main door and central niche of the upper register.

Festivals

Embajada Festival
Place: Catarman and Catubic, Northern Samar
Date: Second week of January
The festival depicts the conflict between Christians and Muslims that has existed in the archipelago brought about the Spanish occupation. In a Catubi, a fluvial procession highlights the celebration.

Bankaton Festival
Place: Lavezares, Northern Samar
Date: August 20
It is an annual boat racing contest to celebrate the feast of Nueva Señora de Salvacion, the town's patroness.

Learn More
How To Get There?

By land-sea:
There are three bus companies that travel from Manila to Northern Samar. Buses board ferry boats to cross San Bernandino Strait from Matnog (Sorsogon) to Allen (Northern Samar). Travel time is between 14 to 16 hours.

By Air:
There are regular flights to Northern Samar from Manila, landing at Catarman National Airport. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes