Samar-Leyte

Due to its proximity to the Pacific, these two big islands in the eastern Visayas are known regions most prone to typhoons. While sailing west to Ladrones Islands, Magellan, the portuguese navigator who first set foot in the country, accidentally landed in the southern coast of Samar. Until now no one can explain what exactly caused his landing. His arrival was rather presumed the first trans-pacific voyage in history

Leyte played an important role during the 2nd world war- witnessing the dramatic return of General Macarthur to fulfill his promise to save the struggling Filipinos from the hands of the Japanese invaders. On the 20th of October 1944, the shore of Leyte witnessed his corps historic land ing.

An island filled with natural beauty normally attracts investors on tourism but Samar and Leyte moved far from the list of most visited regions. Sights of potential development were planned but the lack of facilities, technical access and discouraging rumors of rebellion in potential areas prevented these from happening.

Only adventure travelers with experiences on remote explorations bravely moved in to the almost inaccessible interiors particularly of Samar. Negative but turned out beneficial for keeping its hidden beauty from being unreasonably exploited.

The massive winds of the Pacific make surfing a worthwhile activity in rugged coastlines of these two islands. Unfortunately, the rumors of military activity and poor transportation have discouraged travelers particularly surfers from exploring more of its surfing sites.

Samar is the east central part of the Philippines, the third largest (after Luzon and Mindanao). Belonging to the Visayas group, Samar has an area of 13,080 sq/km. It lies between the Samar and Philippine seas and is separated from the Bicol Peninsula (northwest of Luzon) by the San Bernardino Strait. A bridge across San Juanico Strait connects Samar with Leyte to the southwest. Unlike other islands in the Visayas that are characterized with high mountains, Samar’s landforms are low but exceedingly hilly, with heights ranging from 500 to 1000 feet, culminating in Mt. Capotoan, which measures 846 m. Lowlands are restricted to a coastal border and to small rivers running in plain patterns, floodplains and deltas.