Places of Interest

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HISTORICAL

Homonhon Island
Located southeast of Guiuan, 60 nautical miles from Tacloban City. A Tiny island, in the Philippines where Ferdinand Magellan and his men first set foot on Philippines soil on March 16, 1521; viewing of the historic Magellan plaque/marker. From Villa Pacific Vacation Rental you can see the island from the patio, floating in the haze on the horizon.

Travel from the front of the beach villa by boat across an open expanse of sea, (Take sun cream, sunburn is easily acquired on the boat, in Homonhon watch for the glow worms at night, worth the trip for this feature alone. Brings a lump to your throat to see the monument to the great mariner, all the Magellan history in the palm of your hand. Approx 90 minutes by boat from Villa Pacific, the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Suluan Island
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. The first Filipinos who made contact with Magellan lived here; has sandy beaches. Approx 30 minutes from Villa Pacific vacation rental, the distance being 30 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Tubabau Island
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Where the White Russians’ IRO (International Refugee Organization) stayed immediately after World War II. Approx 30 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 30 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines vacation rental villa.

Navy 3149 Base
Located in Ngolos, 23 km. from the town proper of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philipines. Base of the American soldiers of WWII; constructed by WWII US Navy in 1944. During the Liberation of the Philippines, good picnic areas for relaxing commands an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean.
Approx 30 minutes easy driving from Villa Pacific, the distance being 30 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Guiuan World War II Operating Base
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It has a three-kilometer runaway that could service even jet-propelled planes; base of the Enola Gay (B-29 Superfortress) which dropped the first atomic bomb on August 7, 1945 in Hiroshima, Japan. Very emotional when you consider what happened next.
Approx 30 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 30 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines vacation rental villa.

Santiago Monument
Located in front of the Borongan Cathedral, Borongan, Philippines. Uprooted from where it has stood in its equestrian dignity for centuries.
Approx 45 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 45 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

NATURAL

Sulangan Beach - (Where the private beach Villa is located)
Located 24 km. from the town proper of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Habitat of the world-famous Golden Cowrie; ideal site for deep fishing , scuba diving; snorkling multi-coloured schools of fish are a common sight. The water is shallow and warm for 50 metres or more and then opens out to the reef where fish and excitement is plentiful.
Approx 0 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 0 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines vacation rental villa.

Kantikan Island (Pearl Island)
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It is a pearl culture farm; 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.
Approx 45 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 45 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Sapao Beach
Located 14 km. from Guiuan town proper. Beautiful beach with white sand and shells of various kinds and colors; view of the Pacific Ocean; ideal for swimming.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, Philippines, the distance being 60 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines vacation rental villa.

Santa Monica Caves
Located in Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Has a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean; excellent place for fishing, scuba diving, surfing, swimming.
Approx 45 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 45 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Menasnge Park
Located in Maydolong, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Magnificent natural rock formation made more beautiful by the Maydolong landscape aficionados
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines vacation rental villa.

Guiuan Church
Located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. A 16th century church with its entire structure still preserved, including old relics of Santos and handcarved altars and doors.
The hairs on the back of your neck WILL stand up
Approx 30 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 30 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Guintagican Beach
Located in Barangay Santa Maria in the town of Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. A 2-kilometer long beautiful white beach ideal for surfing and swimming.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Divinuvo Island
A 3-sq. kilometer island in Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It has crystal-clear water, white beach, swaying palm trees, multi-colored fishes and corals beneath; best suited for scuba diving and swimming.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Hamorawon Spring
Located at the heart of the town of Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. A natural spring said to be miraculous. Boronganon legend has it that whoever takes a bath in this cool spring, especially those who come from foreign lands, will surely go home with a Boronganon wife. Around the spring is a Spanish-built stone wall.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines vacation rental villa.

San Julian Beach
Located 17 km. north of Borongan. Beautiful white beach with swaying palm trees. Just a few meters away from the beach lies a small lake with fresh water
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 15 kilometres from Villa Pacific, Philippines holiday rental villa.

Mercedes Beach
Located in Brgy. Bus-Bua, 2 km. north of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. A clean white beach considered as a tourist haven. It offers a lot of excitement as you go paddling through its crystal-clear blue waters. Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 605 kilometres from the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Canhugas Beach
Located in Hernani, Eastern Samar, Philippines. This beach is legendary. It has a 200-meter foot bridge from the reef to the sea said to be built by a giant. There is also a rock formation that looks like man-made steps, and the waves slamming on it flow down through the steps resembling a waterfall.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

Lawa-an Islet
It is rather amusing that this small island with an area of 200 sq. meters has calm waters despite the fact that it is facing the Pacific Ocean. It also has beautiful beaches excellent for swimming.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Binaloan Rapids
Located between Brgy. San Rafael and Brgy. Binaloan at Taft, Eastern Samar Philippines. Can be reached by public transport, 63 km. from Borongan. It is a beautiful rapids which is visible along the highway.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

Sangat of Ando
A 45-minute travel by motorboat from Borongan town proper. Features a large cave with cathedral-like interior filled with relics and rock formations.
Approx 90 minutes from Villa Pacific, the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Ganap Cave
Located in Barangay Cagbonga which is about 13 km. northwest of Borongan town proper. With beautiful spring; stalactites and stalagmites of various colours and sizes.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometers from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

Locso-on Cave
Located in Barangay Locso-on, about 8.5 kilometers south of Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. A beautiful cave full of stories and legends. Old folks would swear that many strangers get lost in this cave when they go deep into the hinterlands of Suribao River
Approx 30 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 30 kilometres from the Philippines, holiday rental villa.

Sohoton Cave
Located about 5 to 10 minutes by jeepney or tricycle from Borongan town proper. A large cave with natural rock formation where old folks used to hide during the Pulahan days.
Stalactites and stalagmites all over the place including some very weird formations an early start from Villa Pacific will create a great outing for the whole family
Approx 120 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 120 kilometres from the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Black Sand Beaches of Cabong
Located about 4 km. south of Borongan. A rich fishing ground and good place for swimming, skiing, snorkeling, and just plain lazing amidst palms trees and sunshine.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

Bihid Falls
Located between the municipalities of Calbiga and Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philppines. A potential source of hydroelectric power.
Approx 45 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 45 kilometres from the Philippines vacation rental villa.

Springs of Borongan
The springs of Borongan are Capinian, Kalugtugan, Gaanap, Can-apong, Maybito, Sunog, Bito, Masacpasac. Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

RELIGIOUS

Guiuan Church
The 16th-century Church of the Immaculate Conception is preserved intact, including its hand carved altars, doors and old santos.

Immensely humbling to see the many pilgrims arriving both day and night with their religious offerings and sacrifices. Some have walked on their knees for miles in an effort to appease and beg their god for assistance and sometimes just to give thanks. If God has a direct line, this is it, kneel and pray and feel the power, you can feel the love and selfless dedication.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines vacation rental villa.

MAN-MADE

BarawalteLocated in Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines, along the seaside boulevard facing the east. A watchover during the Spanish regime to guard against the intruding Moros.
Approx 60 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 60 kilometres from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

Divinubo Lighthouse
Located in Divinubo Islands, which could be reached from Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan. A beautiful lighthouse atop the mountain of Divinubo, which was constructed by the American engineers in 1906. It was originally a gas-operated facility but now it is electrically lighted and is enclosed in thick glass. It beams a bright light every 15 seconds. It serves to locate and guide the position of international and inter-island ships passing the treacherous Pacific Ocean
Approx 120 minutes from Villa Pacific, the distance being 120 kilometres from the Philippines holiday rental villa.

FESTIVALS - (Eat drink and party and be totally spoiled by your Philippine hosts)

Homonhon Landing
(March 16; Homonhon, Eastern Samar, Philippines). Reenactment of the discovery of the Philippines by Magellan.

Padul-ong
(September 7; Borongan, Eastern Samar). Padul-ong relates how the lady of Nativity became the Patroness of Borongan

Balangiga Incident
(September 28; Balangiga, Eastern Samar). The 1901 Philippine-American encounter is commemorated through a pageant as a reminder of the Filipinos quest for freedom.

SPECIAL INTEREST (Top Secret)

Samar has an idyllic tropical background for the surfing adventurer. There are no real details in surf magazines as to where the surfing areas are and this is a place for the true surfer to rent a jeepney and explore. Many of the breakers on Eastern Samar have been surfed by a handful of real enthusiasts. Some breakers have most likely never been surfed before. (ABCD Beach, the Philippine National Surfing Championships) – this beach is just 10 minutes from the beach Villa) Get ready to thump your chest to restart your heart, the high season breakers are phenomenal. September through to February yields the monster breakers.

With time and effort you could be well rewarded with one of many locations in this area of secret surfing paradise. You would be best advised to start your quest around ABCD Philippine National Surfing Beach at Sulangan and linger there, and then head off north, or south.

The season for the best waves is generally September through to March, with the bigger swells arriving later in that period. The Philippine National Surfing Beach has some of the best waveforms and pipes in the world, in October you are going to need a clean pair of Speedos after every wave.

The people of Samar are extremely friendly. The scenery is a tropical delight, which when combined with some classic un-crowded surfing makes this an ideal place to visit and explore.




USEFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION

Before you arrive at Villa Pacific

There are no cash machines on the beach, have you ever seen cash machines on a beach? Please make sure you have enough money for the length of your stay in Sulangan. Cash can be obtained in Tacloban but the ATM’s only issue 20,000 pesos per day (£200 / $400) at a time. You should budget for about 5000 pesos (£50 / $100) per day per four adult persons, even if you are going on a trip. You will probably have difficulty spending this much money but better to be prepared and you will soon be able to budget for your requirements. You can always change back to your home currency at Manila International Airport, or if you have enjoyed your holiday and the services provided, a tip is usually most welcomed by our co-ordinators.

After a long haul journey you will be tired and jet lagged, sleep, drink lots of water to re-hydrate and swim in the sea, everything will seem so strange at first but as you acclimatise, your bodies will settle down and you will feel fine. Watch out for the sunburn which is covered later in this sheet. It may be a day or so before you feel normal again. Some people fall right into it and some take a day or so to shake off the tiredness. A walk to Samulan Beach is a good trip for your first tour and then start the more adventurous tours when you have settled in to the surroundings.

Inside the Villa

One or two Small Lizards (Geckos) can be seen inside the villa, high on the walls and ceiling, they are harmless and prevent flies and insects.

Because the Villa is located on the beach there are very few mosquitoes but if you have sensitive skin or small children use a mosquito repellent. The best way to treat a bite if you get one is not to scratch it and it will disappear in an hour or so. If you go into the jungle use mosquito repellent just in case. People are different, some need repellent some don’t use your best judgement and most of all protect the kids.

Use a good quality sun screen and avoid the mid day sun (12-00), take a siesta swim in the sea (remembering to re-apply sun screen) spread your time in the sun over the length of your holiday, remember, a slow tan is a good tan, don’t spoil your holiday with sunburn. Gentlemen, wear a hat if you have short or sparse hair cover, it will save you burning your head which is easily done.

Use water sparingly, the supply tank will be full on your arrival, a full tank should last at least a family of four to 6 at least a week, it will be filled as the level drops at a rate of £20 per delivery approx. Leaving taps running, means the pressure system will quickly empty the tank. Remember water is a precious resource in the tropical climate of the Philippines. There is plenty of pure drinking water available which is delivered, as you require it.

Occasionally, a power cut is caused when a coconut tree falls into the power lines, it will usually be fixed within an hour or so, if not, the generator will be switched on for your comfort until the main power returns. Keep the torch in a place where it can quickly be found in the darkness, do not let children play with it and drain the batteries.

Outside the Villa

The Philippino people are basically very friendly and will say hi and wave to foreigners. Foreigners are a novelty so don’t be put off by the local populace looking at you, the best way to counter this is to smile, Say hello and nod your head or wave to them, in short - copy what they do as a greeting. You will be amazed at the difference this will make and how much more you get on and enjoy your holiday. It costs nothing and will be much appreciated and the kids’ happy responses are worth it.

Believe it or not, one of the major causes of injury in the Philippines is from falling coconuts, always be aware of where you are standing and what is above your head. Ants occasionally build their nests at the bottom of coconut trees, this weakens the trees and they fall over into power lines causing power cuts, some ants also bite and sting but are basically harmless.

Bare feet are fine on sandy beaches and sandbanks but if you are going to snorkel on the reef or in areas where seaweed covers the bottom, wear a pair of old trainers to prevent injuries from the occasional shells and anemones.

Flip-flops are fine in most locations but if going on a trip, wear comfortable old trainers even if you intend going into the sea.

Do not touch corals, jellyfish or other sea creatures they can give you a sting or bite, they will avoid you if you leave them alone.

This is the tropics and you may see some big hairy spiders, most are harmless however, it is not advisable to interfere with them unless you are sure, ask one of the representatives for advice before poking them with your finger. Butterflies the size of dinner plates will also visit your villa please do not interfere with them as they are very beautiful, fragile and easily harmed. HOWEVER take as many pictures as you like they are free like the butterflies.

Monkeys are harmless and avoid human contact if you do see one you are very lucky and you should observe / take pictures / film without making a fuss.

It is unlikely you will see any snakes, if you do, whether in the sea or on land give them a wide berth and they will do the same for you. If you are travelling through the darkness use the torch. There are crabs on the beach at night they are harmless but can give you a fright as they scurry away. Sometimes turtles arrive on the beach, you may see dolphins and rays, all part of the Villa Pacific experience.

Shopping / Eating Out

The closest town is Guiuan which is thirty minutes drive from the Villa. A jeepney can be hired or you can catch a bus with the local villagers. In Guiuan there are some burger bars, roast chicken BBQ’s and scrumptious halo-halo ice cream feasts. Pizza restaurant GiGi’s – and Tangay Restaurant. You can sit outside or inside even at night, Tangay has a beach front terrace and a selection of good food. Soft drinks are much the same as back home but the food differs because they use fresh produce only and local delicacies take precedent. With a few try’s you will find what you prefer and be able to order the food of your choice.

Tacloban has McDonalds, Burger King, Jollibee etc who make brilliant burgers called Champ. As you travel south from Tacloban the fast food chains disappear and simpler restaurants appear. Try Ocho in Tacloban for a delicious sea food special including Lobster, Prawns, Shrimps and Clams.
There are a number of choices if you don’t like seafood including Chips and Egg. There is also chip pan in the Villa if you are so inclined.

Prawns, Shrimps, etc are available at the Villa for BBQ’s just ask the attendant (His name is Boy) for your requirements.

Please note !!!

Villa Pacific is located on a tropical island and has everything associated with the tropics, hot weather, tropical flora & fauna, tropical animals and insects, please do not interfere with the local wildlife and the local wildlife will not interfere with you. In most cases it is entertaining to observe mother nature at work but we advise against interfering with any creatures you come across, leave them alone and they will do the same for you. We have never yet had mishap at Villa Pacific and we would like to keep it that way.

When going on trips wear the appropriate clothing, start with easy trips first Samulan Beach, you’ll never forget Samulan. Buro Buro Cave, the experience will thrill and amaze you. Guiuan Airbase from where the American Air force took off in the Enola Gay to launch the nuclear attacks on Japan and work up to the more adventurous trips. Wear old trainers even in the sea and if going into the jungle / tropical areas you should use mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes are more numerous around stagnant water, stay away from stagnant water and you will avoid mosquitoes.

We want you to have a brilliant, fantastic, adventurous holiday but we can’t hold your hand whilst participating in this once in a lifetime experience. Please take good care of yourselves, as you are responsible for your own safety, if you are not capable caring for yourself and your family / group, please consider staying close to the Villa and enjoying the beach and amenities, as Villa Pacific cannot accept any responsibility for the accidents and incidents of its guests.

Villa Pacific - The adventure begins:




















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