Borongan

Understand

Borongan is perhaps known for its golden sunrises, so its nickname "City of the Golden Sunrise", also helped by the sunlight being reflected by the Pacific waters, but beyond that, there are some undiscovered natural wonders as well. Its surfing is not as well known as places such as Siargao or Baler.

Climate

Borongan is in the typhoon belt, and also an important location for typhoon-tracking by the national weather forecaster PAGASA. The climate is tropical with oceanic influence, having no dry season due to moist Pacific air causing frequently overcast, rainy conditions; however, the rainiest months are on the other way around, being between October and March, when the temperatures are cooler and the northeast monsoon is at full intensity. Average daytime highs during the drier months are sweltering 31.7–32.6 °C (89.1–90.7 °F), but still expect rainy afternoons with thunderstorms. The peak season is during the rainiest months, with February and March the best times to visit, with not much high rainfall and more tolerable heat.

Getting there

By plane 1 Borongan Airport. Has a 1,200 m (3,900 ft) runway, but no commercial flights. Cebu Pacific once served this airport using turboprop jets, but ceased service due to security concerns. (updated Jul 2019) The nearest airport with commercial service is in Tacloban (TAC IATA), within 3 hours via UV Express.

By bus or minivan There are buses and minivans to Tacloban, Guiuan, Catbalogan. Jeepneys are available from Guiuan. Silver Star has buses from Cubao or San Pedro, with a ferry ride to Samar Island from Luzon. They follow the highway though the eastern coast of Samar from the ferry port in Allen.

Getting around

Tricycles are available within town, with a base fare of ₱11/km.

See

1 Cabong Beach (five-minute tricycle ride from town). Suitable for swimming. (updated Sep 2016) 1 Borongan Cathedral. Place of worship. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Kaputian Falls, Brgy. San Gabriel. Refreshing running water wherein some tourists choose to visit here to calm themselves. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Hilangagan Beach, Brgy. Punta Maria (It is a 20– to 30-minute tricycle ride from Borongan City Transport Terminal to Punta Maria). Enjoy the white sand and natural pool in the secluded nook beach facing the Pacific Ocean. (updated Sep 2023) 3 Hebacong Sea of Clouds and Nature Park (Little Baguio of Borongan City), Brgy. Hebacong (a 40-minute drive from the city). The best time to visit is from 5AM to 7AM. Tourists are required to pay an environmental fee amounting to ₱20 for students, senior citizens, and PWD; P40 for local residents and ₱70 for non-residents; and ₱100 for foreigners.. (updated Sep 2023) 4 Ganap Cave, Barangay Cagbonga (13 km northwest of Borongan town proper). With beautiful spring. Stalactites and Stalagmites of various colors and sizes. (updated Sep 2023)

Do

1 Baybay Boulevard (Surf City), Baybay Boulevard. Big waves, ideal for surfing. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Ando Island or Andis Island (Puro Halaba), Brgy. Ando Island (from the city you can ride a tricycle to Brgy. Sabang South Fish Port and a half an hour boat ride from Fish Port to Ando Island). Aside from enjoying the picturesque view from the top of Bantayan Cliff, you can also do rappelling with your friends and families at Bantayan Cliff which is a 10-minute trek from the jump-off point of the island. (updated Sep 2023) 3 Margielyn Didal Skate Park. Located beside I Love Borongan Landmark. Scrimmages available from 3PM till evening. (updated Sep 2023) Basketball park. Located beside Rottea borongan at Baybay4. Scrimmages available at 3PM till sundown everyday. (updated Sep 2023) Soccer. Located at Surf City tower. Soccer enthusiast are welcome to experience sports that also available in the area. (updated Sep 2023) Ultimate Frisbee. Located at the back of the Borongan Ticketing office, Everyone is welcome to try such extreme and unique sport played in Borongan. Scrimmages are from 3PM to sundown. (updated Sep 2023)

Buy

Metro Bank, Real Street. 24-hour ATM. Has a Master Card/Visa Card ATM. (updated Sep 2016) 1 Wilsam Uptown Mall (Rizal Street National Highway.). 9AM-8PM. Has a supermarket. (updated Sep 2016) 578 Emporium Department Store and Supermarket, Cinco Street. 8AM-8PM. Budget friendly store. (updated May 2018) 2 Puregold Borongan Branch, Brgy. Songco (across Wilsam Uptown Mall and at the groundfloor of J & F Mall). It is a supermarket where you can buy food products and home essentials. (updated Sep 2023)

Eat

Salukara (Rice Cake). Salukara is a crepe-like delicacy which is a mixture of ground rice, coconut milk, water, sugar and coconut wine as a riser instead of baking powder. (updated Sep 2023) 1 Jollibee (Jollibee Borongan Branch), Real St, ☏ +63 917 502 2978. 6AM-9PM. Philippines-based chain known for its burgers, fried chicken, spaghetti & Filipino dishes. Dine-in, takeout, delivery. (updated Sep 2023) 2 Brew & Bistro (Coffee shop), 301, 304 Circumferential Road, ☏ +63 919 858 3246. 2PM to 2AM. Open for dine-in and take-out. (updated Sep 2023)

Drink & nightlife

Tuba (Coconut Wine). It is a fermented alcoholic beverage obtained from the sap of coconut palm. (updated Sep 2023) 1 Tacos & Beer, Baybay Blvd, ☏ +63 9530043873, [email protected]. Open Tuesday and Thursday from 4PM to 11PM; Friday and Saturday from 4PM to midnight, closed on Wednesdays. (updated Sep 2023) 3 McDonald's Borongan (McDo), Real St., Brgy. Sonco (One ride within the city.), ☏ +63 883141992, [email protected]. 6AM-10PM. First drive-thru Golden Arches in Eastern Samar. (updated Sep 2023)

Sleep

1 Hotel Dona Vicenta, Real Street, ☏ +63 55 2613585. Check-out: noon. A/C single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. from 995. (updated Dec 2015) 2 Borongan Pensionne, Rizal Street National Highway. (updated Dec 2015) 3 GV Hotel, Rizal Street National Highway, ☏ +63 55-5609791. Check-out: noon. Fan/air-con single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. from ₱550. (updated Apr 2018) 4 Domsowir Hotel, Real Street, ☏ +63 55 2612133. Check-out: noon. Fan/air-con single/double rooms with own bathroom. From ₱350. (updated Sep 2016) 5 Primea Hotel Borongan, G. Abogado St., Brgy. C (near Capito Cultural Stage and Hamorawon Park), ☏ +63 9771379395, [email protected]. Experience a safe, comfortable and clean rooms designed to enhance your stay. They also offer additional amenities such as complimentary breakfast, key card lock system, key card lock system, wireless internet access, cable television, access to dipping pool and hot and cold showers. (updated Sep 2023) 6 Rawis Resort and Restaurant (ride a tricycle going to Barangay Alang Alang Detour), ☏ +63 9771837288, [email protected]. With view of the ocean. Live bands play at the venue. (updated Sep 2023) 7 Resort and Restaurant Melindas Resort and Restaurant (Melinda's Farm), Circumferetial road,Brgy, Songco (ride a Tricycle), ☏ +63 9171358558, [email protected]. With scrumptious foods,KTV rooms, acoustic bands,beautiful and affordable hotel rooms, and a safe playground