Provinces

Northern Samar Province

Written by Patrick

ABOUT

Northern Samar is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas Region. Its capital is Catarman. Northern Samar is famous for its natural rock formations found in Biri Island and white silky sand beaches in San Jose and Lavezares. A visit to the century old church in Capul Island brings you to the 16th century.

LOCATION

Northern Samar

Coordinates: 12°20′N 124°40′E

FAST FACTS

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.

Province:
Northern Samar
Location:
12°20′N 124°40′E | View Map
Year Founded:
1965
Capital:
Catarman
Area:
3,692.93 km2 (1,425.85 sq mi)
Population:
639,200
Density:
170/km2 (440/sq mi)
Division:
Region:
Cities & Towns:
24 Towns (Municipalities)
Demonym(s):
Norte Samareño/a
Elevation:
(Mount Soomong) 500 m (1,600 ft)
Time Zone:
PST (UTC+8)
Zip Code:
6400–6423
Area code:
+63 -(055)-XXX-XXXX
Electricity:
Standard voltage is 220V.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
Currency:
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange Rate:
Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
Income Class:
Second Class
Religion(s):
80% Roman Catholic
Language(s):
Waray, Inabaknon, Bicolano, English
Known For:
Biri Island
Major Industries:
Agriculture (rice, banana, peanut), Fishery, Handicraft
Climate:
The climate in this province falls under the intermediate type climate, which has no distinct dry and wet seasons. The rainiest months are October to January, while the driest is the month of May.
Best Time to Visit:
February to June
Clothing:
Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
Bus Terminal(s):
COMING SOON

CLIMATE

The climate in this province falls under the intermediate type climate, which has no distinct dry and wet seasons. The rainiest months are October to January, while the driest is the month of May.

The best time to visit Northern Samar is from February to June, when the water is calmer.

The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.

READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines

CITIES & TOWNS

Northern Samar Province Map

The Northern Samar province is divided into 24 Municipalities:

  • 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
 

ISLANDS

There are 19 outlying islands surrounding the mainland of Northern Samar which are under the jurisdiction of the province.

  • Bani Island
  • Batag
  • Binay
  • Biri Island
  • Cabanongon Island
  • Caohagan Island
  • Capul
  • Dalupiri Island
  • Ligaya
  • Maragat
  • Maravilla Island
  • Medio Island
  • Naranjo Islands
  • Rasa Island
  • San Jose
  • San Juan Island
  • Semirara Islands
  • Tan-awan
  • Tingiao Island
 

POINTS OF INTEREST

The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Northern Samar province:

  • Biri Island
  • Busay Falls
  • Caohagan Island
  • Dancalan Beach
  • Kangpongkol Falls
  • Paninirongan Beach
  • Veriato Falls

If you plan to visit the Province of Northern Samar, you can use the following sites to determine the best places to stay:

FESTIVALS

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Northern Samar throughout the year:

  • Bankaton Festival (August 20) – Lavezares
  • Alimango Festival (July 25) – Sta. Margarita

FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Northern Samar province.

Where in the Philippines is Northern Samar located?
Northern Samar is located on Eastern Visayas.

Is Northern Samar a city or province?
Northern Samar is a province.

What is the Capital of Northern Samar?
The capital of Northern Samar is Catarman.

What is Northern Samar famous for?
Northern Samar is famous for Biri Island.

How do I get to Northern Samar?
There are several ways to get to Northern Samar, the most common being from Manila:

  • Bus ferry to Calbayog | 17.5 hours | $41 + Taxi | 1 hour | $18-$22
  • But to Catarman | 28 hours | $26 + Taxi | 30 minutes | $12-$15
  • Plane to Tacloban | 1.5 hours | $34-$180 + Bus to Catbalogan | 1.5 hours | $3 + Taxi to

From Clark

  • Plane | 1.5 hours | $50-$140

RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines

How many islands are in Northern Samar?
There are 19 islands in Northern Samar province.

What does Northern Samar mean?
Samar is derived from the Visayas word “samad” which means “wound” or “cut” which describes the rough physical features of the land which is rugged and deeply dissected by streams.

How Safe is Traveling in Northern Samar?
Northern Samar is generally safe for locals and tourists.

Is the climate in Northern Samar the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate in Northern Samar province is considered tropical but with no distinct dry and wet seasons.

To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below…

READ MORE: Climate & Weather of the Philippines

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About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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