
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

FAST FACTS
The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
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

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
GUIDES
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