Discover Calbayog City

Calbayog City combines sacred architectural heritage and local collections with waterfalls, coastal destinations and distinctive rock formations. The attractions offer different highlights: architecture and history on the one hand, and waterscapes, islands and hikes on the other.

Cathedral and Local Collections

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral was built in the 19th century and is the central church of the Diocese of Calbayog. It is considered the largest church on Samar. Alterations and renovations have brought together architectural elements from different periods. The old dome, tower spire and thick walls remain from the church’s original Spanish construction. The cathedral thus brings together different construction phases: older elements have been preserved, while the architecture also incorporates features from other periods.

The Samar Archaeological Museum displays pottery, bones and religious objects from caves and rivers on Samar. Handumanan Museo de Calbayog has a different focus: it presents the history, culture and art of the Calbayognons through memorabilia, family heirlooms, paintings, and local music and film productions. Archaeological finds connected with Samar are thus displayed alongside artifacts of local life and creative work. If you plan to visit a museum, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Waterfalls and Hikes

Tarangban Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, with clear water cascading over rock formations. Bangon-Bugtong Falls is a waterfall system with a large, circular pool. At Pan-as Falls, cascading water, clear pools and surrounding vegetation shape the landscape. The differences lie in the details: Tarangban combines flowing water and rock formations, Bangon-Bugtong stands out for its round pool, and Pan-as is also distinguished by its vegetation.

The hike to Ton-ok Falls is considered beginner-friendly. By contrast, access to Hirot Falls in Barangay Macatingog is challenging, with river crossings and steep trails. For trip planning, this means a clear difference between a hike considered beginner-friendly and a route whose challenges include crossings and steep sections.

Mawacat Slide offers a different kind of scenery: the natural rock formation is about 50 meters long, resembles a giant spoon and has a 45-degree slope. Its length, shape and slope give the site a clearly defined character. Mapaso Hot Spring, in turn, is characterized by warm, mineral-rich spring water and artificially supplied pools.

Coast, Islands and Natural Areas

Malajog Beach is a coastal destination with blue water and limestone cliffs. It is visited for swimming and island hopping to Daraga Islet. Daraga Islet is known for its clear water and snorkeling opportunities. The Calbayog Zipline and The Ridge Nature Park includes rides over Malajog Beach; if you plan to take part in this activity, check current availability in advance.

Turtle-shaped Binaliw Isle combines white-sand beaches with a marine environment whose inhabitants include corals and sea turtles. Diving and snorkeling opportunities add to its natural appeal. The coastal destinations therefore offer different highlights: Malajog Beach combines the beach with island hopping, while Binaliw Isle is also associated with diving, snorkeling and the marine life described above.

The natural area also includes the approximately 7,832-hectare Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape. It was designated by Presidential Proclamation No. 1158 on February 3, 1998, to protect and preserve the area’s ecological, biological, scientific and educational features. The designation encompasses a large landscape area and has an expressly stated purpose of protection and preservation.

Discover more destinations: Catbalogan City, Baybay City, Lavezares, Calubian, Borongan City, Tacloban City, Dolores, Biliran.

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Visayas.