I was furiously taking pictures inside our rented tricycle as it was raining when we cruised by Pagnamitan Bridge, the bridge connecting mainland Guiuan to Calicoan Island. Tito Ruby noticed this and told me that when we get back, we will request the tricycle driver to stop so I can walk across the bridge. Lcuky when we came back the rain had stopped. Phew! As if I was not contented with my walk across San Juanico Bridge, I walked across a bridge again.
More than the scenery, what I saw when we passed the bridge was life and culture.
Boats are raised to a wooden platform that it may not be washed away during high tide and the boat’s hull would not scratch the bottom during low tide.
Children playing against the current.
Picnic below the bridge and the mangroves.
I wish we had more time that I could try having a picnic on the mangroves but we were lacking time. Hopefully, next time I get there I would be able to do this.
If you’re going to have a picnic there, please bring all your trash with you and throw them at proper waste disposals. Let’s keep the Philippines clean and green.
How did we get there
We rented a tricycle in Guiuan Transport Terminal for 350 Pesos for a fast trip around Guiuan Airport, Dumpao Beach and Calicoan Island which took us 3 hours. Initially the tricycle driver offered us 500 Pesos for the whole trip, but my uncle and his super bargaining abilities got it down to 350 Pesos. I gave the tricycle driver 50 Pesos tip since he really did a good job touring us.
How to get there
Ride a multicab going to Sulangan from Guiuan Transport Terminal. The multicab will be passing by the bridge. I’m not sure how much is the fare, but for sure it is less than 30 pesos/person. Travel Time should be around 20 to 25 minutes. You can also get to the Beaches of Calicoan Island riding the same multicab.
P. S. When I got back in Manila I learned that there was a nearby Eco-Tour park near Pagnamitan Bridge. Thanks to my friend Michael Eijansantos of MyLifeOnBoart.net.
Follow my Tacloban-Basey-Eastern Samar Series by checking the links below
Guiuan Subseries
- Getting Around Guiuan (Guiuan Travel Guide)
- Bridge to Calicoan Island
- Beaches of Calicoan Island (Awesome!)
- Dumpao Beach Resort
- Airport Town of Guiuan
- Parish Church of the Immaculate Concepcion
- Guiuan Transport Terminal
Other Eastern Samar Destinations
- Hagnaya Beach in Salcedo (Awesome!)
- Divinubo Island Eco Tour Park
- Minasangay Island Marine Ecological Park & Resort
Basey, Samar and Tacloban City, Leyte Destinations
The Island you see at the far end from Pagnamitan Bridge is HOMONHON, where F. Magellan first landed. From here or near the Sulangan Shrine, you can hire Motorboats. Early Morning trip during good weather will take only less an Hour, depending upon the speed of the Boat.
You need at least 2 days, then you will know why Magellan and his men stayed 8 days before travelling further to Limasawa Island. This is again another trip for you.
Have fun during your historical Journey. Historians will probably join you. Sunrise photos from Pagnamitan Bridge are fantastic.
Hi Auraphil, I love how you add details and history. Thank you very much.
It’s one of my target to reach the historical Homonhon Island and see what’s there. I do hope historians will join me so I could learn more about the place. 🙂
You are welcome Josiah. I do enjoy
adding details to your interesting
Blogs because I wish also that your
Readers will not miss interesting
Spots, when already there. To enjoy
an interesting place, the Visitor
need much time, which most don’t have.
As far as history is concerned, I
think that Southeastern Samar is a
MUST visit place for every educated
Filipino and world historian. Then
one can say that he knows the Phil. and understand the Filipinos. The ff.
Google Info are helpful:
1. Ferdinand Magellan-Wikipedia
2. Balangiga Massacre-Wikipedia
3. The Battle Off Samar
4. Taffy 3. David versus Goliath
5. Navy 3149
NCB 93:Navy Base at Guiuan
93rd Seabees Battalion
Chapel by the Sea
It is interesting to note that aside
from History, Nature is Paradiselike.
The Underwater offer also beautiful
Seascapes with Corals and marine life
similar to the Great Barrier Reef of
Australia.
If you will publish your scheduled
travels months ahead, I am sure that
some will join you. There is more fun and much cheaper, because you will divide the expenses. Combine
Relaxation and Adventure. After seeing South Samar, Palo,Tacloban City, Dulag, Mactan and
Cebu, my next is Limasawa Island.
My target is to complete the TRACES
of Magellan ( I drank the Water where
he drank ) and Gen. MacArthur in the Phil. I stayed already at the Manila Hotel (the residence of Gen. MacArthur in MNL), visited Corrigidor Island and Bataan.
In all of these places, I enjoyed Sightseeing, talking to the Locals, eating their Delicacies and buying Souvenirs.
I wish you all LOVE, good HEALTH, PEACE, and SUCCESS in all your Undertakings !!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this 2012 and the coming years.
“Historical Journey”… Hmmm thats actually a great idea. If most people goes for ramdom beach and scenery travels, why not set a goal for historical marks of WWii and old churches. I will have this on my list. Thanks for the idea 🙂
You’re welcome ren. Enjoy your travels!