SAMAR is a province that is still rough around the edges; unpaved and sometimes labyrinthine roads lead to towns or into highways. It’s a province that has plenty to offer as long as you have an open mind and an adventurous spirit.
Our group went on a bumpy ride from the main highways to the rough, dirt roads. The rain from the previous days made it more difficult to get to and from Lulugayan Falls. When we got to our destination, the waters were raging and muddy; we couldn’t swim because the current was too strong. This was only a glimpse of the adventures we would have throughout the trip.
Cutting through the glass-like waters
The Ulot River boat ride wasn’t like any other of its kind. To make it more exciting, you’ll be riding on one that doesn’t have any outrigger to keep it balanced. Our adventure began cutting though tranquil waters through a scenic area surrounded by trees and waterfalls.
The excitement level turned up a notch when the waters transitioned from placid to bumpy, with short drops in between. It was impossible to stay dry as we splashed into the water at some parts of the ride. We kept our arms inside and tried to stay balanced as the boat swayed.
After skimming through the waters on an outrigger-less boat, it was time to experience the raging waters. We took turns jumping into it; everyone was hesitant at first. I pictured the instructions of the guide on how to jump in, swim in what direction and grab the rope before the current can take me in my head. When I was mentally ready, I did a running start and took the plunge.
It was an exhilarating experience; I was underwater for a few seconds. I felt the current take me; I thought I’d be in the water for a while longer, but as soon as I saw the rope, I reached for it before I got too far away. All this happened in less than a minute. My adrenaline was still pumping, so I decided to do it again.
Subterranean world
Samar has many caves, but only few are open for visitors. One of the most accessible is Sohoton National Park. Exploring the latter is relatively easy, as most passageways are wide and high, but muddy in some parts. As you get deeper in, you’ll see a variety of rock formations that take on different shapes and sizes. The only limit to what you can see is your imagination.
Lobo Cave is just as rough and rugged as the province. We slithered, duck-walked, bent and side-stepped our way into different sections of the cave. It didn’t help that the surfaces we walked on were both muddy and jagged. There was a short section where we had to rappel to get into another chamber. This was the most difficult part because it wasn’t just the struggle to find the right footing to get down, but we also had to mind the ravine right next to the small platform we stood on.
We cooled off in the chamber that had a multitiered waterfall. Its waters were cool and revitalizing. We only took a short break before heading to the underground river in another section of the cave. The waters were placid and cold, and the tunnel was long and dark. The only light that cut through the darkness was from our headlamps that began to wane.
We swam and waded for almost a kilometer; we didn’t make it all the way to our destination because of the time constraint and our lamps were running out of batteries already. We decided to return to the entrance before it got dark outside.
Diamond in the rough
Samar’s dirt and partially paved roads lead to untamed landscapes with lush trees and rolling hills, beautiful waterfalls and its subterranean world of stalactites and stalagmites all make for an adventurous journey. The province may be difficult to explore, but once you break through its ruggedness, you’ll have rewarding and memorable experiences.
Image credits: Joshua Berida