Borongan is the capital of Eastern Samar, in the Eastern Visayas region of Philippines.

Understand

Borongan is perhaps known for its golden sunrises, so its nickname "City of the Golden Sunrise", also helped by the sunlight being reflected by the Pacific waters, but beyond that, there are some undiscovered natural wonders as well. The city is also a surfer's paradise, mostly frequented during the cool, rainy months, but it is not as known as places such as Siargao or Baler.

Climate

Borongan
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       614     29 22       345     30 22       313     31 22       226     32 23       207     32 23       233     32 23       250     32 23       146     32 23       190     32 23       347     32 23       508     31 23       675     30 22 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Source: PAGASA
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       24     84 72       14     86 72       12     88 72       8.9     90 73       8.1     90 73       9.2     90 73       9.8     90 73       5.7     90 73       7.5     90 73       14     90 73       20     88 73       27     86 72 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Borongan is in the typhoon belt, and also an important location for typhoon tracking by the national weather forecaster PAGASA.

The climate is tropical with oceanic influence, having no dry season due to moist Pacific air causing frequently overcast, rainy conditions; however, the rainiest months are on the other way around, being between October and March, when the temperatures are cooler and the northeast monsoon is at full intensity. Average daytime highs during the drier months are sweltering 31.7–32.6 °C (89.1–90.7 °F), but still expect rainy afternoons with thunderstorms.

The peak season is during the rainiest months, with February and March the best times to visit, with not much high rainfall and more tolerable heat.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Borongan Airport. Has a 1,200 m (3,900 ft) runway, but no commercial flights. Cebu Pacific once served this airport using turboprop jets, but ceased service due to security concerns. (updated Jul 2019)

The nearest airport with commercial service is in Tacloban (TAC ^IATA), within 3 hours via UV Express.

By bus or minivan

There are buses and minivans to Tacloban, Guiuan, Catbalogan. Jeepneys are available from Guiuan.

Silver Star has buses from Cubao or San Pedro, with a ferry ride to Samar Island from Luzon. They follow the highway though the eastern coast of Samar from the ferry port in Allen.

Get around

Tricycles are available within town, with a base fare of ₱7/km.

See

• Cabong Beach (five-minute tricycle ride from town). Suitable for swimming. (updated Sep 2016)

Buy

• Metro Bank, Real Street. 24-hour ATM. Has a Master Card/Visa Card ATM. (updated Sep 2016)
• Wilsam Uptown Mall (Rizal Street National Highway.). 9AM-8PM. Has a supermarket. (updated Sep 2016)
• 578 Emporium Department Store and Supermarket, Cinco Street. 8am-8pm. Budget friendly store. (updated May 2018)

Sleep

• Hotel Dona Vicenta, Real Street, ☏ +63 55 2613585. Check-out: noon. A/C single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. from 995. (updated Dec 2015)
• Borongan Pensionne, Rizal Street National Highway. (updated Dec 2015)
• GV Hotel, Rizal Street National Highway, ☏ +63 55-5609791. Check-out: noon. Fan/air-con single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. from ₱550. (updated Apr 2018)
• Domsowir Hotel, Real Street, ☏ +63 55 2612133. Check-out: noon. Fan/air-con single/double rooms with own bathroom. From ₱350. (updated Sep 2016)

Go next

• Guiuan
• Tacloban
• Catbalogan
• Calbayog