Homonhon Island

Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar

There are 7,000 islands in the Philippine Archipelago. Part of this wonderful island is Montoconan. If you find yourself discovering this islet while having an island-hopping at Eastern Samar, you will certainly be astounded that this islet is just off the northwest corner of Homonhon. What made Homonhon as the highlight of your travel experience? Before unraveling the important key points why Homonhon is the best place to indulge in, let’s go back first to the times where circumnavigation of the globe is best profession of all mankind.

History

On March 16, 1521, the day when Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil in the island called Homonhon. This was the time when he was on his way to rediscover the Philippines for the western world. It is probably because of this the majority of the town’s population are Catholics. The town’s church which is the Church of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest in the country. Before Magellan and his three surviving vessels discovered the Philippines, they were out of food while crossing the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately when his team landed Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar they were blessed to find food since the island is uninhabited; the island is abundant with foods that can supply their whole voyage. However while Magellan’s team were busy hauling foods from the island they were detected by the boats of Rajah Culamboof Limasawa. Thru Rajah Culambo, Magellan and the Datu of Cebu met. Rajah Culambo was an ally of the Datu of Cebu.

Geography

Eastern Samar occupies a total land area of 4,470.75 sq. km. This province is bounded on the north by Northern Samar, on the east by the Philippine Sea, on the west by Western Samar, and on the south by the Leyte Gulf. Homonhon Island is an island in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines, on the east side of Leyte Gulf. The 20 kilometers (12 mi) long island is part of the municipality of Guiuan.

Tourist Attractions

Homonhon Island Coral Reef

When you already set your foot on this enchanting island you must ready yourself for a fun and breathtaking adventure experience. Try this kayak paddling on the blue ocean on a tropical island paradise. You truly should not miss this.

If the water is so tempting and you feel like wanted to be part of the underwater activity. You can cut your kayaking and ready your dive suit for an underwater jaunt.

Surfing

The wave riders can perform their passion on this island. So try having fun on the waves and discover the excitement and thrill about the blue water island of Homonhon.

Beautiful Island

Sunset island hoppers in Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar will be definitely amazed to witness this ocean sunset with Filipino fishing boats, fishermen outrigger a “pump boat” and Filipino fishermen with fish traps. This kind of scenario will absolutely persuade you to capture a picture perfect momentum. There are some instances where this island show cast some of nature’s wondrous creation like rainbow above a tropical island, sounds magical right?

Beaches 

Long ilog (known as "the Irrigation River") - Found in bitaugan. a beautiful and natural creation by God. A long river that connect to the sea. A best place for boating and swimming. Surrounded by farms of Calamansi.

Linaw falls - in Pagbabangnan.

Magellan Landing - Magellan's Cross. The historical place where magellan's first landing. With Galleon hotel with 5 rooms for the tourists who want to overnight or stay.

Ferdinand Magellan after a painting by Velasquez.

On Saturday March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, after leaving the islands of Canoyas, later called the Landrones from the thievish propensities of its inhabitants, (now known as Marianas Islands) sailing westward looking for the Moluccas, sighted an island which has very lofty mountains. Soon after they learned that it was Zamal (Legaspi's account called this island Cibabao), the present day Samar Island, a distant three hundred leagues from the islands of the Ladrones. On the following day the sea-worn expedition, landed on a little uninhabited island south of Samar which Pigafetta called Humunu, which is known today as Homonhon a barangay in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

On March 17 while still anchored, they were visited by several canoes or praus, carrying the principal chiefs of Suluan named Inaroyan, Limbas, Bucad, Layong, Calipay, Badiao, Cabuling, and the Datu, Garas-Garas. These men came aboard and Magellan explained to them through an interpreter, that the King of Spain had sent them not to do any damage, but to spread the Faith of Christ and convert them to the True Religion. As they were so well received, they called Homonhon "Nueva Providencia". The next day was stormy and nothing was done until March 19, when most the Spaniards disembarked, leaving only enough men to guard the vessels. Mass was celebrated and after the ceremony a tall cross was raised near the shore. Datu Garas-Garas, Iranoyan, and the others then entered into a treaty of friendship with Don Hernando Magallanes (Ferdinand Magellan), representing His Majesty, which was drawn up by Leon de Espeleta, Secretary and Notary of the expedition.

(The island of Suluan lies about twenty kilometers off to the east from Homonhon, facing the Pacific Ocean.)

* SERVICES

* Service Boat where you can ride to have tour in the whole island, and go for a swim. 

*Cottage near the seashore, where you can stay to with.

* Mountain adventures.

* Island Tour.