Things To Do
in Balangkayan
Balangkayan is a coastal municipality located in Eastern Samar, Philippines. It is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town is also home to a vibrant marine ecosystem, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
Balangkayan is a peaceful and picturesque town with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local eatery. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic beachside.
Head to a nearby café for lunch and try local delicacies. Spend the afternoon swimming or sunbathing on the pristine beach.
Take a sunset boat ride to catch breathtaking views. Conclude your day with a fresh seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on an island-hopping tour. Explore the stunning nearby islands and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Savor a picnic lunch on one of the islands while soaking in the sun. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving to witness vibrant marine life.
Return to Balangkayan and freshen up before dinner. Enjoy a local feast with freshly caught seafood and traditional dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly local community.
- Opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.
- Affordable cost of living compared to urban areas.
- Less crowded compared to major tourist destinations.
- Limited access to modern amenities and facilities.
- Challenges with transportation and infrastructure.
- Potential exposure to natural disasters such as typhoons.
- Limited job opportunities for certain professions.
- Healthcare facilities may not be as advanced as in larger cities.
Best Activities in Balangkayan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Participate in community beach clean-up activities to maintain the beauty of Balangkayan's coastal areas.
Explore the underwater beauty and vibrant marine life along the shores of Balangkayan.
Trek through the scenic trails and discover the rich biodiversity in the nature reserves around Balangkayan.
Enjoy a camping trip with family and friends at designated campsites, surrounded by nature.
Take a boat tour to visit nearby islands, each offering unique landscapes and activities.
Try your hand at fishing in the rich waters off the coast of Balangkayan, either by shore or boat.
Catch some waves at local surf spots that are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Observe various bird species in their natural habitats, especially in lush mangrove areas.
Capture the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Balangkayan through guided photography excursions.
Tours
Uncover the best of Balangkayan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Balangkayan
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic spot known for its picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and vibrant sunsets, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Just a short drive from Balangkayan, this beach offers stunning coastal views and unique rock formations, ideal for capturing nature's beauty.
A serene location with natural rock formations and lush greenery, providing a tranquil backdrop for photography.
Famous for its white sandbars and crystal-clear waters, this island offers breathtaking views, making it a popular spot for stunning beach photographs.
A high vantage point that overlooks the town and the surrounding areas, providing panoramic views that are perfect for landscape photography.
Food in Balangkayan
Balangkayan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Filipino dish made with meat (often chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then browned in oil, and simmered until tender. You can savor the authentic taste of Adobo at local eateries such as Karinderya sa Balangkayan and Nanay Choleng's Carinderia.
Must-Try!
A Filipino version of ceviche, Kinilaw features fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, and spices. To try this delicacy, head to the seaside eateries like Kinilaw Express and Kinilaw Queen.
A fusion of sinugba (grilled pork) and kinilaw, Sinuglaw is a mouthwatering combination of grilled pork belly and fresh ceviche. Sample this unique dish at beachfront restaurants such as Sunzibar Resto Grill and Jun's Grill.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Balangkayan Public Market to experience the bustling local food scene. Here you can find an array of fresh produce, seafood, street snacks, and local delicacies like bibingka (rice cake) and puto (steamed rice cake).
Mercado sa Balangkayan is a vibrant street food market where you can indulge in an assortment of grilled skewers, fried treats, and refreshing tropical drinks. Don't miss trying grilled fish, balut (fertilized duck egg), and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Balangkayan, it is important to show respect to elders. This can be done by using polite language, greetings such as 'po' and 'opo', and offering assistance when needed.
The people of Balangkayan are known for their hospitality. When visiting homes, it is customary to accept food or drink offered to you, as refusing can be seen as impolite.
Modesty in dress is valued in Balangkayan, especially in rural areas. Wearing conservative clothing is advisable, particularly when visiting places of worship or attending community gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Balangkayan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Balangkayan, tipping is not a common practice, as many local establishments do not expect tips from customers. However, in certain tourist-oriented areas or upscale restaurants, leaving a small tip for good service may be appreciated. It is usually optional and should reflect the level of service provided.
Payment practices in Balangkayan generally involve cash transactions, as many small businesses and local shops may not accept credit or debit cards. However, in larger establishments and during peak tourist seasons, card payments may become more common. Local currency, Philippine Pesos (PHP), is used for all transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Balangkayan. The weather is typically warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities such as beach trips, hiking, and exploring natural attractions. Visitors can expect clear skies and less rainfall, making it perfect for sightseeing.
During the wet season, Balangkayan experiences frequent rain and occasional typhoons. While it may not be the best time for beach activities, it can be a quieter period for travel, allowing for more intimate experiences with local culture. Visitors should be prepared for possible disruptions in travel plans due to weather conditions.
Balangkayan at Night
Hiking in Balangkayan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination with scenic views, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. It offers trails for different skill levels.
Known for its challenging trails and breathtaking panoramas, Mount Baku is a great spot for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.
A picturesque hike that leads to Danao Lake, featuring a serene environment and ample opportunities for bird watching and photography.
This hike rewards climbers with stunning landscape views and a rich variety of flora and fauna along the trails.
An easy hike that offers a unique coastal experience, showcasing stunning rock formations and views of the ocean.
Aiports
How to reach Balangkayan by plane.
Located in Tacloban City, approximately 120 kilometers from Balangkayan, this airport serves domestic and international flights.
Located in Cebu, around 185 kilometers from Balangkayan, this is the second largest airport in the Philippines and handles both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Legazpi City, approximately 300 kilometers from Balangkayan, serves domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Pampanga, about 600 kilometers from Balangkayan, this airport offers a significant number of international flights.
Situated in Manila, approximately 700 kilometers from Balangkayan, this is the main international gateway to the Philippines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Balangkayan, primarily consisting of native Visayan speakers and their descendants.
A significant sub-group within the Visayan population, with cultural practices and language specific to Cebuano speakers.
Another group present in Balangkayan, speakers of the Waray language typically found in nearby Eastern Visayas regions.
A smaller demographic group in Balangkayan, often consisting of migrants from Northern Luzon regions.
Indigenous groups in the area, often involving various tribes and their unique cultural heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played sport in Balangkayan, basketball has a strong following in the community, with many local courts and leagues.
Volleyball is popular in Balangkayan, especially among the youth, and is often played in schools and community events.
Billiards is a common recreational activity in Balangkayan, with many locals enjoying the game in bars and clubs.
Badminton is gaining popularity in Balangkayan, with various tournaments organized in schools and community centers.
Soccer is increasingly popular in Balangkayan, with local teams forming and participating in friendly matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Balangkayan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Balangkayan's cuisine predominantly features meat and seafood, many eateries offer vegetarian options such as adobong kangkong (water spinach stew), pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew), and vegetable lumpia (spring rolls). Vegans can enjoy fresh tropical fruits, grilled vegetables, and rice-based snacks.
For gluten-free options, focus on naturally gluten-free Filipino dishes like grilled seafood, kinilaw, and fresh fruit shakes. Additionally, some cafes and bakeries in Balangkayan offer gluten-free rice cakes, cassava-based treats, and coconut desserts.