Sambawan Island, Philippines

Sambawan Island

Eastern VisayasPhilippines

Why You'll Love Sambawan Island

Sambawan Island is a remote, unspoiled paradise located in the Biliran province of the Philippines. This tiny island is perfect for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation, Sambawan Island is a nature lover's dream destination. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the pristine waters, explore the island on foot or by boat, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. The island is also home to a small fishing community, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

Getting to Sambawan Island

From the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban, take a taxi or private car to Naval port and then take a boat to Sambawan Island. The boat ride takes around 2 hours.

The closest city to Sambawan Island is Naval, in Eastern Visayas.

Travelling from Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport to Sambawan Island

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sambawan Island is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny.

Weather and Climate

Sambawan Island has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. From November to April, expect dry and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. From June to October, the island experiences more rainfall.

Costs When Visiting

In Philippines, the currency is the Philippine Peso.
Some sample costs when travelling around Sambawan Island are:

Sample Accommodation Costs

Accommodation on Sambawan Island is limited to tents and small cottages, with prices ranging from PHP 350 to PHP 1,000 per night. Visitors can also choose to stay in Naval town, where hotel prices range from PHP 800 to PHP 3,000 per night.

Sample Food Costs

Food on Sambawan Island can be expensive due to its remote location. Expect to pay around PHP 200 to PHP 300 per meal. Visitors can also bring their own food and cooking supplies to prepare meals on the island.

Safety Rating

Sambawan Island is generally a safe destination for visitors. However, visitors should take precautions against petty crime and be respectful of local customs and culture. Women and members of the LGBTQ community should also exercise normal safety precautions.

Local Population

Sambawan Island is a sparsely populated island, with a small fishing community and a handful of visitors staying in tents and small cottages. The local residents are predominantly Catholic and speak Tagalog and Waray-Waray.

Things to Do

Activities on Sambawan Island include swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and boat tours around the island. Visitors can also interact with the local fishing community and learn about their way of life.