Discover Borongan City: Nature, Beaches and Surfing

Borongan City offers many different reasons to visit: forests, caves, waterfalls and natural swimming pools sit alongside sandy beaches and surf spots. The city market, with its wide range of goods, is also part of the local scene. When planning your trip, you might first consider whether you are most interested in nature, surfing, the beach or staying near the city center.

Nature, Islands and Beaches

Canhugas Nature Park is located in Borongan City and features lush forests, caves, waterfalls and natural swimming pools. It offers a distinct focus on nature alongside the coastal areas and surf spots. The islands of Ando, Monbon and Divinubo in Borongan Bay are part of Borongan’s city limits. Ando Island is one of Borongan City’s beaches: the island features white sand beaches and coral formations and is suitable for diving and snorkeling.

Guintagican Beach, also called Punta Maria, is two kilometers long and has white sand. The beach is several kilometers from the town center and can only be reached via an access road. The final section of the route must be covered on foot because the path is narrow; check local conditions before setting out. Cabong offers a contrast with its gray sand. Locals and visitors use the beach for swimming, outings and picnics, especially on special occasions, weekends and public holidays.

Surf Spots with Different Wave Profiles

At Boulevard (Borongan Bay), a surf spot near the town center, the bottom is sandy, and a right-breaking river-mouth beach break wave forms there. The spot is suitable for beginners and advanced surfers. Sulangan Beach offers a consistent beach break wave that breaks both left and right, and is suitable for beginners and those learning to surf.

At Guintagican Beach, the beach breaks go both left and right, but the surfing conditions are inconsistent. In summer, the sea there tends to be calm; the beach is also suitable for beginners. Lalawigan is a barangay of Borongan with rough waves and strong currents. Only advanced surfers surf there; waves and currents can vary. When comparing the spots, consider wave direction, consistency and the level of surfing experience described for each one.

Finding Your Way Around the Center and Getting a Glimpse of Daily Life

Hamorawon Park is in the center of the city. A large acacia tree beside the park serves as a landmark. The large shell in the park was once a cultural stage for social performances. The fenced area in front of it was also once a place for social gatherings. These historic uses give the area around the park a different story from the nature and beach areas.

Borongan Market is in the Puray neighborhood of Barangay H (Tarusan), a little upstream on the north bank of the Lo-om River. Its offerings include staple foods such as rice and corn, dried and fresh fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, spices, tubers and local cakes. The market offers a down-to-earth glimpse of the foods traded in Borongan.

Finding the Right Location for Your Trip

The distinct character of each area can be a helpful starting point when looking for a vacation rental: Boulevard is near the town center, while Guintagican Beach is several kilometers away. Consider whether your trip is best suited to a surf spot near the center, a particular beach or the nature-focused Canhugas Nature Park.

Discover more destinations: Hilongos, Catbalogan City, Leyte, Biliran, Tacloban City, Catarman, Sogod, Calubian

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Visayas.