Calicoan Island
About
The Visayas surf escape without the Siargao crowds! Calicoan sits at the southern tip of Samar, facing the open Pacific. On the east side, ABCD Beach gets some of the most consistent waves in the country, and surfers of every level paddle out almost every day of the year. On the west side, Banago's white-sand beaches stay calm in the Amihan months, great for a swim and a sunset. Squeeze in a dip in the blue cave lagoon of Linao and you have the whole island in one trip. Fly to Tacloban, ride about four hours to Guiuan, and stay a few days!
Dry until sunset (5:17 PM). Good time to go!
- 2 to 3 daysTime to spend
- Waves come most of the year, with the biggest swells from passing low-pressure systems; the Banago side is calmest in the Amihan months, roughly November to March.Best time to go
- variesEntrance and budget
- Bus or van, then a tricycleNo car needed
What to do here
- Surf or take a lesson at ABCD Beach
- Swim and watch the sunset at Banago
- Float in the blue lagoon of Linao Cave
- Ride a motorbike across the island in five minutes
Know before you go
The Pacific side has strong currents; swim only where locals say it is safe (two teens were swept away in Eastern Samar in February 2026).
The reef is shallow and sharp at ABCD; surf with a local guide or instructor if you are new.
This is a typhoon and earthquake zone; check PAGASA and PHIVOLCS before the long trip.
Surf lessons, board rental and resort rooms are priced by each surf camp or resort, so ask them directly.
Where it is
Calicoan Island, Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
No car neededFly from Manila, Cebu or Clark to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban, then ride a van or bus about 4 hours by land to Guiuan. From Guiuan town, take a tricycle or habal-habal down the Guiuan-Sulangan road to Calicoan.
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FAQ
Is Calicoan good for beginners?
Yes. PeopleAsia (April 2026) says surfers of all levels can ride ABCD Beach almost every day of the year.
Is it safe after the May 2026 earthquake?
Eastern Samar officials reported only minor damage from the magnitude 6.0 quake on 4 May 2026, and the Samar and Leyte airports stayed open. Check PHIVOLCS and PAGASA before you go.
How do I get there?
Fly to Tacloban, then about 4 hours by land to Guiuan, then a short ride down the road to Calicoan.