A group of adventurers from the Calabarzon region has linked up with three locals and set out on an expedition to explore the hidden gems of Basey, one of the must-visit places in Samar.

They traversed awe-inspiring caves, visited ancient churches with intriguing pasts, and beheld captivating landscapes. It was an unforgettable experience that left them with memories to cherish forever.

Escape the urban hustle

For travelers seeking to escape city life, exploring caves offers a unique opportunity to marvel at the wonders of nature and feel the adventure and mystery accompanying each journey.

If you’re traveling by road from Tacloban City, you’ll need to cover a distance of around 29 kilometers to reach Basey. However, the distance may vary depending on your route and any diversions or roadblocks you encounter.

Along the way, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenic view of the San Juanico Strait, with its whirlpools and islets scattered throughout. This bridge is one of the longest in the Philippines and connects Leyte and Samar.

Basey’s tales and origins

In the distant past of Basey, a childless couple lived in a village. One day, they found a beautiful baby girl under a mystical tree and named her Bungansakit. As she grew up, her beauty drew the attention of suitors from far and wide. 

Suguihon, a skilled bachelor from a neighboring village, captured the heart of Bungansakit. The two of them exchanged their vows in a Christian ceremony. Unfortunately, an envious Moro suitor launched an attack on their village, abducting Bungansakit to Moroland, which led to a tragic outcome. The village was renamed Basay to commemorate her timeless beauty.

According to Larry R. Rambacod, an accredited tour guide of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region, the name of the town, ‘Basay,’ proved difficult for the Americans to pronounce during their occupation. As a result, they began referring to it as ‘Basey.’ Eventually, the locals also adopted the new name for convenience in everyday conversation.

Explore the hidden gems

The tourists embarked on an adventure of a lifetime as they set foot in the breathtaking Sohoton Cave, a mesmerizing labyrinth of limestone formations and crystal-clear pools. With the guidance of a local tour guide, they ventured deeper into the cave, marveling at the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that adorned the cavern walls. Every twist and turn revealed a new wonder, leaving them stunned by the magnificence of the place.

Hold on to your hats because their next stop was the breathtaking Natural Bridge. This majestic rock arch spanned over a tranquil river, leaving them in awe of Mother Nature's ingenuity. Standing atop the bridge, they felt excited, as if they were connected to the land's ancient history. This sensational feeling lingered throughout their journey, leaving them eager for whatever adventure lay ahead.

Their next stop was the Saob Cave. At the entrance, the adventurers witnessed a profound cultural experience as they met with skilled banig weavers, a group of women who have mastered the art of weaving mats for generations. The intricate craft they demonstrated left our adventurers in awe as they reveled in a newfound appreciation for the local culture.

Get ready to be transported back in time as you step into the century-old St. Michael Parish Church, with its grand façade and ornate interiors, or experience the simple beauty and serene atmosphere of the charming Buscada Chapel. These sacred spaces will surely leave you inspired and uplifted, evoking the timeless devotion and resilience of generations past. And let's not forget the Bungang Sakit Well, a must-see destination for any curious tourist.

Tourists’ travel experience

According to Princess Jay G. Dizon, a tourist from Cavite, she and five of her companions visited a college friend in Ormoc City because they were asked to be godparents at his child's baptism. They then spent the entire week exploring Leyte and Samar for tourist attractions.

They arranged their itinerary based on the schedule of the baptism. They discovered there are tours in Basey, which is close to Tacloban, so they availed of that, including their island-hopping adventure on Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte.

“Very different yung experience namin dito dahil first time namin sa cave, first time din namin sa river adventure. Yung handling naman ng tour yung mga maliliit na ginagawa nila yung pagbibigay ng towels and water, pagbati pa lang mula dun sa hotel; very pleasant experience para sa amin. Kaya nagustuhan din namin yung overall experience,” Dizon expressed her satisfaction with the tour package and the hospitality of the tour guides and the locals.

[Our experience here is very unique because it's our first time exploring a cave and having a river adventure. The tour was handled very well, from providing towels and water to the warm greetings at the hotel. It was an enjoyable experience for us, and we thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience.]

Dizon and her companions highly recommend the tour package they availed of at Travelink Travel and Tours. They rated the overall experience a five out of five and expressed their desire to return to explore other places in Samar in the future.

“Kapag inisip mo magta-travel ka within the Philippines, hindi talaga nagpo-pop-up sa isip mo first yung Leyte and Samar. Ang dami din palang ma o-offer yung Leyte at Samar. Yung experience dito na very in touch with nature, hindi pa masyado na nababago yung environment compared sa commercial attractions; ayun yung I think edge ng tour na ito,” she added.

[When you think about traveling within the Philippines, Leyte and Samar may not be the first destinations that come to mind. However, these two places have a lot to offer. The experience here is very in touch with nature, where the environment hasn't been overly changed compared to other places. I think that's the edge of this tour.]

Building tourist support

Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, the regional director of the DOT, stated that Region 8 is blessed with responsible leaders and destination managers in the tourism industry. Even the workers are conscious of the importance of sustainable tourism development because they understand that the natural sites are the biggest asset for the region.

She added that if these sites are abused, they will only be able to enjoy them for a short time, and future generations will be deprived of this natural beauty.

“I am delighted to hear, not from us but from our guests, that they appreciate our efforts to preserve these tourist sites, our cultural heritage, share our history and way of life, and our traditions. To me, this signifies a promising future for the Eastern Visayans and the tourism industry in the region,” Tiopes said.

In 2020, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) completed the installation of lights inside the Sohoton Cave. The project cost around P6 million, which adds more attractions to the renowned natural park.

According to Kimy S. Jacosalem, a local tour guide, the Sohoton National Park and Natural Bridge are protected by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The area is maintained and guarded by the people's organization.

He added that the DENR supported the installation of two cottages in 2021. Additionally, the province of Samar helped reconstruct the receiving area, which is a 15 to 20-minute boat ride from the cave.

The tourism industry in Saob Cave provides livelihoods to the 32 members of Banig Weavers Association. They create laptop cases, slippers, bags, coin purses, placemats, and other items using processed and woven wild grass as a material.

The local tour guides and people’s organizations earned their livelihoods by driving kayaks and motorboats. They also assist and entertain the tourists.

For tourists who want to explore the attractions, please get in touch with Travelink Travel and Tours, a local agency based in Basey, Samar, that offers the same tour packages. You can reach them at the following numbers: 09994959091 or 09257791594. For more information about the tourist loop package, please visit their Facebook page.

As you venture across Basey, you'll be transported to a magical world where history and nature blend, creating a beautiful tapestry of wonder and enchantment that will capture your senses and nourish your spirit. Whether you delve into the depths of caves, admire the natural bridge's magnificence, or submerge yourself in the local culture's rich fabric, you'll undoubtedly fall under the spell of this hidden treasure in Samar. (LDL/AAC/PIA Leyte)