Overview
Guiuan holds the distinction of being the first place in the Philippines where Europeans landed, when Magellan's expedition arrived in March 1521. Today it is a quiet coastal municipality offering surfing at Calicoan Beach (declared the surfing capital of the Visayas by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001), 400-year-old Spanish colonial churches, and remote islands for diving and relaxation.
Beach · Budget Travel · History · Nature · Surfing
Before you go
Language
Primary languages are Waray and Cebuano. English is widely understood in tourist areas and by younger residents.
Money
ATMs available at Metrobank (Lugay St, 24-hour, MasterCard/Visa) and PNB (San Nicolas St, 24-hour, Visa). Bring sufficient cash as rural areas have limited banking services.
Transport
Most travelers arrive by bus at Guiuan Bus Terminal. Local transport includes tricycles and habal-habal motorcycle taxis. Airport has limited flights.
Weather
Best visited March-May (dry season) or September-December for surfing. Typhoon season peaks in November.