Different Ways to Reach Calbayog
If you are planing a trip to Calbayog, getting there is possible in many different ways. The Samar Island is served only by different forms of road transport, while the major cities like Manilla and Cebu have established air and water routes to Calbayog.
By Air
Calbayog City is accessible by air through the Calbayog Airport. It is located about 7 kilometers west of the city center. The airport serves only domestic flights. It is a relatively small airport, serviced by only 3 airlines flying from Manilla to Calbayog. The Calbayog Airport is undoubtedly the best way to get to the city if you’re starting in Manilla. A 2-way ticket will cost you less than $70 in the summer of 2010.
By Water
Arriving at Calbayog by water is a common choice if you’re starting from the city of Cebu. Ferries serve the line between Calbayog and Cebu about 3 times a week and dock at Calbayog City Pier 1. The trip itself lasts about 12 hours and costs between $10 and $20, depending on if you want to travel in an air-conditioned or in a regular room. The ferries usually start in the evening and arrive in Calbayog early in the morning. They are safe and comfortable.
By Jeep
If you are already on the Samar Island, one of the most common ways of getting to Calbayog is by jeep. Jeeps usually carry 12 to 16 passengers and operate on shared service basis, so you’ll often have to wait for a jeep to get full before it actually starts traveling. Prices are cheap and often less than $5. However, traveling by road throughout the Samar Island isn’t very safe, because the roads are in bad condition and robberies are possible, especially at night.
By Habal-Habal
The Habal-Habals serve shorter distances and are usually a decent form of transportation to Calbayog if you are located in one of the nearby settlements. The Habal-Habal is a modified motorcycle, capable of serving 4 to 6 passengers and working as a taxi. Riding on a habal-habal can be an extreme experience and is generally not very safe, but unfortunately sometimes there simply isn’t an alternative.