War is a thing of the past in Samar. Today, the Philippines’ third largest and naturally blessed island is waging a fight against biodiversity threats and widespread poverty through alternative means of livelihood like eco-tourism. Torpedo sounds warlike, yes. But by coincidence, the latest ecotourism adventure product of Samar is ULOT TORPEDO BOAT EXTREME RIDE.
This dug-out motorized boat has no outriggers and it looks like a torpedo. When it traverses the river, its motion through the downstream and upstream rides resembles a torpedo. It is manned by experts - a boatman and a point man who takes one on a “roller coaster ride” through the Ulot River, the longest river in Samar Island. Ulot was a navigational highway before between Western Samar and Eastern Samar, covering eleven (11) municipalities. The maneuvering skills of the boatmen are amazing and their familiarity with the river terrain is reassuring, not to mention their swimming and lifesaving capabilities. But most of all, the simple joy of being amidst nature in Samar - its tropical rainforest, mighty rivers, mysterious caves, majestic waterfalls, and the warmth and grace of the Samareños makes the boating experience worthwhile. The boat ride upstream is even more thrilling and challenging as the boatmen push up the boat in between big boulders. And for a relaxed mode afterwards, hop on a kayak or enjoy water tubing.
Literally, TORPEDO stands for Tour guides and boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization who are partners in the community development efforts of the DENR - Samar Island Biodiversity Project and Samar Island Natural Park.
Accommodations
- Eduardo's Tourist Hotel
Location: Pajarito Street, Calbayog City, 6710, Samar
- Ciriaco Hotel
Location: Pan-Philippine Highway Calbayog City
- Jasmin Beach Resort
Location: Barangay Amambucale, Marabut, Samar
- Almira Garden Hotel
Location: Gelera Street, Calbayog City
- GV Hotels Catarman, Northern Samar
Location: Marcos St., Brgy. Narra
- GV Hotels Borongan, Eastern Samar
Location: National Highway cor. Circumferential Road, Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines
Accessibility
The favored route to this part of the island is through the 2.16 kilometer long San Juanico Bridge from Leyte Island following a plane trip via Manila-Tacloban. From the south or west, Calbayog City and its capital town of Catbalogan are accessible both by plane and sea, with the Pan Philippine Highway connecting the coastal towns.