I was born in Laoang, Northern Samar.
I was five years old when my parents decided to stay in Metro Manila, particularly in Taguig where I grew up but Northern Samar has always been my home. I remember when I was a kid, we would spend our entire two-month summer vacation in the province. So I was accustomed to the travel from Manila to Laoang, Northern Samar.
Credit: Ph.Geoview.info
We would travel through a Philtranco or DLTB bus by land until we reach the last town in Luzon which is Matnog, Sorsogon and then we’d board a ferry boat going to Allen, Northern Samar.
This is how we travel by crossing Luzon to Visayas via ferry or RORO service, In case you’re searching for the most updated way of traveling from Matnog to Allen, this blog post is for you.
Currently there are 4 ferries and RORO services that will take you from Matnog to Allen and vice versa.
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FAST CAT
Fast Cat is a great option from travelers crossing Luzon to Visayas via Matnog-Allen route. The company offers two trips from Matnog, one is going to Dapdap port in Allen and then another one is bound to San Isidro Northern Samar.
Matnog to Dapdap Port, Allen
Fast Cat has 5 trips going to Dapdap port in Allen. The earliest trip starts at 1:00 AM and the last trip is at 5:00 PM. Please see below for the complete details.
For the fares, Economy rate is at P140, and business class costs P220 per person. See below complete details with student and senior citizen discounts.
Matnog to San Isidro
For additional information, I’ll also be sharing here the details of FastCat’s schedule and fares from trips from Matnog to San Isidro, Northern Samar. I know that the post is about Matnog to Allen but this I think is also helpful to those who are traveling to and from these two provinces. San Isidro is also near the town of Allen. Here are the schedules and fares.
Starlite Ferries
The company that started its sea transportation services from Batangas to Calapan 22 years ago has expanded to serve more destinations. One of the recent addition to their service is the route Matnog, Sorsogon to Allen, Northern Samar and vice versa.
Starlite travels between these two ports four times a day. Please see below schedule. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
Departure from Matnog port to Balwharteco Port, Allen.
2:30 AM
8:30 AM
2:30 PM
8:30 PM
Departure from Allen to Matnog Port
5:30 AM
11:30 AM
5:30 PM
11:30 PM
Passenger Fares
Here is the updated rates of Starlite Ferries from Matnog to Allen.
MATNOG TO ALLEN
ECONOMY/OLD VESSEL
Regular – ₱120.00
Student – ₱96.00
Senior – ₱86.00
Child (4-11) – ₱60.00
Infant (0-3) ₱25
TOURIST CLASS *only available for new vessels
Regular – ₱120.00
Student – ₱96.00
Senior – ₱86.00
Child (4-11) – ₱60.00
Infant (0-3) ₱25
BUSINESS CLASS *only available for new vessels
Regular – ₱170.00
Student – ₱136.00
Senior – ₱121.00
Child (4-11) – ₱85.00
Infant (0-3) ₱25
Passenger Fares from ALLEN TO MATNOG
ECONOMY/OLD VESSEL
Regular ₱250.00
Student ₱200.00
Senior ₱179.00
Child (4-11) ₱125.00
Infant (0-3) ₱25
TOURIST CLASS *only available for new vessels
Regular ₱250.00
Student ₱200.00
Senior ₱179.00
Child (4-11) ₱125.00
Infant (0-3) ₱25
BUSINESS CLASS *only available for new vessels
Regular ₱300.00
Student ₱240.00
Senior ₱214.00
Child (4-11) ₱125.00
Infant (0-3) ₱25
VEHICLE RATES
MATNOG TO ALLEN
Motorcycle – 400
Below 3 m – 660.00
3 to 3.9 m – 890.00
4 to 4.9 m – 1,120.00
5 to 5.9 m – 1, 200.00
6 to 6.9 m – 1,320.00
7 to 7.9 m – 1,520.00
8 to 8.9 m – 1,600.00
9 to 9.9 m – 1,780.00
10 to 10.9 m – 1,900.00
11 to 11.9 m – 2,140.00
12 to 12.9 m – 2,320.00
13 to 13.9 m – 2,500.00
14 to 14.9 m – 3,040.00
Container Van
20 ftr – 6,000.00
40 ftr – 12,000.00
Heavy Equipment
Small – 10,000.00
Medium – 15,000.00
Large – 18,000.00
ALLEN TO MATNOG
Motorcycle – 400
Below 3 m – 660.00
3 to 3.9 m – 890.00
4 to 4.9 m – 1,120.00
5 to 5.9 m – 1, 200.00
6 to 6.9 m – 1,320.00
7 to 7.9 m – 1,520.00
8 to 8.9 m – 1,600.00
9 to 9.9 m – 1,780.00
10 to 10.9 m – 1,900.00
11 to 11.9 m – 2,140.00
12 to 12.9 m – 2,320.00
13 to 13.9 m – 2,500.00
14 to 14.9 m – 3,040.00
Container Van
20 ftr – 6,000.00
40 ftr – 12,000.00
Heavy Equipment
Small – 10,000.00
Medium – 15,000.00
Large – 18,000.00
For the most updated rates, visit Starlites’ website here, Starlite Ferries
For Booking and Inquiries: Matnog & Allen: 09178075608 Allen: 09666983941
Santa Clara Shipping
I got to be honest here, Santa Clara Shipping is one of the two shipping lines that I remember a few years ago during the time when we usually travel back to the province during summer. At that time, I didn’t care about the ferry’s schedule, all I knew is that when our bus arrived in Matnog, we’d just wait for a few minutes then we’ll board the ferry. But now as a traveler, I know that we should all be conscious and aware of the schedule. Santa Clara’s first trip to Allen is usually at 6:30 AM and there’s a continuous trips every 3 hours. Sadly, Santa Clara shipping has no website for you to check schedule. Fare is Php 120.
Montenegro Shipping
This is another shipping line that I remember when I was a kid growing up while traveling back home in our province. Montenegro operates 24 hours and they’re the ferry that usually gives service to passengers who arrived early morning in Matnog like as early as 2AM.
Trips are continuous the whole day. Fare is P120.
Accommodation in Northern Samar
If you plan to stay in Northern Samar, here are some of the hotels and accommodation to choose from.
Birmingham Allen Resort
This resort is located on the stretch of beach in San Antonio in Allen, Northern Samar. Whether you’re traveling and wanted a relaxing stay, or you’re just stuck in Allen and needed to have a place to stay, Birmingham Allen Resort is the accommodation for you.
It has a modern-Asian design with proper amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Anbero Inn
Planning to explore Catarman and the rest of the towns in Northern Samar? Anbero Inn is just the right for you. Strategically located at the heart of the city, it will make your stay more convenient because of its easy access to the town’s top attractions.
Aside from its amenities, this property has free Wi-FI in all rooms, 24 hour security, daily housekeeping etc. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Town Center, Ocean Front View! Free Breakfast!
Okay if you’re looking for other places to stay in Allen, you can check out this property. This bed and breakfast property has an overlooking view of the sea with a terrace. Aside from a place to rest, it also has a kitchenette with a toaster, refrigerator and an electric tea pot.. Not bad, right? CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Tourist Spots in Northern Samar
Biri Rock Formation
Biri Rock Formation located in the island municipality of Biri is probably the most popular attraction in the province. Well, I am not surprised because aside from the experience and adventure of traveling by land and sea to reach this island, the rock formation is truly stunning.
These rocks are sometimes coined as the result of “the battle of gods” as the rocks are said to be formed by years of strong waves, wind and movements of tectonic plates. This place is truly a sight to behold.
Pink Beach of San Vicente
There’s a pink beach in Northern Samar and this can be found in San Vicente, located in the eastern side of Sila Island.
The reason why the sand turned pinkish is because of the tiny fragments of red shells and corals mixed with creamy white sand. You may experience the beach at its pinkish glow during summer as the rays of the sun creates a stunning sight of pinkish color on the beach.
Onay Beach in Laoang
One afternoon in Onay…when I saw these kids doing some stunts.
This is my first beach. I was born in Laoang, Northern Samar and this is the beach that I grew up with as a kid.
It is a long stretch of beach of golden sand with clear waters and stunning sunset. That’s what I remember the most aside from the good times that I shared with my cousins.
Onay beach is a prime destination in Laoang, and it’s a good thing that the local government is now doing their best efforts to preserve the beach and market it to tourists. I know that there will come a time when Onay beach will be a popular one among beach lovers, but it will always remain as the one that ignited my love for travel and beaches when I was a kid.
Capul Lighthouse
This is a century old lighthouse located in Capul Island, Northern Samar. It was built in 1896 to guide ships crossing the San Bernardino Strait. This can be enjoyed after a 30 to 40 minute boat ride from the mainland Northern Samar.
Batag Island Lighthouse
A 101-foot high lighthouse standing in the highlands of my Aunts and cousins hometown, Batag Island in Laoang, Northern Samar.
This was built in 1907 to guide passing vessels to the entrance of the San Bernardino Strait. This is one of the historical attraction in the town of Laoang.
Veriato Falls
Veriato Falls is another waterfalls to discover in San Isidro, Northern Samar. Aside from relaxing retreat for tourist, this has become a weekend getaway of the locals wanting a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the river and falls. The waterfalls is about 30 meters high on a slope down a natural pool. Just a few minutes of trek from a paved road and you can enjoy this waterfalls.
There you have it. Planning to travel to Northern Samar? Hope this helps. If you have anything to share, please share it below in the comments section. Thanks!
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One Comment
Lone Traveller
June 6, 2019 at 3:50 pmAre those shipping companies cater not only passengers but cars as well.