Northern Samar may be reached over land via the Pan Philippine Highway, which connects the key cities of the Samar provinces. Most of the towns are situated along the northern coasts facing the San Bernardino Strait.
Another point of entry into Northern Samar is through the north-western town of Allen. It is possible to take the ferry from Matnog off Sorsogon (the southernmost province of the Bicol Region) to this town, which is connected to Catarman by the winding highway along the coast.
Travelers will find Allen a convenient take-off rest-point to explore nearby attractions, most of which are reached only after a considerable journey.
Then for a return to the 16th century, a visit to Capul Island is a must. The island can be reached by a two-hour motorboat trip from Allen. Only missionary fervor could have made building a church on this island possible. Capul also features a stark watch tower in its landscape, a further reminder of the loneliness of this islet.
Geography
Northern Samar is bounded on the north by the San Bernardino Stait, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the Samar Sea, and on the south by Western Samar. Its total land area is 3,498 sq. kilometers.
The province is composed largely of low and extremely rugged hills and small lowland areas. It also has small and discontinuous areas along the coasts and its rivers are usually accompanied by alluvial plains and valleys. The province is endowed with relatively rich and fertile soil that most crops can grow on it.
Political Subdivision
The province consists of 24 towns. Capital is Catarman.
Climate
The province has no distinct dry or wet season but has a pronounced rainfall period from October to January. The heaviest precipitation occurs in November. May is relatively the driest month.
Population
As of the 1995 census, the provincial population was 454,195.
Language / Dialect
Waray-waray is the major dialect spoken in the province, along with Inabaknon, predominantly spoken in Capul Island.
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