Matnog is where the ferry departs to take you across to Allen, the northern tip of Samar. As we approached the port, we were met with a security checkpoint. They checked our motorbike and passports, which was a standard procedure for anyone crossing by ferry.
After a quick breakfast at our hotel, we packed up our bags and got ready for another day on the road. This was our third day of our motorbike adventure, and our plan was to drive south towards Calbayog. According to our research, the journey would take around four and a half hours. But as with most trips, it’s never that simple. We had to factor in a ferry crossing, and to make things even more uncertain, we didn’t know the ferry schedule. So, we prepared ourselves for a longer day of travel, knowing there would be some unexpected delays.
We left our hotel feeling excited but also a little tired from the previous day’s long ride. Our journey took us through the city of Sorsogon, a bustling yet relaxed city known for its friendly locals and laid-back vibe. Passing through Sorsogon, we took the scenic Sorsogon Coastal Road. This stretch of road hugs the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean on one side and rolling hills on the other. As we rode along, we could feel the sea breeze on our faces, which was a welcome relief from the heat. The coastal road was peaceful, and the traffic was light. We made a quick stop to take in the views and stretch our legs. The beauty of the coastline, with its blue waters and lush green hills, made it a perfect spot for a break.
After enjoying the coastal road, we continued south and finally arrived at Matnog, a small port town known as the gateway to Samar Island. Matnog is where the ferry departs to take you across to Allen, the northern tip of Samar. As we approached the port, we were met with a security checkpoint. They checked our motorbike and passports, which was a standard procedure for anyone crossing by ferry. The security officers were friendly and curious about our plans, asking us where we were headed. Their relaxed and welcoming attitude made the experience pleasant, and after a quick chat, we were on our way.
Next, we headed to the ferry ticket counter, expecting a quick and straightforward process. However, it turned out to be much more complicated than we anticipated. A local woman approached us, offering to help. Although we didn’t really need assistance, she insisted on guiding us through the maze of counters. In the end, she asked for a small tip, which we gave her, even though we could have managed on our own. But, it was fine because she only ask for small money.
In total, we ended up paying 900 pesos: 410 pesos for our motorbike, 180 pesos for each passenger ticket, 30 pesos for the passenger terminal fee, 65 pesos for the RORO terminal fee, 30 pesos for an official cash ticket (though we weren’t sure what this was for), and 15 pesos for an official receipt, which was likely a tax.
Finally, we had our ferry tickets in hand. We then rode to the port, where we had to wait for about an hour before boarding the ferry to Allen. We took the time to relax and prepare for the rest of the day’s journey.
The ferry ride itself was smooth, and the views from the boat were beautiful.
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After arriving in Allen, we continued our ride towards Calbayog. By this point, we were starting to feel hungry, but finding a decent restaurant along the road proved difficult. There were small roadside stalls here and there, but nothing that looked particularly inviting. We decided to push on and reach Calbayog before stopping for a proper meal. When we finally reached Calbayog, it was already dinner time. Tired and hungry, we decided to stop at Jollibee, a popular fast-food chain in the Philippines. Jollibee has become one of our go-to places for a quick meal during our journey. It’s familiar, affordable, and always reliable. However, we had to wait in a long queue before finally getting our food.
During dinner, we searched for a place to stay for the night. We found a room at Inn City Calbayog, a modern hotel in the center of the city. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and the most important is that they have quiet air conditioning, which was a huge relief after a hot day of riding. Although we had already eaten, we decided to visit the hotel’s restaurant to try some of their beverages and cakes.
Read : Things to do in Calbayog
We had booked the room without breakfast, so after checking out and getting back our 1,000 peso deposit, we hit the road once again. The journey ahead was long, but we were excited to see what the day would bring.
