Things To Do
in Maydolong

Maydolong is a small rural municipality in Eastern Samar, Philippines, offering a laid-back pace amid green farmland and river valleys. Its generous warm hospitality makes visitors feel at home as they explore simple markets and local eateries. The town serves as a quiet base for exploring nearby coastal and inland natural areas in the Eastern Visayas.

Life here revolves around community, agriculture, and the occasional festival that showcases local crafts and food.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Relaxation
morning
:

Arrive in Maydolong and check into your cozy beachfront accommodation. Take some time to unwind and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Filipino dishes to kickstart your adventure.

afternoon
:

Head to the beach to enjoy a serene afternoon, lounging under the sun or taking a refreshing swim in the gentle waves. Explore the nearby villages to engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts. Savor a freshly prepared seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant, indulging in the catch of the day.

evening
:

As the sun sets, stroll along the beach, capturing the golden hues of the sunset. Enjoy a laid-back dinner at a local eatery, feasting on grilled barbecued meats and colorful side dishes. Conclude your day with a beach bonfire, sharing stories and making new friends.

day 2
Explore the Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local market where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors and perhaps join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Filipino meals. Afterward, enjoy your own creations for breakfast!

afternoon
:

Participate in a cultural workshop where you can learn traditional dances and songs from the region. Visit the town's church and museum to gain insights into the history and heritage of Maydolong. Treat yourself to a scenic picnic in one of the local parks, surrounded by lush greenery.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner. Explore the vibrant nightlife by visiting a local bar that features live music and dance performances. Enjoy mingling with locals and fellow travelers as the night unfolds.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
🥤Soft drink$0.50-1.50
🚍Local transport (one-way)$0.20-1
🛏️Budget hotel room (per night)$15-40
Coffee/tea$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Low-cost, authentic experiences
  • Warm, friendly locals
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Rural roads can be rough in the rainy season
  • "Kumusta" - Hello / How are you?
  • "Salamat" - Thank you
  • "Palihug" - Please
  • "Magkano ini?" - How much is this?
  • "Hain an CR?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Maydolong

Visit one of these nice places.

Maydolong River Overlook

A vantage point along the river where golden light spills over terraces and boats drift by, ideal for golden-hour shots.

Town Plaza at Sunset

Open space framed by palm trees and local architecture, perfect for candid street photography and portraits.

Coastal/Waterfront Stretches

Seafront or riverfront segments with boats, markets, and fishermen at work; great for action and documentary photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Maydolong

Maydolong’s cuisine centers on seafood, coconut, rice, and garden produce. Meals are simple yet rich in flavor, often featuring fresh catch from nearby waters along with soured or coconut milk-based dishes.

Maydolong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kinilaw

Fresh seafood marinated in vinegar, lime, onions, and chili; best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Must-Try!

Tinolang Isda

Light fish soup with ginger, greens, and sometimes green mango; comforting and easy to sip.

Laing

Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with spices; pairs well with rice and fish.

Ginataang Langka

Young jackfruit simmered in coconut milk with spices; a versatile filler dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Public Market and nearby stalls

Bustling stalls offering fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Maydolong experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid days and a pronounced wet season. Expect warm temperatures year-round, with heavy rains during the monsoon season and potential typhoons during the peak season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Greeting

Greet elders with polite phrases and use 'po' or 'kayo' when addressing older people; avoid raising voices in public.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise common travel safety: safeguard valuables, use reputable transport, stay aware of weather conditions during the rainy and typhoon seasons, and follow local guidance during natural hazards. Have emergency contacts handy and know the location of the nearest healthcare facility.

Tipping in Maydolong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In casual eateries, rounding up to the nearest peso or leaving 5–10% is appreciated if service is good; in larger restaurants, check if a service charge is included.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

March–May brings hot, dry days with strong sun; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Rainy Season

June–October brings frequent rain showers and occasional floods; carry a compact rain jacket and waterproof footwear, and allow extra travel time.

Cool/drier period

November–February can be cooler and less humid, with comfortable evenings; great for long walks and outdoor photography, though inland weather can still surprise you.

Nightlife Guide

Maydolong at Night

The nightlife in Maydolong is low-key, with small local cafes, karinderias, and occasional community events. Evenings may include casual conversations, live acoustic sessions, or town gatherings rather than a club scene.

Hiking in Maydolong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Maydolong Hill Trail

Short-to-moderate trail offering views over farmland and valleys; suitable for a half-day hike.

River Gorge Walk

Riverside trail with opportunities for birdwatching and photography; check water levels before visiting.

Airports

How to reach Maydolong by plane.

Tacloban Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (TAC)

Main gateway to Eastern Visayas with domestic flights to Manila, Cebu, and other hubs; drive or take land transport to Maydolong.

Calbayog Airport (CYP)

Regional airport in Samar; serves domestic flights and is a practical alternative for reaching western Samar.

Borongan Airport

Eastern Samar regional airport; limited flights and closer access from some routes; check current operations ahead of travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Maydolong town center is compact, with most daily amenities within walking distance. For rural or coastal excursions, short drives or local transport are common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Mostly local families engaged in farming and fishing; Waray-speaking communities with Catholic traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

A favorite pastime for locals, often played in schools and barangays.

Volleyball

Common in community centers and beaches; informal matches happen in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Maydolong; expect jeepneys, tricycles, and vans for longer trips. Roads can become slick and slower during heavy rains; plan extra time for inland travel. Public transport is basic but reliable for short trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Maydolong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian visitors can still enjoy coconut-based curries, Laing with extra vegetables, and rice-based meals; ask for vegetable-only options or tofu substitutions where available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through local Rural Health Units and a district hospital within the province; for more advanced care, residents travel to larger regional centers such as Tacloban or Borongan. Bring any regular medications and consider travel insurance.

Discover Philippines

Read more in our Philippines 2025 Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Guide