Travel Information
Getting Here & Around
How to Get Here
From Manila
By Air + Land
Fly to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban), then take a van/bus to Catbalogan (2 hrs), then another van to Motiong …
By Bus + Ferry
Take a bus from Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon (10-12 hrs), ferry to Allen, Northern Samar (1.5 hrs), then bus/van to …
Book flights early for better rates. The Manila-Tacloban route is served by several airlines.
From Cebu City
By Air + Land
Fly to Tacloban from Cebu (1 hr), then van to Catbalogan (2 hrs) and Motiong (30 min).
By Ferry + Land
Take ferry from Cebu to Ormoc (4 hrs), then bus/van to Tacloban (2 hrs), Catbalogan (2 hrs), Motiong (30 min).
Fast craft ferries to Ormoc operate daily from Cebu port.
From Tacloban City
By Van
Take a UV Express van from Tacloban to Catbalogan (2 hrs), then transfer to a Motiong-bound van (30 min).
By Bus
Take a bus from Tacloban bus terminal to Catbalogan (2-2.5 hrs), then jeepney/van to Motiong.
Vans depart from the Abucay terminal in Tacloban. Earliest trips start at 4:00 AM.
From Catbalogan City
By Van/Jeepney
Take a van or jeepney from Catbalogan terminal heading to Wright/Motiong. Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes.
By Tricycle (Special)
Hire a tricycle for a direct trip. Best for small groups.
Motiong is the neighboring municipality of Catbalogan. Frequent van trips available.
Land Travel
Van / UV Express
Air-conditioned vans operating between Motiong, Catbalogan, and Tacloban.
Motiong to Catbalogan: ₱50-80 Motiong to Tacloban: ₱200-300Regular trips from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jeepney
Local jeepneys serving routes within Motiong and to neighboring towns.
Minimum fare: ₱15 Motiong to Catbalogan: ₱40-50Regular trips, frequency varies
Local Transport
Tricycle
Motorized tricycles for short-distance travel within Motiong town proper and nearby barangays.
Special trip: ₱30-100 depending on distance Per-head: ₱10-20Habal-Habal (Motorcycle)
Motorcycle-for-hire used to reach remote barangays and mountainous areas.
₱20-150 depending on distanceLand Travel
Bus (Long Distance)
Air-conditioned and ordinary buses connecting to Manila, Cebu, and major cities via Catbalogan.
Catbalogan to Tacloban: ₱150-250 Tacloban to Manila (bus+ferry): ₱1,500-2,500Daily departures from Catbalogan terminal
Travel Advisories
Exercise Caution
Jun 01, 2026
Typhoon Season Advisory
Motiong, being located in Eastern Visayas, is in the typhoon belt. Visitors should monitor weather bulletins from PAGASA during June-November. Follow local MDRRMO advisories.
Transport Terminals
Catbalogan Integrated Bus Terminal
Bus TerminalCatbalogan City, Samar
Motiong Public Terminal
Van TerminalPoblacion, Motiong, Samar
Rental Services
Municipal Tricycle Rental
Motorcycle RentalTricycle-for-hire available at the town public terminal.
₱800/day
(055) 000-0010
Practical Information
Motiong has a tropical climate with no distinct dry season. The driest months are typically March to May. Typhoon season runs from June to November. Average temperature: 25-33°C. Best time to visit: January to May.
Bring rain gear year-round as brief showers are common. The town's fiesta in honor of its patron saint is celebrated in May.
Bring rain gear year-round as brief showers are common. The town's fiesta in honor of its patron saint is celebrated in May.
The Philippine Peso (₱/PHP) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Catbalogan City (30 min away). Most establishments in Motiong accept cash only.
**Tips:**
- Bring sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in Motiong proper
- Nearest banks and ATMs: Catbalogan City
- GCash and Maya mobile payments accepted by some stores
- USD can be exchanged in Catbalogan
**Tips:**
- Bring sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in Motiong proper
- Nearest banks and ATMs: Catbalogan City
- GCash and Maya mobile payments accepted by some stores
- USD can be exchanged in Catbalogan
The primary language is **Waray-Waray** (Winaray/Samar-Leyte Visayan). Filipino (Tagalog) is widely understood, and basic English is spoken, especially by the younger generation.
**Useful Waray phrases:**
- *Maupay nga aga* — Good morning
- *Salamat* — Thank you
- *Tagpila ini?* — How much is this?
- *Diin an...?* — Where is...?
- *Maupay* — Good/Beautiful
**Useful Waray phrases:**
- *Maupay nga aga* — Good morning
- *Salamat* — Thank you
- *Tagpila ini?* — How much is this?
- *Diin an...?* — Where is...?
- *Maupay* — Good/Beautiful
Motiong has a Rural Health Unit (RHU) for basic medical needs. For emergencies, the nearest hospital is Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City.
**Tips:**
- Bring personal medications
- Insect repellent recommended (dengue prevention)
- Tap water is not potable; buy bottled water
- Emergency: Call 911 or the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office
**Tips:**
- Bring personal medications
- Insect repellent recommended (dengue prevention)
- Tap water is not potable; buy bottled water
- Emergency: Call 911 or the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office
Mobile signal coverage (Globe and Smart) is available in the town proper and most barangays, though signal strength varies in remote areas.
- Free WiFi may be available at the Municipal Hall
- Mobile data (4G/LTE) works in Poblacion
- Signal may be weak in mountainous barangays
- Internet cafes available near the town center
- Free WiFi may be available at the Municipal Hall
- Mobile data (4G/LTE) works in Poblacion
- Signal may be weak in mountainous barangays
- Internet cafes available near the town center
Motiong residents are known for their warm hospitality (the 'Waray spirit').
**Do's:**
- Greet elders with *mano* (touching the back of their hand to your forehead)
- Accept food/drink offerings as a sign of respect
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Ask permission before taking photos of locals
**Don'ts:**
- Don't point with your finger (use lips instead — it's a local gesture)
- Avoid loud behavior near churches, especially during services
- Don't litter; help keep the community clean
**Do's:**
- Greet elders with *mano* (touching the back of their hand to your forehead)
- Accept food/drink offerings as a sign of respect
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Ask permission before taking photos of locals
**Don'ts:**
- Don't point with your finger (use lips instead — it's a local gesture)
- Avoid loud behavior near churches, especially during services
- Don't litter; help keep the community clean
Motiong uses 220V/60Hz electricity, standard Philippine outlets (Type A/B). Power is generally reliable in the town center.
- Occasional brownouts during typhoons
- Bring a power bank for mobile devices
- Some remote barangays may have limited electricity hours
- Occasional brownouts during typhoons
- Bring a power bank for mobile devices
- Some remote barangays may have limited electricity hours
Motiong is generally a safe and peaceful municipality. Basic precautions:
- Keep valuables secure
- Travel with a local guide when visiting remote areas
- Avoid river swimming during heavy rains (flash flood risk)
- Follow local DRRM advisories during typhoon season
- Store emergency numbers: PNP Motiong, Municipal Hall, RHU
- Keep valuables secure
- Travel with a local guide when visiting remote areas
- Avoid river swimming during heavy rains (flash flood risk)
- Follow local DRRM advisories during typhoon season
- Store emergency numbers: PNP Motiong, Municipal Hall, RHU
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season
Nov - May
Best for outdoors
Wet Season
Jun - Oct
Fewer tourists, lower rates
Festival Season
Jan & August
Local culture at its best
Quick Tips
- Bring cash; ATMs are available but limited in some areas
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Stay hydrated during outdoor activities
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bargaining is acceptable at local markets
Emergency Contacts
| Motiong Rural Health Unit | |
| Philippine National Police - Motiong | |
| Bureau of Fire Protection - Motiong | |
| Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office | |
| Motiong Tourism Office |
Tourist Assistance
Municipal Tourism Office
Municipal Hall, Ground Floor
Mon-Fri: 8AM - 5PM
info@motiong.gov.ph