Catbalogan is a new City where its eco tourism potentials are almost untapped and unexplored. To date, throngs of exploring tourists are charting the areas. Historically and perennially, Catbalogan is the "Cabecera" Capital Place since the Pre Spanish time and up to the present. In the year 1600s, Samar Island was only one province. When it was divided into three provinces, Catbalogan remained to
be the Provincial Capital of Western Samar - now Samar. Catbalogan greatest endowment is its geography for it is right at the Center of Samar Island. It is embraced by the Marine Rich Maqueda Bay and complimented by its beautiful and idyllic sunset. Its terrain is flat to rolling, to moderately steep, its mountains has vertical gullies, ridges, unexplored caves and portion of its primary and secondary growth forest are fitting for camping, trekking, deck viewing, climbing, cave exploration, canopy walk and zip lines tours if developed. Adding beauty to its rolling terrain is the presence of the Antiao River that wonderfully crisscrossed through the urban area and met its placid bay; simply perfect for River Cruising. On its upstream, Bangon Falls is located where water rafting is possible. Another supreme eco-tourism potential is its coastal features where it has 25 Island/Islets (10 are uninhabited) and 5 Atoll Forming Reefs fitted for island hopping. It can also be interconnected with dozens more reefs, atoll, islands and islets in the Island Municipality of Daram and Zumarraga. Her Sierra Group of Islands and Islets are potential for beach resorts, while her blue water is ideal for parasailing during the month of July, August and September and dive sites; where its bottoms features are; 30 meters vertical walls, corals and World War II Shipwrecked. Barely north of her Poblacion Area is the Buri Island. Therein are the Commercial Airport, Buri Baras Beach and the undeveloped five hectares fresh water inland lagoon; a good prospect for water sports; cable wakeboarding. While on the south; are group of Islands (Darahuway, Mahaba, Basiao and Malatugawi) where resorts can be additionally put up for its surrounding marine water sanctuary is perfectly suitable for bird watching and water sports such as; swimming, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, snorkeling, wind surfing and fishing because of its friendly four meters deep and water current. Catbalogan had a wide variety of century old gastronomic cuisines and delicacies with a variety of cultural twang (Chinese, Spanish, American and Japanese). It is intrinsically linked to its colonial past. It is perfectly fitting and world class for savoring and gift giving. On its geographical influence: its proximity to marine rich Maqueda Bay which is globally known for its bounty's distinctive taste had made it mostly seafood based and accented with local herbs and spices.
