“A celebrated ecotourism destination of Samar”
Once a bustling route for logging activities, Ulot River has transformed into a symbol of conservation and eco-tourism.
Spanning approximately 90 kilometers, the Ulot River of Samar holds the title of the longest river on the Island of Samar. The river begins in San Jose de Buan which then ends up at the Philippine Sea, and it’s also a crucial water source for local communities as well as a home to diverse wildlife.
The History of the Ulot River
Before the river was celebrated as a tourist destination, it was used as a route for illegal logging activities, wherein they use its current to transport the logs. Sooner, it was changed into a conservation site and a hub for sustainable tourism such as the Torpedo Extreme Boat Adventure.
A Hub for Extreme Adventure
Did I mention an extreme tourist attraction? Yes, I did! An adventurous boat ride in Samar offers just the right thrill for summer. Locals refer to the motorized boats used in this activity as “torpedo.” These boats are uniquely designed to navigate the river’s strong currents—much like a real one, minus the explosive nature upon contact. Interestingly, these boats were originally employed for log transport and have since been creatively repurposed for this exciting adventure.
More Than Just a Boat Ride
TORPEDO stands for Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization and their aim is to enhance Samar’s river attractions. Founded in 2008, this community-based group focuses on promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
With their continuous works, the organization has provided a new source of income for individuals who were once involved in timber poaching. In 2017, they were honored with the National Award for Best Community-Based Ecotourism Enterprise by the Philippine Association of Tourism Offices, recognizing its positive impact in Cagayan de Oro City.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Torpedo Boat Ride: Php. 500.00 per head minimum of 5 persons
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating Hours: Open Daily from 06:00 AM – 03:00 PM
- Contact Number: 0956-887-7710
- Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TorpedoBoat/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Torpedo Ulot River, Brgy. Tenani, Paranas, Samar
- By Commute: From Tacloban, you can take a bus or a van going to Catbalogan City. From Catbalogan, you can take a jeepney or a van heading toward Paranas. Some buses go to Paranas, although they may take a bit longer, depending on the route and stops. Once you arrive in Paranas, you can take a tricycle or local transportation to get to Ulot River or specifically to the Ulot Bridge, which is a common entry point for eco-tourism activities, including river cruises.
