Paranas

Nestled in the heart of Samar Island, Paranas is the ultimate playground for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and cultural adventurers. This vibrant municipality in Eastern Visayas is best known as the gateway to Samar Island Natural Park, a sprawling eco-paradise teeming with lush rainforest, rare wildlife, and jaw-dropping natural wonders.

The crown jewel of Paranas is the Ulot River, home to the adrenaline-pumping Torpedo Boat Ride, a high-speed, Splash-Tastic, adventure where wooden boats zoom through narrow jungle waterways. It’s like a real-life Indiana Jones ride, but with breathtaking Philippine scenery!

You can also explore Samar Island Natural Park, one of the largest contiguous tracts of rainforest in the Philippines. Trek through soaring limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and magical waterfalls like Pinipisakan Falls, a multi-tiered beauty tucked away in the wilderness.

Paranas pulses with Waray-Waray pride, where locals greet you with warm smiles and a strong sense of community. The town’s culture is deeply rooted in nature conservation, resilience, and eco-tourism, blending traditional hospitality with a deep respect for the environment.

Don’t leave Paranas without trying tamalos, a Waray delicacy made from pork wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with ground rice. Also, feast on fresh tilapia from local rivers and native chicken tinola, best enjoyed after a full day of jungle trekking.

The Karikiki Festival, celebrated every July, fills the streets with rhythmic drums, colorful costumes, and tribal-inspired dances that honor the town’s history and environmental guardianship. Expect lots of Kuratsa and Waray-Waray songs, blending folk storytelling and festive beats.

• Eco-tourism capital of Samar
• Torpedo boat adventure at Ulot River
• Pinipisakan Falls and rainforest exploration
• Rich Waray heritage and conservation culture

From misty rivers at sunrise to wild jungle treks and riverside feasts, Paranas is the untamed soul of Samar, raw, wild, and totally unforgettable.