Information about Homonhon Island

Homonhon Island

Homonhon Island can be found in the province of Eastern Samar. While the island is home to white sand beaches and lush greenery, it is more known as the island where explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew landed on March 17, 1521, before continuing their journey onto Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte. They stayed on the then-uninhabited island for eight days. Back then, the island was called Humunu.

Historical accounts say that Magellan and his people were met by Suluan, marking the crew's first encounter with locals in the country. While it has been suggested that the island could also be the place for the first-ever Mass in the Philippines, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines has affirmed that the first Easter Sunday Mass was held on Limsawa Island.

In 2021, as part of the celebrations of the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines, a National Quincentennial Historical Marker was erected at Magellan's landing site. You will also find a replica of Magellan's ship in the area. This was built in 2010.

Best time to visit

If you want to visit when the weather is warm, schedule your trip to Homonhon Island from March to May. If you prefer cooler weather, you can also visit from November to February, when it's a bit cooler but still with less chance of rain.