Northern Samar is one of six provinces that comprise the Eastern Visayas ( Region VIII ).

The province is subdivided into twenty-four (24) municipalities, with a total of 569 barangays represented as two congressional districts. The seat of the provincial government is at the capital town of Catarman.

Northern Samar may be reached over land via the Pan Philippine Highway, which connects the key cities of the Samar provinces. Most of the towns are situated along the northern coasts facing the San Bernardino Strait.

Another point of entry into Northern Samar is through the north-western town of Allen. It is possible to take the ferry from Matnog off Sorsogon (the southernmost province of the Bicol Region) to this town, which is connected to Catarman by the winding highway along the coast.

Travelers will find Allen a convenient take-off rest-point to explore nearby attractions, most of which are reached only after a considerable journey.

Then for a return to the 16th century, a visit to Capul Island is a must. The island can be reached by a two-hour motorboat trip from Allen. Only missionary fervor could have made building a church on this island possible. Capul also features a stark watch tower in its landscape, a further reminder of the loneliness of this islet.