TubabaoTubabao at a Glance
About Tubabao
Tubabao is a small island off the coast of Eastern Samar in the Philippines, known for its role as a temporary refugee site after the Chinese Civil War. The island lies in Eastern Visayas and is part of Guiuan’s maritime area.
Today the island is lightly inhabited or uninhabited and is mostly of interest for its historical association rather than tourist infrastructure. Shorelines, low vegetation and simple coastal features characterize the site.
In 1949 and the early 1950s the island was used as a temporary refugee camp for Chinese nationals fleeing the Chinese Civil War; the camp was run with international assistance and residents were later resettled to other countries. Tubabao’s role in that postwar humanitarian response is the main reason it appears in modern historical accounts.
Geographically the island sits off the coast of Guiuan municipality in Eastern Samar, in the central Philippines. Local boats from Guiuan are the usual way to reach the island.
- Historical refugee camp: Reputed for its role in post-1949 history as a temporary refuge for Chinese displaced by the civil war; the camp was operated with international assistance and most residents were later resettled abroad.
- Access: Reached by boat from Guiuan on Samar; visitor facilities are minimal and visits are typically informal and local in character.
Best Time to Visit Tubabao
Best visited in the dry season when sea travel is most dependable and weather is calmer.
Weather & Climate near Tubabao
Tubabao's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3379 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 480 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 350 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| March | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 260 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 209 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 32° | 221 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 174 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 124 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 181 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 257 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 442 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| December | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 491 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
How to Get to Tubabao
Tubabao is reached by boat from Guiuan or nearby ports in Eastern Samar and Leyte. Services are infrequent and weather-dependent; local travelers coordinate with small-boat operators.
Tips for Visiting Tubabao
- If visiting from Tacloban or Guiuan, plan transport carefully - services are infrequent and weather-dependent.
- Respect the island's role as both a historical site and a temporary refuge for people during past storms.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent; facilities are minimal.