The 20-kilometre (12 mi) long island is part of the municipality of Guiuan, encompassing eight barangays: Bitaugan, Cagusu-an, Canawayon, Casuguran, Culasi, Habag, Inapulangan, and Pagbabangnan.

Mantoconan, an islet just off the northwest corner of Homonhon, is also part of the approximately 7,500 islands comprising the Philippine Archipelago.

During the first circumnavigation of the globe, Ferdinand Magellan's three surviving vessels passed the Marianas, but did not land,[2] even though he was out of food after crossing the Pacific Ocean.

The local leaders arrived in more boats, receiving him warmly and trading food and supplies with Magellan's crew.

[4] Up to the early Spanish period, Ibabaonon (bygone term for Bisaya of the eastern and northern Samar coast) revered the island as the sacred residence of Makapatag, the male aspect of the supreme diwata Malaon.