Biri Island of Northern Samar

The "Biri" (very) Beautiful Island of Northern Samar

Located of less than hour boat ride from the port of Lavezares, Biri Island is an inhabited town notable for its iconic rock formations facing the Pacific Ocean along the northern shore. It is located at the northwestern tip of Samar Island and one of the best tourist destinations in the province.

There are seven (7) gigantic rock formations naturally situated in the island namely Magasang, Magsapad, Makadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at, Karanas and Giron - formed hundreds of years ago due to the movement of underwater tectonic plates, according to the study conducted by National Institute Geological Science Research of UP Diliman.

Its vertical nature and posture probably formed from natural elements (wind, erosion) or more especially from the very large waves thrashing these large rock outcrops. 

Hike up and witness the breathtaking 360-degree view

We firstly went to Bel-At Rock Formation during our tour in Biri Island. We walked on a long footbridge going to our first destination. Underneath this wooden footpath were mangroves that grow rich on the intertidal coastal areas near Bel-at. When we arrived, the sound of huge waves crushing into the mammoth rock formations welcomed us. We climbed up to the topmost of this rock formation and enjoyed the extraordinary 360-degree vista from top then relished ourselves at the nearby saltwater reservoirs and lagoons (which have clear waters and sandy bottom.)

Twin set of natural wonders

Magasang Rock Formation was one of my fave destinations in Biri. Across this one is the Magsapad Rock Formation which is like a larger emulation of the former. These two looked like a twin set of rock formations formed uniquely in the northern coast when viewed from above.

One can only access these rock formations during low tide. You need to get back before the water level rise up. The strong water current may aggressively sweep you off back to shore or into dangerous zones. Also, you need to be extra heedful on what you’re stepping in. Some rocks are slippery and some are bristly in texture that could injure your skin.

I’m actually amazed of how the nature had naturally carved the rock structure shaping slabs of rocks that formed flights of stairs to top.

For picnic lovers, there is a white sand beach area for your snacks and beers (located at the entry point of these rock formations.) Just make sure you’ll not leave any scraps behind.

Sunset and Sunrise Postcard-Perfect Views

A day tour is not enough to explore Biri. You need to stay at least 3 days to completely explore the island. Make sure to catch the sunrise at Makadlaw Rock Formation at early dawn and witness the sun descent at Giron Rock Formation. The sun is evidently beautiful in the island during those times.

Our accommodation at Biri Island

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban. The flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal/Terminal for GrandTours or DupTours via taxicab or transfer service.

(As of 2018, only Philippine Airlines had direct flights to Catarman – the nearest airport to Biri. The flight, however, is from Clark to Catarman only)

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, find vans or buses that transport to Lavezares (We actually took the 4 PM  trip to Lavezares and arrived at town proper around 11 in the evening. Land travel takes at least 7 hours from Tacloban City)

Alternative (In case you miss the trip to Lavezares)

a. Tacloban to Allen. Ride a jeepney to Lavezares and tell the driver to drop you off at the port.

b. Tacloban to Catarman. Ride a jeepney to Lavezares and tell the driver to drop you off at the port.

NOTE: There are only few hostels in Lavezares so be sure to book a room for overnight stay beforehand in case you’ll be arriving at night.

AT LAVEZARES PORT

1. Usual boat fare to Biri Island is P50.00 per passenger.

2. Pakyawan or private one-way rate is P1,000.00 – P1,200.00 (Subject to change without prior notice)

NOTE: There are two (2) routes going to the destination. One was the direct route from seaport to the island. The other was the longer course that takes more than an hour – passing at midpoint of nearby islands. Some opt to choose the latter at times when the sea gets rough (especially those passengers that were anxious that their boat might be pummeled by vast, angry waves.)

ARRIVAL AT BIRI ISLAND

1. Find habal-habal drivers that will take you to the Tourism Office of Biri Island.

Rates as of 2018 (Subject to change without prior notice)

1. Habal-Habal Tour Fare – P195.00 per unit

2. Environmental Fee – P50.00

3. Tour Guide Fee – P300.00 (For 5 persons)

4. If you’ll include the Sunrise Tour (Makadlaw Rock Formation) or the Sunset Tour (Giron Rock Formation) in Biri Island, just add P200.00 for the tour guide fee.

NOTES:

1. Best time to visit is during summer or February to May.

2. Bring cash. The island is a remote area away from the city. There are no banks or any electronic banking outlets for your financial transactions.

3. No guide, No entry. A guide is mandatory in Biri. There are locals in-charge of checking your OR slips or entry permits in every tourist spot you’ll opt to visit so be sure to pay complete fees of your tour at the Tourism Center.

4. Make sure to bring water and pack your lunch or snacks during the trip. There are only few eateries in the island but there are mini sari-sari stores for your immediate needs (e.g. soap, shampoos, etc.)

(We took our meals for the day at a mini canteen or snack center located besides the Tourism Office)

5. Do not leave any trash behind. Let’s preserve the beauty of Biri Island and be a responsible guest and tourist.

More of Biri:

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Palawan-like Destination in Daram, Samar

Kandiwata Rock Formation
Palawan-like Destination in Daram, Samar

Have you ever been to Palawan? The ultimate caliber destination here in the Philippines?

Well if you haven’t explored it yet, here’s one destination in Daram, Samar that will give you a glimpse of how the rock formations in Palawan actually look like. If you’re from the outlying areas near Samar, surely this spot would give you Palawan feels!

We took the morning trip to Kandiwata by taking the nearest route via Babatngon, Leyte. Upon arriving at the town proper, we booked a boat that costs P2,000 (pakyawan rate) which has the capacity of 6 to 8 persons.

The sea was calm but it was a somnolent 2-hour sea travel from the port of Babatngon. However, few good sceneries on neighboring towns will knock you senselessly approaching Kandiwata. You’ll pass by few stunning rock formations and white sand beaches.

There is no port area so boats dock wherever they can securely unload their passengers. We actually swam meters away from the boat to get there since other vessels had already occupied the surrounding areas.

Just like the beautiful outcrop formations in Palawan, Kandiwata is a rock formation of limestone walls (some portions were vertically or horizontally stratified structures) that were formed from thousands of years ago – maybe through weathering, erosion and impact of waves. This isolated and scenic rock outcrop which was only discovered by few now becomes a hot tourist destination in Visayas.

Do-it-for-the-gram!

This gigantic rock formation makes a magnificent Instagram-worthy backdrop so do-it-for-the-gram peeps (especially travel influencers and bloggers) will surely love it here.

The waters were clear shades of green and blue; white powdery sand and coral species lie underneath and in surrounding areas; and cliff diving sites of different heights were available for leaping warriors and adventure enthusiasts.

Some had gone inside this rock formation through a small hole which is only accessible by submerging one’s self into the water. However, small-size individuals can go through just by positioning their bodies or adjusting their bodies into the size of the hole. According to locals, you are not allowed to be brash and loud inside since Kandiwata is home for supernatural beings. Bizarre things usually happen here which are all beyond scientific understanding or beyond law of nature.

There are native versions of how this rock formation was named Kandiwata:

1. These were ships struck by lightning and became Rock Formations.
2. Home of supernatural beings. It was named Kandiwata because of deities and spirits who reside here for a very long time. Some locals said you may ask for material things and they will give some to you. These inexplicable beings are understood as the guardian spirits of nature: emits blessings or maledictions upon those who brought welfare or harm to this rock formation.
3. Other locals claimed that bright lights are seen hovering at Kandiwata and some said loud parties often heard during at night or during full moon.

Notes:

• The best time to visit is during Amihan season (Northeast Monsoon) or during summer. Rough seas occur en route to Kandiwata during Habagat season.
• Entrance Fee is P10.00.
• Bring your own food or snacks.
• Please DO NOT THROW YOUR GARBAGE INTO THE SEA. Bring everything back to mainland or back to port. Let’s preserve this beautiful creation and be a responsible individual in conserving the ocean and the environment.

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban. The flight takes at least an hour or so. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal/Terminal via taxicab or transfer service.

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, find vans, buses, or jeepneys that transport to Babatngon, Leyte 

NOTE: Make sure you'll drop at town proper or at Babatngon's public market where the port area is located. There are many boats that lined up at the port available as service vessel to Kandiwata. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.