A Biri Beautiful Place: Biri Island Rock Formation, Northern Samar

Leo February 12, 2017 0

Biri Island is the most beautiful place I have set foot on so far. Situated on the northernmost part of Samar province where San Bernardino Strait and Pacific Ocean meets. Biri is a typical laid back island and home of the massive rock formations namely - Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at and Caranas. These imposing rock formations are towering icons of the island, magnificent wonders created by nature itself that continue to attract tourists. The natural beauty of the place is almost untouched. The coast is rugged yet scenic while its water is wild yet bountiful.



We started our adventure as early as 4 in the morning. Yes you read it right, 4AM! Actually it was manong driver/tourist guide's suggestion to start that early so we can witness a one of a kind sunset at the top of the mountain and we can explore all of the rock formations before our 1pm trip back to the mainland's port.

The sky's still dark; all we can hear are the yelps of the frog and our motorcycle's engine. I started thinking; this is going to be a one of a kind adventure! We headed to our first destination, the Bel-At Rock Formation. The adventure begins by passing through a wooden bridge covered with thick mangrove forest for almost 3 kilometer under the dawn sky.





The feeling of excitement is getting higher as we reached the end point of the bridge; sky light's slowly appearing as the sun’s about to rise. I already heard the sound of the waves coming from afar and sneak the shadow of a mountain. Because we can’t contain our excitement we hurriedly ran to the top of the Bel-at rock.






After the sunrise session in Bel-At we moved to the nearby rock formation, the Puhunan. A path going to this rock wasn’t easy like the Bel-At. We passed by on a slippery rock and above a hip level of sea water. Be extra careful or else you'll slip and all of your things might get wet. Of the six rock formations, this was the first to catch my attention. It looks like a half-dipped ship.












We went back to Bel-At Rock after.  This time we take a dip on natural made pool, the Bel-At Pool.















This is the saddest part! We did not make it to visit the remaining rocks, the Magasang and Magsapad. We didn't notice the time that we spent in Bel-At because seriously every inch of the place is picture worthy and instagrammable! We begged and asked our guide if we can make it to visit to Magasand and Magsapad for at least less than an hour but the guide unhappily told us that it's impossible. Driving through the other side of the island where the remaining rocks are situated will take 20 minutes plus another 20-30 minutes because we need to pass by again on a wooden bridge back to the Bel-At entrance where we parked our motorcycle. If we insist of going there, there's likely a possibility that we cannot take the 1PM regular trip back to the mainland port in Lavezares. It's very frustrating! We have no choice but not to go or else we'll get stranded for another 1 night in the island, but it's okay there's still more time and opportunity to visit Biri and i'll make sure that time I can visit all of the massive rocks.




By far, this is my best travel adventures ever! One travel bucket list is down and more to go!

Here's a video compilation of my Biri Island Rock Formation adventure. Enjoy watching!


HOW TO GET THERE
Since i'm from Ormoc City in Leyte, the simplest way to travel is by land which takes for 14 hours. Here's my itinerary for your reference:

1. From Ormoc City ride a van bound to Tacloban, then to Calbayog, and lastly to Allen. I suggest that you travel with GrandTours since they have connecting routes from Ormoc to Allen. Travel time is 7 to 8 hours. Costs are Ormoc-Tacloban Php130, Tacloban-Calbayog Php230, Calbayog-Allen Php100. A total of Php460.

2. From Allen terminal, take a tricycle bound to Lavezares. Tell the driver you intend to go to Lavezares port where boats to Biri are docked. Travel time: 30 minutes. Cost: 30

3. Find a boat that goes to Biri Island. Pumpboats regularly depart from Lavezares port for as early as 6AM and as late as 4PM. Travel time: 1 hour. Cost: 50 regular fare / 750 one way special trip good for 15 person / 1,500 back-and-forth special trip good for 15 person.

4. From Biri jetty, take a habal-habal to your hotel or guesthouse. Cost: Php10. On our itinerary, we chartered the driver as our tour guide. Cost: Php195 per habal-habal good for 3 person. I suggest that you chartered a driver that serve as tour guide too. They have ID to proof that they're legit. What I like about them is that they're fun, shares history and facts about Biri and they serves as photographer too! They know how to shot a nice angle. Impressive!

If you're coming from Luzon area, via plane fly to Catarman, Northern Samar. Or via land travel to Matnog, Sorsogon and take a ferry to Allen.

WHERE TO STAY
Our overnight stay was on Ate Glo's Homestay for only Php200 per person a day. We opted for an additional Php30 each for generator's fee that runs from 12 midnight to 6 in the morning (electricity is available only from 12 noon up to 12 midnight).

Some accommodations are ranging from Php700 to Php3000. If you're a budget traveler I recommend Ate Glo's Homestay. Their room were pretty clean and good, and staffs we're very accommodating as well.

WHERE TO EAT
There are no fancy resto in Biri, only carinderias that offer cheap local foods. Ask the locals where they are found. Lodges can also cook for you for a fee. During our stay in Biri we took our dinner and lunch meal at Pavillon just across Biri's municipal hall.

Now that summer is around the corner, do you have a bucket list of your summer destinations? I recommend Biri Island Rock Formation to put in top of your list! Cheap yet one of a kind place. You'll definitely have a summer to remember once you experience Biri.