Northern Samar

Biri Rock Formation | Biri Island, Northern Samar, Philippines

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• published: 09 Oct 2016
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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 seven massive rock formations namely - Magasang, Bel-at, Magsapad, Caranas, Macadlaw, Puhunan and Pinanahawan. 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. 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 recommend to get a ride on GrandTours since they have connecting routes. Travel time: 7 to 8 hours. Cost: 130+230+100=460 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 15 pax / 1,500 back-and-forth special trip 15 pax 4. From Biri jetty, take a habal-habal to your hotel or guesthouse. Cost: 10. On our itinerary, we chartered the driver as our tourist guide. Cost: 195 per habal-habal good for 3 pax. 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 200 per pax per day. We opted for an additional 30/pax for generator's fee running from 12 midnight to 6 in the morning (electricity is available only from 12 noon up to 12 midnight). Some accommodations are ranging from 700 to 3000. 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. WHAT TO DO Since we only have a half of a day to spent in Biri our tourist guide suggests that we should start our activity as early as 4AM. But due to some circumstances, we started up by 5AM (we're friggin tired and lazy to wake up early. Blame it to the 14 hours of travel). We visit some of the seven rock formations, swimming at Bel-At pool and more!