After exploring two of its provinces – Leyte and Northern Samar – I wanted to visit a new place in Visayas. I’ve read and heard good things about Biliran. Only a few hours away from Tacloban, with vans frequently running the route, it seemed like a convenient destination to visit.
Reaching the Town
The uneventful van ride led me to the town center at the provincial capital of Naval, where I ended up staying in a guesthouse. The capital is reminiscent of many provincial towns I’ve been to in the Philippines.
Like in many of the places I traveled to in the Philippines, I hired a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take me to the spots in my itinerary, which included the countryside and a couple of waterfalls. It is easy to find a habal-habal here; quite a few readily offered their services after I asked them.
Chasing Waterfalls
It was a good day. The sky was clear and the sun was out as the motorcycle passed through hills and locals tending their rice fields. With only a few vehicles on the road, we arrived shortly at the jump-off point to one of the waterfalls on my list: Ulan-Ulan Falls. The driver, who also served as my guide, led me to a muddy dirt road. The short trek makes this waterfall a convenient destination for those doing a quick visit to Biliran.
Dropping down to a swimmable pool from a height of more than 20 meters, Ulan-Ulan was spectacular in all its natural wonder.
Our next stop was one of the most popular attractions in the province: Tinago Falls. Although tinago means “hidden,” this waterfall is actually accessible from the main road. You can find it tucked in a forest, just a short walk from the drop-off point. Its lush, wild beauty is something nature lovers would appreciate.
Island Hopping Gems
After chasing waterfalls during my first day in Biliran, I decided to visit the islands of Sambawan and Maripipi. While there is a passenger boat from Naval to Maripipi, getting to Sambawan requires chartering a boat – an expensive way to visit the island for solo travelers like me. Luckily, I managed to join a big group for the one-way journey to Sambawan Island. I thought I’ll just figure out how to do the return trip once I get there.
The seas were calm and the weather was favorable all throughout our journey. A pristine beach and clear waters greeted us upon our arrival. As tempting as the waters were, I decided to visit the viewpoint first, a short hike up a hill, to get a bird’s eye view of the island. From here, images that I’ve only seen online were right in front of me – rock formations, the beach, mountain, and the sea, all forming a picturesque vista.
Travelers may opt for a day trip or to spend the night on the island. I didn’t plan on doing the latter and considered the logistics of my return trip to the mainland. I was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time: a group was just bound for Maripipi Island. From there, I thought it would be an easier return to Naval
Warm Hospitality.
Upon arrival in Maripipi, one of the passengers, a local, invited me to join a festival celebration. I happily obliged. He offered me a seat in his home and gave me a plate. Everyone, including his guests, weren’t bothered at all sharing food with a complete stranger. It’s the kind of thing that rarely, if at all, happens in Manila.
My trip to Biliran was short yet meaningful. Beyond its beaches and waterfalls, which are comparable to more popular destinations in the Philippines, Biliran makes you feel truly welcome with its hospitable and friendly locals.
