Travel Guide to Biri Island Rock Formation, Northern Samar

BIRI ISLAND : THE MIGHTY WAVES ARE HERE!

 

Biri Island, one of the smallest islands in Northern Samar which gained its popularity when it was hailed as 5th Philippine Gem by Isla Lipana. I couldn't agree more! How the mighty waves sculptured the rocks were magnificent. It is truly a Philippine Gem.

Insert a Linkin Park Song Here!

When Plan B, courtesy of Sir Ronie, posted an event on Facebook that his group will visit the place plus making the Subic Beach as the base camp, I immediately pledged to be part of it. Duh! Who wouldn't want that, for only 3,700 Php, I will have the chance to visit this one of a kind place. Though it was scary at first because I don't know them personally but thanks to them I was able gain new friends. Sweet deal isn't it? hehe.

Hmm. Is this the Pride Rock of Lion King? haha. Sort of?

How to get to Biri Island?

There are several ways to get to this majestic place. I will give you a lot of options! OPTIONS! OPTIONS! OPTIONS!

Option 1. Plane

The easiest entry point for Biri Island via plane is Catarman Airport. The only Airline that operates there is Philippine Airlines. From Catarman take a jeep that is bound for Lavesarez. From Lavesarez take a pump boat going to Biri.

Total Travel Time: 2 - 4 hours

Option 2. Bus

There are several bus companies which are bound for Samar or Leyte e.g. Eagle Star, C.U.L Transport. All of them are passing through Matnog Port. The vessel boats will transport these buses to Allen. From Allen, you can take a jeep going to Lavesarez, then from there take a pump boat going to Biri.  

Total Travel Time: 16 -18 hours

Option 3. Private Vehicle

You can take a road trip going to Matnog, Sorsogon, it is feasible but your driver should be familiar with the place. You can hire a van for this. Lots of travelers with groups are doing this. From Matnog Port, you can look for boatmen in the bay and haggle a ride going to Biri Island. If you are going with a group, better have reservation ahead of time for proper coordination. You can contact Honey Hilao with this number +63-927-215-9098. She is from Subic Beach and  organizes boat ride and tours around Calintian Island and Biri Island. She said that for a group of 10, you can avail a boat for 7,000 Php inclusive of the said tours. 

 
Total Travel Time: 12 - 14 Hours

Getting around the Island. 

The only transportation in the island is Habal-Habal and it can load up to 3 passengers! Don't worry you can hire them for a whole day trip. They could take you the magnificent rock formations. In our case we paid Kuya Marvin 150 Php for a ride. 

our ride

Sir Ronie Haggling with the price!

Travel Tips

Buffet style. Pila-pila! :D

1. There are no food stalls nor restaurants in the area, so better bring your own food or go to the market and cook your own food. In our case we brought our food and had a picnic at the Plaza! There are stores nearby but they only offer chips, soda, and noodles. 

2. There are few places to stay in Biri. You can choose from a Hotel Villa Amor or Ate Glo's homestay. I advise that you stay here for a night to explore all the rock formation and for safety reason. The waves are really gigantic here and going back to Matnog or Lavesarez in the evening is very risky especially when there is a LPA! (my group experienced it, thank God we all survived it)! Also, San Bernardino Strait is said to be infested with sharks and I was able to see one.

3. Visit the place now! It is not crowded yet and only few people are brave enough to go here. Haha! You'll definitely enjoy this majestic place. You will feel like you are in the movie. How the waves crush in to the stone walls is amazing, it is like Gods were there and any moment Zeus or Poseidon will come out. Haha. Ooooh! Enjoy the tidal pools where the Gods go for a swim. ahaha. It is really fun. 

4. The picturesque Rock formation is really a must see! How the waves sculptured the rocks through the years. You will really be amazed of how mother nature do her work. :) Don't rush, stay in the island and explore all the rock formations and tidal pool.

5. Habal - Habal will bring you to the "gates" of rock formation and you still have to walk your way to the rock formation to witness the waves in action. Don't worry every step will draw you closer to a more magnificent view!

See how clear the water!

Bel-At

So there you have it! What a lovely place and truly a Philippine Gem. I think every Filipino especially those "Yuppies" should explore places like this! Hopefully, the local government could sustain the progress of this place because it can create income to the locals.

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

CIAO.

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GABRIELA