DISCOVER BILIRAN - CHASING WATERFALLS IN ALMERIA

Almeria is home to a number of waterfalls. If you are up to the challenge, take a habal habal ride for easier and quicker way to hop from one falls to another.

Ulan Ulan Falls. Located in Brgy. Sampao, Almeria. It’s a 30-minute hike from the town center. It is about 90 feet high, it cascades through lush greenery and rocks, the latter separating the water into pockets of rain. Ulan-Ulan comes from the visayan dialect which means “rain“. The force of the falling waters creates a mist hence the name. It’s cascading waters form a catch basin with water sufficient for swimming.   With its greenery and cool gushing waters, visitors will surely enjoy taking a bath. There are no cottages along the sides of the stream and it is not a place to stay for overnight. The pathways are steeped and no railing have been installed in places, so you need to be sure footed. The entrance fee is just P10 for adults and P5 for kids

Tips:

It will cost you 2 liters of gasoline( Php 80 ) for a round trip Sampao-Naval –Almeria.If you hire a local guide, a Php 100 tip will be sufficient

Habal-Habal drivers for a one way trip will charge you a minimum of Php 80.00  but if you decide to do pakyaw they will charge you Php 300 to return for you at a certain time. The cheaper alternative will be to take your chance and catch a ride at other drivers.

If you hire a local guide, a Php 100 tip will be sufficient

A entire day rental of a motor bike will cost a minimum of Php 300.00 plus the gasoline. If you hire a driver that would be negotiable plus you get a free guide; another tipid tip.

Recoletos Falls. The name Recoletos is derived from its namesake San Jose Recoletos statue that is located in a cove just beside the waterfalls. The name was given by the former University President (USJR) whom is a native of Biliran.Recoletos waterfalls is located in the wilderness of Brgy. Sampao in Almeria Municipality which is known as the land of waterfalls. It is a 5-minute walk up from the more famous Ulan- Ulan falls.Approximately 15 meters high. It has a wide pool with deep water that is perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. There are no cottages for rent, no comfort rooms and no sari- sari store. The Barangay will only charge Php 20 pesos per person for environmental fee protection.

Tips:

Bring food and water. There is no mobile signal at these places. Just make sure your phone or camera is fully charged for picture purposes. Do not travel alone and leave before sunset. Wear good trainers or quality sandals. Do not travel during rainy days. Do not travel right after a major storm for fear of flash floods. You should not travel after 5 pm especially when the weather is not good not recommended as camping area.

Sampaowan Falls. Located in Sampao Baranagy, Almeria, found deep in the forest so the trek there from the road will take some time and is along an unmade path. The Waterfall is not big, but it’s a very popular tourist attraction and is just a small part of a valley full of amazing and very beautiful waterfalls, so it’s well worth trekking further and visiting more.

Tips:

 No entry costs, but you might like to pay a local guide to show you the way through the forest to the falls and more local attractions, so its cost will vary and is by negotiation.

Kinaraha Falls / Cascades. Also located in Brgy. Sampao but further up in the jungle, the cascades can be reached through a 45-minute walk from the barangay.

Bagongbong Falls. located in Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran; 30 minutes ride from Almeria to Caucab.  It takes a 15-minute walk in a forested area before reaching the crystal-clear and ice-cold rapids of water coming from the cathedral-like falls nestled in a forested area of Almeria town.

            Tips :

If you wish to visit Bagongbong falls in Almeria, Biliran, you can contact a local tour guide but the service fee vary and can be negotiated.Wearing hiking sandals would be advisable especially when it’s raining.

Pondol Falls It is 20-minute hike from Barangay Iyusan. Though not as tall as Bagongbong Falls, it has also has a wide basin

While doing the waterfall hopping in Almeria, don’t miss the beautiful view along the road. Take the chance to see the rice terraces on the mountain slopes. 

Iyusan Rice Terraces  located in Barubohan, Barangay Iyusan, Almeria, Biliran. These rice terraces are a manmade agricultural landform and tourist attraction found in Biliran Island.

Be safe. Enjoy. SMILE!!!