DISCOVER BILIRAN : ISLAND GEM OF THE VISAYAS

Does Biliran ring a bell? Probably not. For years, Biliran has been under the shadow of Leyte and often mistaken to be still part of Leyte when in fact this amazing island has been separated from the parent province since 1992. Biliran is relatively unknown to most of the local and foreign tourists as it is situated at the northern most part of Leyte but a bridge directly linking the island to the northern tip of Leyte is serving as a gateway for Biliran to gain the spotlight, one traveler at a time.

Facts:

  

During the Spanish era, Biliran was known as Isla de Panamao—the world ‘panamao’ meaning ‘fishing net.’ Later, it took its name from the word ‘bilir,’ meaning ‘the side of a bangka.’

Biliran has two main islands: Biliran Island and Maripipi Island.

There’s no WiFi or mobile signal in many parts of Biliran. This is good for those who wants to get away from the busy life in the city.

  

How to get there:

Tacloban, Leyte is the gateway to Biliran. There are several flights available all year round. We suggest to plan and book your flights earlier to take advantage of airline promotions. Try to get flights that leave in the morning to avoid traveling by night and to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. For a more adventurous route which saves you money, try taking a Manila-Tacloban RORO for P900-1200.

 From the airport at Tacloban you can ask a taxi to take you to the transport terminals of Duptours or Van-Van – both have vans that make several trips to Naval. Otherwise you can go to the New Bus Terminal to get buses or other vans bound for Naval. Vans usually travel much faster than buses so we opted for the former.

From Tacloban, it’s a two to three hours land trip to Biliran. Van service costs P140 per head. Traveling in a group? They have a discounted rate of P1,500 for 12 people.

How to get around:

It’s simple in Biliran. You’ve got the sikad (what locals call a pedicab), jeepney, multicab and tricycle. Expect to spend no more than P50, depending on where you’re going.

Where to stay:

You know what’s great about hotels in Biliran? They aren’t prices at expensive “tourist” rates—one local called the prices in Biliran, which range from P300 to 1200 per night, “the friendly rate.”

Agta Beach Resort | Talahid, Almeria

Each room has its own A/C, refrigerator, private bathroom and TV—not to mention easy access to a beach. While you’re there, try the restaurant’s lechon manok. Unlike the usual open-air, rotisserie-style preparation, theirs is baked inside a pugon (traditional wood-fired oven).

Rates start at P800/night, good for two and inclusive of breakfast.

Talahid Beach Resort | Talahid, Almeria

A beachfront establishment that can be found right at the center of the famous coastal line of Talahid, Almeria, Biliran; offers low priced rooms for rent at Talahid Beach Resort located just a stone throw away at the Agta Beach Resort and VRC Pool.

Rates start at P350/night, good for two and inclusive of breakfast.

Biliran Garden Resort | Villa Cecilia Sitio, Brgy. Calumpang, Naval

Each room has its own A/C, refrigerator, private bathroom and TV.

Rates start at P1200/night, good for four people.

Marvin’s Seaside Inn | Brgy. Atipolo, Naval

Each room has its own A/C refrigerator, private bathroom and TV. The inn has a restaurant; meals range from P80 to P200.

Rates start at P1200/night, good for four people.

You can also check accommodations at www.agoda.com or try to rent a room or house for a group at www.airbnb.com

What to do:

Biliran is an island that seems to have it all, pristine beaches, small beautiful islands, relaxing springs, verdant rice terraces, breathtaking waterfalls, amazing marine scenery, tropical forests, luscious mountains and more. A day or two is not enough to see the fullness of this island. Surely, a full packed itinerary will be worth it.

Island Hopping

Higatangan Island is known for its shifting sandbar and rock formations. It’s 45 minutes away from Biliran Island

Tingkasan Island is just off Higatangan. Your boat can pass through a tunnel of beautiful rock formations.

Dalutan Island is an attraction haven for its diverse marine life and white sand beach.

Sambawan Island is the best choice for island hopping in Biliran. It’s out of the way from the other islands, so plan your trip here on a separate day.

Boat rental from Biliran Island is P3000, but if you’re coming from Maripipi Island, local boats make regular trips for just P110 per person.

Waterfalls Hopping

Biliran is basically an island of waterfalls totaling to 30, 10 of which are easily accessible to tourists. Make sure to visit at least the popular ones and do some side trips to see the other waterfalls along the way.

Ulan Ulan Falls is about 90 feet high, it cascades through lush greenery and rocks, the latter separating the water into pockets of rain.

Recoletos Falls is 30mins trek further from Ulan-ulan falls which is one simple cascade into a pool of water, perfect for swimming.

Tinago Falls is Biliran’s most famous waterfalls, a powerful cascade flowing down to green pools.

Kasabangan Falls boasts refreshing but chilly waters with quiet and adventurous trail.

Springs and Terraces and more…

Almeria Rice Terraces. As Biliran has mu

ch mountains and hills, it is not surprising that it also has rice planted along its slopes.

Mainit Hot Springs.  Biliran also have several hot springs to offer, Mainit Hot springs is the most popular as it can be visited before or after going to Tinago Falls.

Forests and mountain side.  Your eyes will be refreshed by the greens along the road because mountains / forest are all around the island provice.

Sweet Water. From Biliran’s mountains also flows what locals proudly call “the sweetest water,” and indeed the tap water here is cold and refreshing with a distinct sweetness.

Tips:

Invest in a good and durable pair of footwear that you can use trekking, swimming, walking or just wandering around. It saves you space and packing hassles.

Plan your trip. Travel light. Be careful. Enjoy. SMILE !!!