Biliran: The beautiful province you haven’t discovered yet

MOUNTAINS ALL AROUND. Mountains are a common sight in Biliran, from where its many waterfalls flow. This is Tres Marias, one of the province’s most well-known mountains. All photos by Rhea Claire Madarang unless otherwise specified

Biliran. This island province of lush mountains, countless waterfalls, and pristine beaches in the east of Visayas does not often ring a bell. Often, it is even mistaken to be part of Leyte, and it was in fact part of Leyte until it became a separate province over 20 years ago.

BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS. Biliran is rich in raw natural beauty like mountains, waterfalls and beaches. This is Sambawan, one of the province’s most beautiful islands. Photo by Elizur Orejola

And it is not as remote as you might think. A flight to Tacloban and a two-and-a-half-hour van ride from Tacloban will take you to the port of Biliran’s capital, Naval. From here you can ride a tricycle or habal-habal (motorbike) to explore the province and to check in in one of Naval’s lodges and pension houses.

And, as you ride away from the port with the sea behind you, expect to see the greens of mountains ahead on the road, to your left and your right.

RAW BEAUTY. Much of Biliran’s natural beauty remains unspoiled. This is one of the narrow roads where habal-habals pass

Yes, mountains are all around in Biliran, which explains the province’s abundant waterfalls, the number of which is not yet known. While there are over 10 waterfalls easily accessible to tourists, local mountaineers talk about more waterfalls that can be reached through longer treks, and even about unexplored ones.

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.

SWEETEST WATER. From Biliran’s mountains also flows what locals call the sweetest water. Indeed, Biliran’s tap water is cool and sweet. This one here is fresh water you can drink on the way to Ulan-Ulan Falls.

Biliran in a day or two: Waterfalls, springs, beaches, and terraces

It can be daunting to choose which among Biliran’s many waterfalls to explore if your time is limited. If you only have a day, go to Ulan-Ulan Falls, one of the most beautiful falls in the province. About 90 feet high, it cascades through lush greenery and rocks, the latter separating the water into pockets of rain.

MAJESTIC. Ulan-Ulan is one of Biliran’s most beautiful waterfalls.

A trek of around 30 minutes will take you to Ulan-Ulan, and from the trail you can go farther up to Recoletos Falls, which is one simple cascade into a pool of water, not as picturesque as Ulan-Ulan but is perfect for swimming.

WATERFALL CROSSING. You have to cross the top of a waterfall to get to Recoletos Falls.

Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos are both in the municipality of Almeria, which is just next to Naval.

FOR SWIMMING. Recoletos Falls’ pool is perfect for swimming.

Haggle with the habal-habal driver for a day tour. In Almeria you can also see the rice terraces.

RICE TERRACES. Some of Biliran’s many slopes are shaped into beautiful rice terraces.

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

After seeing the falls and the terraces, head to Agta Beach, perfect for watching the sunset.

BEACH SUNSET. Catch the sunset at Agta Beach after you see the falls and rice terraces.

If you arrive early, you might even want to go island hopping to nearby islands Capiñahan and Dalutan. Or just walk along Agta Beach and choose a spot to watch the sunset.

PICTURESQUE. Even driving along lets you see the sunset. On the distance are Capiñahan and Dalutan islands.

If you have another day to go around, head over to Tinago Falls, Biliran’s most famous waterfalls, a powerful cascade flowing down to green pools.

GREEN POOLS. Tinago cascades into vivid green pools like this.

Tinago Falls is in Caibiran, the municipality on the other side of Naval.

TINAGO FALLS. Tinago is the most popular of the waterfalls in Biliran

And, Biliran has hot springs too. Mainit Hot Springs is also in Caibiran, which you can go to before or after Tinago Falls.

HOT SPRING. Biliran also has hot springs, Mainit being one of them.

Then, head south to Kasabangan Falls in the neighboring municipality of Cabucgayan.

KASABANGAN. Kasabangan Falls boasts refreshing but chilly waters.

Getting there to the falls can be quite an adventure, too, as you will walk on a wooden bridge while looking at the forest floor below and the stream to your right. Brace yourself when you dive into Kasabangan’s pool as the waters can be ice-cold – in fact, don’t be surprised to find cases of soft drinks there, as locals put them there to chill them.

If you want to explore more, Kasabangan has more tiers of waterfalls on top which you can get to with the help of a guide.

After Kasabangan, go to the next municipality, Biliran, and get off at Biliran bridge, the bridge you passed by when commuting from Leyte to Biliran. It’s a 150-meter bridge which connects Leyte to this island province. Walk along the bridge and savor the view of Biliran Strait.

BILIRAN BRIDGE. This bridge connects Biliran Island to Leyte.

WOODEN BRIDGE. A walk on a long wooden bridge will take you to Kasabangan.

If you have more time: Higatangan Sandbar and Sambawan Island

More time in Biliran will allow you to explore its islands farther from the mainland. Higatangan Island, 45 minutes by boat, has a sandbar which changes shape and direction as the wind blows across it.

CHANGING SANDBAR. Higatangan Island’s sandbar changes shape and size depending on the wind’s path.

The sandbar also changes color according to the time of day and is beautiful to watch at sunrise and sunset.

CHANGING COLORS. It is also nice to look at the sandbar at different times of the day for its changing colors. This photo was taken during sunset.

At night, the island’s skies are one of the clearest and starriest, especially after 10:30 pm, when the electricity shuts down, as power in the island is limited.

You can take the passenger boat to Higatangan which leaves Naval port between 11:30 am to 12 noon daily and returns to the mainland 7:30 or 8 am the next day, or you can rent a pumpboat to Higatangan for a quick day trip.

SAMBAWAN. Sambawan’s quiet stretch of white beach. Photo by Elizur Orejola

There is a resort there, Higatangan Island Resort, with simple accommodations and on whose grounds you can also just pitch a tent.

CAMPING. Though there is a resort in Sambawan with basic accommodations, you can camp also to save on costs. Photo by Elizur Orejola

Sambawan Island, meanwhile, is arguably the most beautiful island in Biliran, with a scenic view of trees, grass, white sand, and blue seas, when you trek up its hill. It also has probably one of the quietest beaches you will find. If you’re a diver, the island also has several dive spots, though you will need to contact dive shops in Malapascua, Cebu, if you need assistance.

It takes more time and steps to get to, though. You can either take the 10 am or 10:30 am passenger boat from Naval port to Maripipi Island (around two hours) then hire a boat to take you to Sambawan Island (around 30 minutes).

Or, from Naval you can take a bus, jeep, or habal-habal to Kawayan, Biliran’s northern municipality (around 45 minutes), and then you can hire a boat to Sambawan (around one hour). Facilities are limited in Sambawan. If you want to stay overnight, there is a resort but you can also just pitch a tent. You can also opt to just take a day trip in Sambawan and sleep at one of the lodges or homestays in Maripipi Island.

Spend at least 3 days in Biliran so you can experience both its waterfalls and at least one of its beautiful islands. – Rappler.com