Saturday, March 30, 2013

Biri Rock Formations (Northern Samar)


I attempted thrice before successfully going to this island.

First attempt was last May 2012, my dad got sick and I was not able to go even though I had already booked myself and paid for it.

Second attempt was last November 2012, there was a typhoon signal No. 2. You simply cannot go to this island whenever there is a typhoon. 

Third attempt was last March 28, 2013 and finally I was successful!

Lesson of the story - Never give up your dream.

Tip - Go to Biri Island only on summer.

On  with the show..



How to get there

From Catarman airport, ride a jeepney/van/bus to Lavizares Port (1 hour).

From Catbalogan, ride a van (I suggest Van-Vans, Dup Tours or Grand Tours) to Calbayog (2 hours) and then, another van (Grand Tours only) to Allen (1.5 hours) and go to Lavizares Port.

From Calbayog, Grand Tours van to Allen (1.5 hours) and from Allen, tricycle to Lavizares Port (25 minutes).

From the Port of Allen, Northern Samar, hire a tricycle to Lavizares Port. The cost if you are going to hire the tricycle is P120 or 20/pax. 



Reaching the Lavizares Port, ride a boat (P50.00/pax and wait or charter the boat 700-900 depending on the season. I hired the boat for P900 (peak season).

Travel time from the Lavizares port to Biri Port is 45 minutes.



Best time to go to Biri Island is early in the morning so that you will catch the beautiful sunrise at the bay and when you stay in Biri, choose either the sunrise or sunset.



The moment you reach Biri Port, you have to hire a habal-habal (single motorcycle). There are no jeepneys or tricycle at the island.

Fare for the habal-habal to the rock formation is around P150-200 depending on your agreement. You can ask the driver to give you time to take your pictures and wander around and enjoy the scenery and fetch you afterwards.



If you are going to hire a guide, the rate is P300 for the entire day (cheapest deal) unless he gives you a higher rate. 

My guide that day was Mr. Rommel Espineda (0916-685-1002).  He is the best!

The ride to the rock formation is 15-20 minutes.













Then, you are going to trek a bit for 15 minutes before reaching the spot.



Then, the adventure begins at end of the boardwalk since you have to walk the mangrove towards the rock formations.

Tip - It is very slippery. Be very careful!





Then, be amazed!




There are a total of 6 major rock formations.




You need 2 days to see and explore all the rock formations!


  I used my zoom lens to cover 3 of the rock formations. 
I was able to go to only one of them. You can do camping while you are here.

Accommodations

Biri Resort

Aircon - P1,500
Non-aircon - P750-850













Villa Amor

Aircon - P1,500

Non-Aircon -
upstairs - P1,000.00
downstairs - P600.00








And this one..

Nobody was there when I tried to inquire. This is the nearest to the port and the farthest to the rock formations.

In case there are no available accommodations, the locals offer homestay accommodations.










It's Really More Fun in Biri Island!!!!

For my student, Ms. Lore-Anne Espineda, who loves and is proud of her home island so much! =)


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