Biliran Island… a volcanic island rich in natural resources…. with numerous waterfalls, volcanoes, streams, pristine white sand beaches, beautiful islets, springs and they even have their own rice terraces. Biliran was formerly called Isla de Panamao, named after an ethnic fishing net but was later changed to Biliran derived from a native grass that’s abundant in the island, ” borobiliran”. One can enjoy different activities like water sports, adventure tours, hiking, biking and alike. This island paradise is a mecca for adventure seekers, mountain bikers and nature lovers.
My friend, Fritzie and I have always been looking forward to explore Biliran Island and finally got to enjoy and appreciate this island paradise. We boarded a passenger boat bound for Leyte, had a sidetrip to Sogod, Leyte where we had breakfast at a friend’s house and took a bus to Biliran Island. We found a cozy and comfortable yet affordable pension house in Naval and explored the town after checking in, looking for some means of transportation we could hire for the three days we planned of touring the island. We finally found a friendly and accomodating motorbike driver who agreed to take us around the island and all the scenic spots the island has to offer. He took us to the hinterlands of Southern Biliran on day one and to Northern Biliran on day two wherewe enjoyed a sumptuous lunch of native chicken roasted in a native oven at Agta Beach resort at Almeria. Day three was reserved for exploring the neighboring white sanded islets like Dalutan Island and Higatangan Island and it’s shifting white sandbar. But alas, we realized upon waking up that we didn’t have enough energy left for our third day trip and opted to rest our aches and sunburns in bed and explore Naval town furtherbefore heading home that night.
Day One – SOUTHERN BILIRAN
first level of Tinago Falls as seen from the path
Tinago Falls, in Pulang Yuta, Caibiran
90-feet tall, Tinago Falls has cool, clear water that falls from a high stone ridge unto a pool surrounded by boulders and lush forest… this can be reached by motorbike on unpaved mountain roads and some 10 minutes hike downhill from the mountain road
Karaja Falls, Caibiran
Karaja Falls can also be reached by motorbike and a few minutes hike uphill… one passes by Mainit Springs on your way to this falls…
aboard an outrigger going to Tomalistis Falls
Tomalistis Falls as one approaches aboard an outrigger
Tomalistis Falls, Caibiran
Tomalistis Falls is accessible by some 20 minutes boatride from the town proper…. this falls is famous for its clear, cool, sweet-tasting mineral water…
the pool at Casiawan Falls
Casiawan Falls, Cabucgayan
majestic, 40-feet high Casiawan Falls hidden among towering mahogany trees can be reached down a narrow steep trail from the mountain barangay road…
a few minutes hike upriver takes you to Kasabangan Falls
one of the numerous falls of Kasabangan Falls, Cabucgayan
Kasabangan Falls is located in Barangay Balaguid in Cabucgayan… there are thirteen falls all in all…
Biliran Scenic Bridge connecting Leyte to Biliran Island
steam rising from the ground around us
bubbling, steaming sulfuric hot springs
Libtong Volcanic Crater, Naval
one has to endure a rough, bumpy ride to get to this place and clamber downhill with the strong smell of sulfur to greet you…. there are numerous bubbling and steaming sulfuric hot springs and sulfuric deposits in the area… you can even see steam rising from the ground…
Day Two – NORTHERN BILIRAN
perched on top of a stone slab above the Kinaraja pool enjoying the view
Kinaraja Falls, Almeria
a 20-minute hike from Barangay Sampao, Kinaraja Falls is a fathom-deep natural pool carved from solid rock carved from centuries of waterfall action
Iyusan Rice Terraces, Almeria
Biliran’s own replica of Ifugao ingenuity… the hillsides of Almeria abound with this stair-like carving of lush green rice crops… such a beautiful sight to behold… one often wonder how ingenious the Filipino farmers could be.
Bagongbong Falls, Almeria
an hour-long trek through rice fileds, dense growth and steep hillsides takes you to this majestic 30-feet high waterfalls roaring from a canyon nestled among lush forest with the sounds of birds and other forest creatures as accompaniment as one gazes in awe at the magnificent beauty of Bagongbong Falls… of all the waterfalls i’ve been to in various provinces in the country this one is the best for me… enchanting, bewitching, relaxing, magnificent, beautiful…. a glorious gift from Mother Nature…
Ungale Falls, Kawayan
this waterfalls hidden among dense undergrowth can be reached by a long, bumpy motorbike ride in mountain roads and a short hike on a seldom used trail
bigs' travels on foot 