Apart from spending a lazy day at the beach, there’s another reason tourists flock to the Philippines – to go diving. The Philippines has a lot of great diving spots and according to many, they are the best in the world.
Malapascua Island in Cebu City, for instance, is a great hit. Every year, thousands of divers brave the water of Malapascua to see Thresher Sharks – and they’re rarely disappointed.
The only problem with Malapascua is that it has become so popular that getting accommodation, especially during the peak season, can be a problem.
If you’re the kind of person who’d rather experience the road less-travelled than go mainstream. You might want to consider heading to Biri Island in Samar. It is also in the Philippines and perfect for a tropical vacation.
What Language Do People In Biri Island, Philippines Speak?
The native language that Biri Island’s population speaks is Tagalog, and it is also the most spoken language in the Philippines.
Interestingly, Tagalog is only spoken as a first language by a quarter of the Filipino population, and the majority speak it as a second language.
Where Is Biri Island And How To Get There? (Guide On How To Go To Biri Island)
Biri Island is located in Biri – a fifth-class municipality in Northern Samar, Philippines. Northern Samar is a very simple, laid-back province and upon arrival, you’d notice that it doesn’t have the busy vibe that Manila does.
People are amiable, and are generally trustworthy. Like most Filipinos, the people of Northern Samar are more than happy to assist foreigners, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
How To Get To Biri Island?
The easiest way to reach Biri Island from Manila is to travel by air. PAL Express (formerly AirPhil Express) has daily flights to Catarman, which is Northern Samar’s capital.
Fare varies depending on the season but expect to pay around Php 3,000 which is about $75 USD for a one-way flight. Upon arrival at Catarman, take a jeepney ride to the town of Lazarus. Fare per head is Php 60.00 or $1.50 USD and the travel time is around one hour.
Get exclusive deals on vacation packages and cheap flight fares with Delta Airlines Reservations to Biri Island, Philippines. If you haven’t tried riding a jeepney yet (which is the most common form of transportation in the country), let me set your expectations.
A jeepney has two long seats inside, which can usually fit 9 or 10 persons on each side. You’d have to sit beside strangers, and if you have bags, you’d have to either put them on your lap or the driver will help you strap them on the roof, in case of long drives.
There’s no room to stretch your legs, and you can’t tell the driver to stop just because you have to pee. So, wear comfortable clothes and footwear, and pee before taking the ride. And don’t forget to bring a bottle of water because you could get thirsty.
Want To Know More About What A Jeepney Is?
Once you arrive at Lavezares, head to the Lavezares Port by riding a tricycle. From there, take a boat to Biri Island.
You’d have to wait for the ship to get full but if you don’t want to wait, you can hire it for Php 500 which is around $12.50 USD to the island. Travel time from the port to the island is around an hour.
Since Biri Island is not famous as a tropical vacation destination yet, there are no companies offering tours to the island, so it is time to bring out the adventurer in you.
Diving At Biri Island:
The best thing about diving on Biri Island is that there are many undiscovered areas. In Biri, you’re not only going diving once you jump into the water, but you’re setting out on an adventure, too.
If you wish to go diving, then do not bother bringing your own equipment, since there are several diving shops in Biri.
One shop that I would recommend is Biri Scuba. Managed by Richard Ewen, it’s one of the newest dive shops on the island, but it has been gaining popularity ever since it opened.
The Biri Island’s Rock Formations:
As if diving through the serene locations at Biri Island is not reason enough for you to come, let me introduce you to the Biri Island Rock Formation.
The Biri Rock Formations is made up of seven beautiful rocks molded by time, nature, and circumstances.
According to a study conducted by the University of the Philippines, these rock formations were deposited 18 to 24 million years ago and were formed by the movement of tectonic plates.
The rocks are named Magsapad, Bel-at, Pinanahawan, Macadlaw, Caranas, Puhunan, and Magasang. The Biri Rock Formations are huge, and they have this aura that makes you travel back in time – like when there were still dinosaurs on Earth!
Of all the formations, people love Magasang the most. This huge rock has beautiful designs all over it, and the wind suddenly becomes almost tangible when you look at how it carved the stone to its current shape.
As you climb to the top, a picturesque view of the San Bernardino Strait, Mt. Bulusan and nearby Sorsogon will take your breath away. Travelling to Biri is not easy, but this spot alone makes the journey worth it.
Another must-visit is the Bel-at rock formation. From where the motorcycle stops, tourists have to walk through a walkway (about 500 meters long) with beautiful mangroves underneath.
What sets Bel-at apart from the other rock formations is that it’s surrounded by tidal pools, which are all perfect for swimming.
Seeing Biri’s Rock Formations is free and there is no entrance fee or anything, but you’d have to pay for a motorcycle to tour you around.
There is no fixed rate, but giving the motorcycle driver Php 700 or around $18 USD is fair payment.
Where To Stay In Biri Island?
Biri Resort:
Biri Resort is considered the most upscale accommodation in the island. They feature plush air-conditioned rooms, a bar, a diner, and a couple of billiard pools.
One of the things that guests love most about it is that the place is easily accessible and clean. Staff are amiable and will be more than happy to help out with whatever their guests need.
They also offer activities such as island hopping, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, mountain treks, and rock formation tours. Accomodation rates start from Php 1,540 or $38.50 USD, ranging up to Php 3,150 or $79 USD per night.
Affordable Tropical Vacation:
Villa Amor:
Another popular choice for accommodation on Biri Island is Villa Amor. It’s a humble lodging house with three rooms and one air-conditioned cottage room.
It’s owned by a lovely Filipino-Australian couple and is the only seaside resort on the island. You might be wondering why Villa Amor only has one air-conditioned room.
That’s because the electricity on the island only runs from noon to midnight. Guests staying in the generic rooms can open the windows and let the sea breeze come in.
While the resort has its generator for the air-conditioned room, there’s an extra fee for the generator’s fuel if you insist on having the AC turned on.
Room Rates As Follows:
- FAN ROOM (2 PERSON) = 700P PER NIGHT.
- FAN ROOM (4 PERSON) = 1000P PER NIGHT.
- AIRCON ROOM (2 PERSON) = 1200P PER NIGHT.
- AIRCON ROOM (4 PERSON) = 1500P PER NIGHT.
* There’s a 10% discount for guests staying 6 nights or more.
Tips For Traveling To Biri Island:
For a hassle-free tropical vacation to Biri Island, Philippines, here are some tips you can follow:
Upon arriving at the Catarman airport, walk outside the airport and get a tricycle as it costs only Php10. If you ride at one of the tricycle mills right at the entrance and let them carry their bags for you, you’d be charged Php100 as mandated by the Tourism Office.
Since you’d have to ride a boat from Lavezares to Biri Island, waterproof your gadget so they don’t get wet. The waves can be quite strong, even on a hot day. Before agreeing to a verbal agreement with a guide, make sure that you have settled on a fair price first.
Other Things to Bring In Biri Island:
There is a variety of activities to do on bari Island. However, I will only mention 4:
1. You Can Go Surfing:
Not many surfers know about Biri Island, so it is a new activity and the surfing spots are not crowded. However, it won’t be long until Biri island will be known as a surfing Paradise.
The north and east side of the island has the most beautiful spots for surfing. I would highly recommend surfing in between the Big rock formations in San Bernardino Strait.
There are many rock formations known, but Magasang rock sands are the best known on the island where it has 200 metres or more wave height.
2. Diving:
Biri Island maintains its mystery, and there are more diving spots yet to be discovered. You never know what you might uncover on the island and end up discovering a breathtaking spot.
You can get a diving package for beginners or even professional divers and you can also rent diving suits from there.
3. Swim In A Natural Pool:
There are several natural pools in the rock formations. You can pick your spot and take a dip while enjoying the natural beauty.
4. Rock Climbing:
Biri Island could become rock climbers’ favourite spot due to the variation of rock climbing spots and abandoned routes. Whether you are an advanced rock climber or not, I can assure you that there is a spot for you.
Concluding With The Last Tip:
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of mosquito repellent. Being a tropical country, mosquitoes are abundant in the Philippines.
Carry a trusty pair of flip-flops for walking around and comfortable, loose clothes, since the weather can get pretty hot.
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