Samar: Biri Rock Formation is a Sight to Behold
It’s my first time to set foot in Samar and see the Biri Rock formations, not being a common first-in-mind tourist spot in the Philippines. This is also the main reason why this familiarization tour with the members of PHILTOA was initiated.
Where is Biri?
Biri Island is located at the northern part of Samar, east of the Visayas. It’s an island municipality belonging to a cluster of islands called the Balicuartro Islands. The San Bernardino Strait separates it from the island of Luzon.
Going To Biri
You can reach Biri Island by water through provincial ports and RORO or air through the Catarman Airport via AirPhil Express. From the airport, go to Lavezares port (45 min jeepney ride) where you can hire a boat to go to Biri.
Experiencing Biri: A Sight To Behold
Upon setting foot at Biri, you can already sense the tranquility of the island by the soleminty of the place and friendliness of the people.
We took a habal-habal ride (motorcycle) from the port to the Biri Rock Formation. it was about a 20 minute ride and we passed by Biri Resort, Villa Amor Resort, and through the rest of the town.
We were greeted by a sea of mangrove plantation at the foot of the rock formation. We passed through what the locals call Mangrove Highway. it’s the narrow pathway without Mangrove paths leading to the Biri rock formations.
I came to know that the main attraction of Biri is its magnificent rock formations in Magasang and Bel-at. I’ve read that there’s a bat cave underneath Bel-at. But we climbed Magsapad and got an awesome view of Magasang just beside it.
Our guide said that foreign and domestic tourists have been going here to see the rock formations as the site has already been featured in a local movie and have been a favorite location by professional photographers as well.
At first, i dreaded the idea of climbing the Magsapad rock. But upon reaching the top, it all paid-off. It was a magnificent view of the rock platforms and of course, Magasang rock; and the rest of the Biri landscape facing the sea.
It is best to go here during summer as the rainy season can ruin the trip. Remember that Biri is along the San Bernardino Strait whose water comes from the Pacific Ocean. For the same reason, Biri (and Northern Samar as a whole) is a secret surfing spot visited bu foreigners coming from Australia and other countries.
Where to Stay
On the way to the Biri Rock Formations, we passed by Biri Resort and Villa Amor where we had lunch. We gave it a quick check and the facility are good enough but the seafood is awesome as fishing is the town’s main industry.
Seeing Northern Samar‘s Biri Rock Formation is definitely and highly recommended for the adventurer in you! I also heard that the play of lights and shades are also spectacular during the sunset. Just imagine how the yellow-orange rays of the sun kiss the rock’s textures. It’s time to set sight beyond your usual vacation spots! There’s more to Philippines’ beauty beyond Boracay, Baguio, and other usual local tourist spots. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your great pics. Hope to visit the place this summer. I will be at the travel mart tom. All the best in your future travels.
Wow! Nice pix! Wish I could bring Grace, Ethan, and Shoti there someday. Hehe. =)