I am one blessed person able to have a chance going on a 5 day land trip Manila to Cebu. Part of the itinerary is visiting an island in Northern Samar that is new to me, wait I only knew few major islands in the country how much more little islands in each region. Well this is the reason why I love to travel to at least be geographically nourished of my dear Philippines, mind you my geography is not as healthy as my body looks.
Where is Biri?
Biri is a municipality in the province of Northern Samar in the Philippines. It consists of several islands and is subdivided into eight barangays. The largest island where the municipal hall, police station and hospital is located is the Biri Island.
Going to Biri you can view this big statue of the Madonna saving a half sunken sailor
Biri Island
The island is part of the 18-piece Balicuatro Group of Islands that is spotted in the dangerous space between San Bernardino Strait and the Pacific Ocean, and Samar and Luzon particulrly the Bicol peninsula. The local means of livelihood is fishing.
The calm yet treacherous San Bernardino Strait
The Legend of Biri Island
Biri is taken from a maiden name Berbinota. She is a beautiful lady ruling the island. She brought a golden boat that also contains golden cars in the island making her ruler in the island as well as the famous Biri Rock Formations in which I will show photos later in this article.
Biri Rock Formations in Biri Island Northern Samar
How to Go to Biri Island?
This is how I reached Biri Island, during the 5 day land trip I had with friends – read the article here “Land Trip Manila to Cebu: Complete Guide“.
Legazpi, Albay to Biri Island
– Legazpi, Albay – Matnog, Sorsogon – Allen, N. Samar – Lavezares N. Samar – Biri Island N. Samar
(A)Legazpi Albay to (B) Trece Sorsogon to (C) Matnog Sorsogon to (D) Allen Northern Samar to (E) Lavezares Northern Samar finally to (F) Biri Island
|
Particulars |
Time |
Cost in php |
| Legazpi Grand Central Terminal to Trece Sorsogon – non AC bus | 3.25 hours | 140.00 |
| Trece Sorsogon to Matnog Sorsogon – AC bus | 25 minutes | 50.00 |
| Matnog Sorsogon to Allen N. Samar – roro boat + terminal fee | 1.5 hours | 120.00 + 20.00 |
| Allen Port to Allen Terminal – bicycle (sikad/potpot) *5php each | 3 minutes | 50 for 3 |
| Allen Terminal to Lavezares N. Samar – jeep | 10 minutes | 20.00 |
| Lavezares to Biri Island – pumpboat | 1.17 hours | 50.00 |
| Total/person | 416.67 |
Going to Biri from Legazpi You need to go to Sorsogon and hop in a boat to Northern Samar
This is the port of Allen in Allen, Northern Samar
Andrew photographer of all photos posted here in the Pumpboat going to Biri Island
Note:
* Bicycle fare is 5.00php minimum
*Trike are available Trece to Matnog for 35.00php each (5 passengers each trike)
*Going to Lavezares ride the jeep going to Catarman N. Samar
Other Means of Going to Biri Island
From Manila by Plane
|
Particulars |
Time |
Cost in php |
| Fly from Manila to Catarman Northern Samar Airport | - | |
| Catarman Airport to Catarman Terminal – trike per ride not per person | 5 minutes | 100.00 |
| Catarman Terminal to Lavezares – jeepney | 1 hour | 50.00 |
| Lavezares to Biri Island – pumpboat | 1 hour | 50.00 |
| Biri Island mini port to Guesthouse – hablhabal | 3-5 minutes | 10.00 |
| Total – excluding airfare | 210.00 |
From Cebu by boat (no plane available)
|
Particulars |
Time |
Cost in php |
| Cebu to Calbayog – boat (MWF-7:00pm) | 12 hours | 850.00 |
| Calbayog to Catarman -van | 1.5 hour | 100.00 |
| Catarman to Lavezares – jeep | 1 hour | 50.00 |
| Lavezares to Biri Island – pumpboat | 1 hour | 50.00 |
| Biri Island mini port to Guesthouse – hablhabal | 3-5 minutes | 10.00 |
| Total | 1,060.00 |
Port of Biri Island
What to do in Biri?
One of the best thing to do in Biri is visit the out of this world Biri Rock Formations. There are six picturesque rock formations namely; Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at and Caranas rock formations. All are beautifuly distinct from one another.
Biri Island Magasang Rock Formation
Biri Island Magsapad Rock Formation
Biri Island Macadlaw Rock Formation
Biri Island Puhunan Rock Formation
Biri Island Bel-at Rock Formation
Biri Island Caranas Rock Formation
Food and Accommodation
Fiest with seafood’s in the island, there are fish for sale in the port during early morning and you can ask the seller to cook it for you and just pay them a sum of money. There are now available resorts too to name a few there is the Biri Island Resort and Villa Amor Resort. Rooms ranges from 900.00php for a good for 2 fan room up to 4000.00php for a family aircon room. Lodging houses are also available, for 150.00php you can have a decent fan room. Electricity in the island is scheduled at 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight so staying in an air-conditioned room is not worth it and most resorts have charge if you want to avail for a generator.
Biri Island Villa Amor Resort
Total Expenses in Biri
This includes pumpboat fare from Lavezares to Biri and vice versa.
| Lavezares Fish Port to Biri Island Port | 1.17 hours | 50.00 |
| Check in at Villa Amor Resort – Fan room good for 3 persons (1000.00) | 333.33 | |
| Dinner – eatery near the port (185.00) | 61.67 | |
| Brunch – House of a local – we had fresh fish, chicken, mangoes (250) | 83.33 | |
| 2 Habal habal pay tour (600.00) | 1.5 days | 200 |
| Biri Island to Lavezares – We are only 7 in the pumpboat | 1 hour | 100 |
| Total | 828.33 |
Personally, I am encouraging you guys to visit Biri an Island to love in Northern Samar.
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