Sample Itinerary and Expenses for Biri Island (FAMOUS) Rock Formations in Northern Samar – Updated 2020

I was in awe when I see the rock formations in Biri Island. I don’t have so many words to say or write about these super huge, magnificent, and famous rock formations. So without further ado… instead of writing… here they are 🙂

Quick Facts about These Famous Rock Formations of Biri Island

  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources declared it as a protected seascape and landscape area in 2000
  • There are seven rock formations:
  1. Bel-at
  2. Caranas
  3. Magasang
  4. Magsapad
  5. Macadlaw
  6. Puhunan
  7. Pinanahawan

How to get to Biri Island?

Entry Points that I know:

  1. Tacloban
  2. Catarman (Philippine Airlines only)
  3. Calbayog (via Cebu Pacific, it will always be coming from Mactan International Airport to get to Calbayog City airport)

 

My Itinerary

  • From Tacloban City, I went to GrandTours Terminal (there are other transport companies in Downtown Tacloban but this is the one that I chose)
  • Ask the teller that you’re bound to Allen. Fare is P320. Don’t forget to ask for the ticket.
  • We departed at 7:30 am and arrived in Calbayog City at around 11:30 am. I thought that it will be a direct trip to Allen. We needed to ride another van that is bound to Allen. We didn’t need to pay again as this is the same transport company.
  • Around 2 pm, we arrived in Allen. From GrandTours Allen terminal, tricycles are waiting. Ask the tricycle driver to drop you off at Lavezares port. Fare is P100 and travel time may take approximately 25 minutes.
  • From Lavezares port, the boat ride is P750 if you’ll be traveling solo. Alternatively, you can wait for other passengers (My wait time was roughly 90 minutes). If it reaches 10 passengers, each one will pay P75 or if more passengers, the lesser amount (Again, it has to be P750 minimum). In my case, I think it reached ~18 people (all seems to be locals of Biri Island), we just needed to pay P50 each. I was the only traveler there!

It took 1-hour boat-ride to reach Biri Island. There are a lot of Habal habal drivers there, waiting. Someone approached me and I told him that I would like to check in first to Magallanes Suite (I just saw their billboard from the port). However, he told me that I need to register first in the Tourism office.

So we went there, I was welcomed by the Tourism officer and he explained fees that I need to pay.

Biri Island Famous Rock Formation in the Philippines

My Expenses

  • Tacloban to Downtown GrandTours terminal P8
  • Terminal to Allen P320
  • Allen to Levazares port P100
  • Levazares port to Biri Island P50
  • Accommodation P500
  • Environmental Fee P50
  • Fees P640 (includes habal habal, Sunrise watching, Tour Guide) – this is good for 3 persons, however, I am solo so I have to shoulder everything. Fees good for the whole day

Getting back to Tacloban

  • From Biri Island port to Levazares, it depends, as mentioned above. It must be minimum of P750. So you will have to wait for other passengers
  • Lavezares to GrandTours terminal P100
  • Allen to Calbayog City P100 (The last trip is 5 pm)
  • Calbayog City to Catbalogan City P100
  • Catbalogan City to Tacloban P120

Total Expenses: P2,088 (excluding food and souvenirs). This will be lesser if you’re traveling with friends.

Where to Stay

I recommend Magallanes Suite and Spa as they are budget-friendly suite. The owner is very nice and accommodating. Sure there are other inns on the island but if you’re on a budget, you may consider this. Habal habal drivers know how to get here.

Biri Island accommodation

Magallanes Suite and Spa

Magallanes Suite and Spa. Thanks to Julius, the owner, very accommodating.

Where to Eat

  • Lawud Restaurant
  • Canteen just right beside the Tourism office
  • Carinderias near the chapel

@Lawud Restaurant

Lawud Restaurant, Biri Island

Lawud Restaurant, Biri Island

Lawud Restaurant, Biri Island

Tips and Reminders

  • No ATM’s on the island, make sure you have small bills and coins
  • SMS and calls are ok as the network signal is good
  • Data for internet is really bad
  • Keep tickets for inspection
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Do not forget to bring sunblock and/or wear a rash guard
  • Use aqua shoes
  • Travel light
  • DO NOT litter
  • Leave no trace
  • Take care and enjoy!

 

Contact

Vincent Tatoy

Vincent Tatoy @Biri Island

 

Lunch at Lawud Restaurant

Lunch at Lawud Restaurant

 

Vincent Tatoy +63 975.349.1104

I normally contact my travel guide once in a while, however, I can no longer contact Vincent Tatoy of Biri Island as of this update. I would probably go back there with my partner after this pandemic and will update this blog post again.

Questions

If you have any question, let me know and I’ll be happy to help. 🙂[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2 Comments

  1. Tina September 29, 2022
    • Noriel October 15, 2022

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