Exploring Biliran Island: The Hidden Gem of the Philippines

Biliran Island is like a beautiful secret garden with clear blue waters and many exciting attractions. Trust me when I say this because we’ve been all over the place and still yearning for more!

People are amiable, and they make you feel at home. The island is filled with fantastic nature scenes like fields of green rice and tall waterfalls where you can cool off.

What sets Biliran apart is its serene, unspoiled charm, relatively unburdened by the crowds of tourists.

Though some travel bloggers started featuring this hidden gem, it remains a well-kept secret, with only occasional visits from both local and international wanderers to our island paradise.

It retains its status as a tranquil haven, perfect for those seeking solace and communion with the natural world. This means you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty without the crowds, just as we did in one of the waterfalls!

Swimming on the waters of Bagumbong Falls. — Bagumbong Falls in Caucab, Almeria, Biliran.

Where Biliran Island is located

Biliran Island is a petite island province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines.

If you’re acquainted with the neighboring regions of Samar, Ormoc, Tacloban, and Leyte, you’ll find Biliran nestled amidst this captivating archipelago.

It’s relatively unknown to many outside of Region 8, and people often associate our place with Tagbilaran, which is a city in Bohol, because it kinda rhymes.

To dispel the confusion, here’s a map of our island paradise.

Finding Biliran Province on the Philippine map.

Biliran Island itself is composed of a single land area, but the whole province consists of other minor islands too small to be seen on the map yet too alluring not to explore!

Though it may seem dwarfed in size when compared to its grand neighbors, Leyte and Samar, Biliran holds its ground admirably when it comes to its unrivaled natural beauty.

As a matter of fact, this place was once a sub-province of Leyte until we gained our independence in May 1992.

How to get to Biliran Island

Biliran province has 8 municipalities, and the island’s capital is Naval. Most public transportation in and out of the province starts or passes there.

To reach Naval from any part of the country (or the world), there are only four major methods.

1. By Plane or Helicopter

We do have a “tiny” airport, but it’s only for small private planes that travel to Cebu. However, the only airline that frequents there went bankrupt, and I wonder if there are planes in the terminal.

A helicopter is another option, and you can land almost anywhere, provided that the ground is sufficient. Politicians usually utilize this transport, especially during elections or land surveys around the island.

The most frequent landing site is in BiPSU or the Biliran Province State University.

2. By Private Car

If you have a private vehicle, you can travel directly to Naval or anywhere in the province. Google Maps’s GPS works well, so you won’t really get lost finding our “hidden gem”.

3. Public Transport Via Tacloban City

The fastest way to get there is to take an airplane and book a flight to Tacloban City. From there, you can find many public transport that frequents Naval daily on a scheduled basis.

Take a van at Van Vans, Duptours, or Grand Tours Terminal in downtown Tacloban or at Tacloban Grand Terminal. The ride costs around P200 and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of travel along concrete roads.

4. Public Transport Via Ormoc City

If your itinerary includes Cebu and you want to escape the big city to relish our island paradise, you can still visit our province by traveling to Ormoc.

You can find public transportation to our province in Robinson’s Place Ormoc, and travel time is usually less than 2 hours.

The terminal bound for Naval in Robinson's Place Ormoc City.

Where to stay in Biliran Island

Most hotels and beach resorts are situated in Naval and the nearby town. Additionally, there are budget-friendly inns and lodges available, providing simple and essential accommodation options.

Here are some areas and types of places to consider for your stay:

Naval (Capital)

GV Hotel Naval
Fragoch Tourist Inn
AR Hotel
Hotel Benjamin Naval
D’Mei Residence Inn
Chamorita
Marvin’s Seaside Inn
Villa Sotto Le Stelle Hotel

Almeria

Asemco Inn
Bethany Hills
Agta Beach Resort
VRC Hotel
Mondelo Nature’s Park

I’m not really sure about the accommodations on the other side of the island since you can get around there within an hour or two. Thus, most travelers prefer to stay at or near the capital.

When selecting accommodation, consider your budget, the type of lodging you prefer, how close it is to the attractions you want to visit, and the kind of experience you desire, whether it’s a beachfront setting or mountain views.

It’s also wise to review ratings and feedback to ensure the accommodation aligns with your expectations. Don’t forget to make a reservation ahead of time, especially during the busy season or holidays.

A view of the estuary in front of one of Mondelo's Nature Park's rooms.

Tourist Destinations and Festivals

One of the main attractions of Biliran Island is its stunning beaches. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers.

Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Sambawan Island, Higatangan Island, Tingkasan Island, Dalutan Island, and Capiñahan Island.

Some of these islands are too small you can’t see them on the map!

In addition to its beaches, our province is known for its natural wonders. The island has several waterfalls, such as the Tinago Falls, Ulan-Ulan Falls, Bagombong Falls, Tomalistis Falls, Pondol Falls, Recoletos Falls, Casiawan Falls, and Busai Falls.

Lush forests surround these waterfalls and offer a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity of the tropics. The waters can be ice cold, so it is better to test them first before taking a dip.

The province is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Hudyaka (Biliran), Bagasumbol (Naval), Ibid (Caibiran), Ginalutan (Maripipi), Bucgay (Cabucgayan) and Gapnod(Almeria) which showcase the unique culture and traditions of the region.

Expect street dancing and parades when you happen to see these festivals.

A pretty lady in fairy tale dress dancing while riding a cart during the Parade of Lights festival where various. — Parade of Lights festival.

Best way to get around the island

The island is relatively small, and going around it for a joyride, which is only 11 kilometers, takes less than three hours.

To get to the other side, there is a highway that passes through the middle of the island, which lessens the travel time. Besides, the scenes on those roads are so majestic you’ll beg yourself to stop to savor the view.

Now, the best way to get around Biliran Island largely depends on your preferences and the place you plan to explore.

Based on our own experience, here are some recommended ways to explore and navigate Biliran Island:

Renting a Motorcycle/ Scooter – Renting a motorcycle allows you to explore at your own pace. Just ensure you have a Driver’s license and follow local traffic laws.
Habal-Habal (Motorcycle taxi) – For more flexibility and access to remote areas, consider hiring a Habal-Habal. These are motorcycles that can take you to places where larger vehicles can’t go, and their drivers are really skillful in any road conditions.
Mocabs or Tricycles – Due to their sidecar and extra seats, they can fit more people and belongings. However, these vehicles can be very noisy. But you are safe from direct sunlight since they are installed with a roof.
Private Car Rental – If you’re traveling in a group, renting a car is a convenient option as you are more protected against the winds, rain, and dust.
Local Buses – This is the cheapest option. However, you’ll also arrive longer since the bus stops whenever passengers embark or disembark.
Boat – To explore the islands, a boat is a must. You can find them in the Port of Naval or other towns around the province. This transportation also gives you an exceptional view of the island!

A motorcycle following along the highway with a view of the mountains up ahead. — Motorcycle can be a good vehicle to use when traveling around the country.

Culinary Delights and Delicacies

Biliran Island has tasty local foods that show its culture and nature. Here are some delicious and mouthwatering delicacies in the province:

Suman Balintawak – A native rice cake made of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk with sugar wrapped in banana leaves or anahaw leaves.
Moron – A rice cake similar to suman made with glutinous rice flour cooked in coconut milk and sugar with Cocoa powder wrapped in banana leaves.
Tablea – Made from pure cacao seeds roasted, milled, and molded to circular tablets.
Bibingka – A native rice cake made with rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and tuba (coconut wine), baked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves, giving it a distinct flavor and aroma.
Pugon Roasted Chicken – Freshly butchered, smoked, and roasted in Pugon oven.
Ginamos (Fermented Fish) – Typically made with anchovies or lancelets fermented and with salt.
Tuba – A local beverage made from coconut sap, known for its unique flavor and potency.
Bahal/ Bahalina – A fermented tuba or coconut wine.
Papaya Atchara (Pickled Papaya) – A tangy and sweet condiment made of grated unripe papayas.