My homebound travel from Surigao to Naval, with an unexpected detour to Tacloban, was one of the worst I had experienced.

I was stranded in Surigao Terminal while waiting for the bus going to Ormoc. It was truly a test of patience and resilience.

In this article, I will share my experience and the challenges I faced during my journey from Surigao to the paradise Island of Biliran.

I will also give you tips and what to expect, especially during passenger season.

Key Takeaways

• There are two routes you can take to get to Biliran Island – via Tacloban City and Ormoc City.
• Be prepared for unexpected delays: Weather conditions and holiday seasons can cause delays in transportation. Patience is key!
• Explore alternative options: If one mode of transportation is not available, be open to other options, like vans or tricycles.
• Stay informed: Ask the staff terminals for updates on bus schedules and be proactive in seeking information from locals.
• Take care of yourself: Stay hydrated, eat well, and take any necessary medication to ensure a comfortable journey.

Cantilan to Surigao City

Following my previous post, I went from Naval, Biliran, to Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, for my mother’s first death anniversary.

This time, the route was reversed, and with no buses or vans passing by the house, I had to rely on a tricycle to reach Cantilan Terminal. 

The rain poured heavily as I made my way through the wet streets. Typical December vibes and a foreshadowing of what lies ahead.

Upon reaching Cantilan, the Bachelor Bus from Tandag had already departed at 8:30 am, leaving me behind.

• Tip # 1:
• Ask for the bus schedule days before your trip and go there early.

Alternative Transportation

The terminal had transport vans with trips from Cantilan to Surigao City. I managed to secure a vacant seat with my belongings on board.

The van was air-conditioned, with a high fare of Php 300.00.

To compare, van fare from Naval to Tacloban City costs Php 200.00 and is 6 kilometers shorter than the former.

As the van’s engine roared to life, I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer for a safe journey.

Surigao City Bus Terminal

Cantilan to Surigao City is less than three hours away,

Upon reaching Surigao City Bus Terminal, I immediately inquired about the arrival time of the bus from Davao heading to Ormoc or Tacloban.

The staff informed me that the bus would arrive between 2-3 pm. 

There are carenderia and food stalls nearby, so food wasn’t a problem.

• Tip # 2:
• The right people to ask for directions are usually the guards and store owners.

Angry bus staff

If you frequent this trip, or even if it’s just your first time, you will notice that one bus staff at the terminal doesn’t give straight answers when inquired.

You won’t like his answer at all if you ask him about bus schedules.

It’s been years, and he’s still there!

Anyway, the clock struck 6 pm, and the Bachelor Bus had yet to arrive.

Unexpected Delays

If you want accurate answers, ask the store staff at the terminal. They are more willing to help you answer your questions.

In my case, the store staff informed me that the bus heading to Ormoc and Tacloban had already passed by in the early morning, around 7-8 am. 

However, the scheduled afternoon bus had yet to arrive.

Excitement and Disappointment

At 7:30 pm, The Bachelor Bus bound for Ormoc arrived, filling me with enthusiasm as I anticipated finally going home. 

Unfortunately, the bus was already full.

My excitement turned to disappointment knowing not when the next bus would come.

At 9 pm, the Bachelor Bus bound for Tacloban arrived. However, like the previous one, it was also full of passengers, some already standing.

• Tip # 3:
• Expect heavy delays, especially during passenger season, to avoid disappointment.

Heavy rain plus the holiday season equals delays

Curious about the delays, I approached the inspector of the buses and inquired about the situation. 

He explained that the heavy rain had slowed down their travel speed, resulting in delays. 

Additionally, he mentioned that the holiday season contributed to the bus being consistently full. 

Reflecting on my experience, traveling during the holiday season, especially after Christmas or before New Year, may not be ideal for those in a rush or with important events to attend.

Enjoying the Amenities

Instead of becoming bitter about the situation, I decided to take a cup of coffee from a vendo machine nearby.

There was also a charging station and a wifi vendo, and for Php 5.00, they sure eased my disappointment.

Chatting with the saleslady nearby also made my stay warmer despite waiting there for 12 hours already.

Philtranco Bus saves the day– or night…

I had already accepted my fate that I would be sleeping in the terminal when a savior arrived.

As midnight approached, a Philtranco bus from Davao and bound for Manila stopped by.

I inquired about available seats, explaining that I needed to be dropped off in Tacloban City. To my relief, he assured me that it was no problem.

Feeling excited, I quickly retrieved my luggage, and the conductor kindly stowed it in the cargo compartment.

I wasn’t alone in my journey, though. There were also other passengers waiting for the Bachelor bus bound for Tacloban.

Like me, they waited and were disappointed a few hours ago.

The conductor asked each of us about our destinations and collected our tickets.

Surigao to Tacloban City via Philtranco Bus

The fare from Surigao City to Tacloban, including the Fast Cat Ferry, amounted to Php 900 pesos.

Additionally, a terminal fee of 30 pesos was required at Surigao Port. 

But this was way cheaper when I traveled from Ormoc City to Surigao City, which cost me Php 1,455.00, including the ferry.

• Tip # 4:
• Good things come to those who wait.

Fast Cat Ferry 

Our trip from Surigao to Naval involves island crossing via ferry.

Once on board the ferry, I immediately made my way to the canteen area to upgrade my seat for a more comfortable sleep.

I also purchased a cup of noodles to satisfy my hunger. 

Charging my phone cost an additional 35 pesos, and they provided me with a number card to claim it once fully charged.

Afterward, I returned to my seat and settled in for a nap.

We arrived at Liloan Port around 4 am, safely docking after 15 minutes. 

Then we disembarked and made our way to our respective buses, preparing for the next leg of the trip. 

• Tip # 5:
• Upgrade your seat for Php 48.00 pesos only to sleep in an airconditioned cabin near the canteen and avoid getting exposed to rain and strong winds.

Philtranco Bus to Tacloban

The driver announced that we would have an early breakfast at a roadside carenderia at 4:30 am. After a satisfying meal, the four-hour journey resumed.

As always, I secured my belongings and settled in for another nap, only waking up when the bus made stops along the way.

I had informed the conductor beforehand that I would be getting off at Tacloban Terminal Abucay, ensuring he would remind me when we were nearing my destination. 

When we finally arrived at the terminal, I thanked the driver and conductor before retrieving my luggage.

Tacloban Bus Terminal Abucay

Since the bus was bound for Manila, it made a short stop at Abucay Bus Terminal, where I got off.

For those who are not familiar with the place, Abucay Terminal is one of the major terminals in Region VIII.

It is also one of the key routes going to Biliran Island.

Buses going in and out of Leyte stop by here to get and disembark passengers.

This place is also crawling with other public transport that charges exorbitant fares like the one I’m about to show you.

Watch Out For Crazy Tricycle Fares

I was feeling light-headed with a slight fever this time, so I agreed to the tricycle drivers’ offer. He charged me 2-3 times the original fare of Php 100.00.

I was not feeling well, so I didn’t have a choice. I also badly wanted to reach Van Vans Terminal.

Upon arriving there, I called my husband, who reassured me that he would fetch me in Tacloban as he worried about my health.

• Tip #6:
• Haggle for the trike price if you have the energy. Or you can ride the jeepneys behind the terminal for much cheaper fare.

Van-Vans Terminal Downtown to Naval

As I waited in Van Vans terminal, feeling dizzy once again, I secured my belongings and took a moment to relax and take my medicine. 

After 2.5 hours, my husband arrived from Naval. We embraced, and he asked me if I was okay. 

We decided to have lunch at the nearest fast-food restaurant, Crispy King, beside the van terminal. After our meal, we purchased the famous Dunkin’ Donuts as pasalubong.

With our seats secured in the van, we embarked on the 3-hour journey from Tacloban to Naval. 

Final Leg From Surigao to Naval: Heading Home to Agpangi 

We’re not done yet, but we’re almost there!

As we arrived in Naval, we took a leisurely walk to the Tricycle Terminal bound for Agpangi. 

The feeling of being back home, safe and sound, was indescribable. 

I thanked the Lord for guiding and protecting me throughout my journey despite the delays and challenges I faced.

Fare

Here’s the fare breakdown for my trips starting from Surigao to Naval via Tacloban City, specifically, Cantilan Surigao del Sur to Naval Biliran:

• Cantilan – Surigao City: Php 300 (Airconditioned Van)
• Surigao City – Tacloban City: Php 900 including Ferry Ticket (Fast Cat Ferry) (Philtranco) Airconditioned Bus add Php. 30 (Terminal Fee) Surigao Port
• Tacloban City -Naval: Php 200 (Van-Vans Van) Airconditioned Van

The total fare is Php ‭1,490.

The overall trip was very tedious, especially when I got stranded in Surigao Terminal.

My trip from Surigao to Naval via Tacloban City would have been smooth without the delays.

What was your most challenging solo trip, my fellow Latagawers?