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Biri Island: A Hidden Gem in Northern Samar’s Tourist Trail

Biri Island

Beautiful Biri Island is in the Samar Sea and is part of the Northern Samar province. It is known for being a popular destination for divers since it houses many dive sites that are sure to make any diver’s day. 

It is one of those places that will surely make your adventure more exciting than ever. Locals there lead a tranquil, leisurely life against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean’s never-ending roar.

It has an area of only 3.5km² with beautiful white-sand beaches. The place is also known as “White Beach” due to its pristine and powdery sand. Moreover, its rolling hills are well-covered with lush greenery, making for a relaxing getaway from busy city life. In addition, the island is home to some of the country’s best dive sites, a marine sanctuary, and mangroves, home to endangered species such as crocodiles and sea turtles.

Biri Island is notable for many unusual rock formations along the northern shore. It is a part of Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape, a marine protected area. There are six major rock formations on the north side of Biri Island. The six are called (in order, from West to East): 

  • Magasang
  • Magsapad
  • Macadlaw
  • Puhunan
  • Bel-at
  • Caranas. 

Journey to the Island: How to Reach Biri Island

By Plane:

  • Biri Island is in the Northern Samar.
  • Take a bus to Clark, then fly to Catarman, Northern Samar, if you’re traveling from Manila.
  • Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

By Bus:

  • Take a bus from the bus terminal in Manila to Catarman, Northern Samar. 
  • Buses cost around P1,000 (one way) and take approximately 12 hours. 
  • Note: Book your seats early as buses tend to fill up fast during peak season (June – September).

Take a tricycle to the main terminal from the airport:

  • If you use those trikes in the airport’s main parking area, the cost is P100 for each journey. 
  • Travel time: 5 minutes

Ride a jeepney bound for Lavezares:

  • Drop you at Lavezares seaport.
  • Travel period: 1 hour. 
  • Fare: 50php

Book a boat that goes to Biri Town. 

  • one-way trip: 750php 
  • Travel takes about 45 minutes
  • Terminal fee: P25. 

Take a habal-habal from Biri jetty to your lodging.

  • Usual cost is P10 per person

Biri Island Travel: Best Time of the Year to Enjoy the Island’s Beauty

  • From December to May, the dry season is the ideal time to explore Biri Island.
  • The peak season for tourism in Biri Island is from December to February when the weather is at its best, and there are many local festivals and events. 
  • The rainy season on Biri Island runs from June to November.

WHAT TO BRING WHEN VISITING SAMAR ROCK FORMATION OR BIRI ISLAND

  • Bring bottled water. 
  • Use appropriate footwear. The stone can hurt your feet.
  • Food. The tour guide can help you carry your stuff. Just give a little extra afterward.
  • Sunblock.
  • Remember to bring your gear if you are into scuba or snorkeling. 
  • Camera with an extra battery. 
  • Remember to bring zip plastic for your cell phones and camera.

Exciting Things to Know About the Island

More crucial details about the island are as follows: 

Language: 

  • Waray
  • The majority of residents are bilingual in Tagalog and English.

Payment modes:

  • BRING CASH!
  • On the island, there are no banks or ATMs. 
  • In case you need to receive money, there is a MONEY REMITTANCE in the Lavezares Port area.

Connectivity: 

  • Both Smart and Globe have vital LTE data signals on the island. 

Electricity Info: 

  • 220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A, mostly. 
  • Electricity is usually available from noon to midnight only.

Biri Island Accommodation Choices

Biri Resort and Dive Center

Town Proper

Contact No: 09202884904, 09292884904

  • Executive Room (AC): P2500
  • Superior Deluxe (AC): P1500
  • Family Room (Fan): P1750
  • Deluxe (Fan): P1300
  • Budget (Fan): P750

Gloria Vista Lodge (Homestay)

Contact No.: 09472967737

  • Room for 3 (AC): P1000
  • Fan Room: P200/pax

Seacret Homestay Apartments

Contact No.: 09996986255

  • Standard Room (AC): P1500
  • Family Room (AC): P2000

Exequel and Wyn Lodging House

ContactNo.: 09192962408

  • Air-conditioned Room: P800
  • Fan Room: P200/pax

Villa Amor Hotel

Town Proper

Contact No: 09353661415

  • Room for 4 (AC): P1500
  • Room for 2 (AC): P1200
  • Room for 4 (Fan): P1000
  • Room for 2 (Fan): P800

Balay sa Baybay

  • Delos Reyes St., Poblacion , Biri, Northern Samar
  • Contact No: +639176283895

Glenda’s Bed and Breakfast

Brgy. Sto. Niño, Biri, Northern Samar

Contact No: +639082490590

Biri Island Itinerary: Best Things to See and Do

I. The Fantastic Rock Formations:

Puhunan:  

  • The Puhunan Rock Formation resembles a submerged submarine. 
  • The distant end suddenly tilts while remaining generally flat.

Macadlaw:

  • As it approaches the coast, its shape abruptly changes, creating an almost vertical drop-off. 
  • Location: Progress-Magasang Rd., Biri Island, Northern Samar

Bel-at:

  • Bel-at Rock Formation looked like a colossal desert rock with its brown (almost orange) surface. 
  • Even its rich, naturally layered brinks are light brown bordering yellow with darker lines and accents.

Caranas: 

  • The rightmost crag is called Caranas.  
  • Giant boulders are stacked at their base, appearing frozen while rolling down.

Magasang and Magsapad:

  • These twin rock formations are only a few meters apart.
  • Magasang looks like a mushroom, while Magsapad is a shark fin.
  • Both are with bright grass. Its cliffs and brinks look like a divine master craftsman purposely hewed them. 
  • Location: Progress-Magasang Rd., Biri Island, Northern Samar

Note: 

  • You can hire a habal-habal to take you on a tour of the island and all the rock formations. 
  • Simply P700 for the tour for two people. But if you’re traveling alone, the driver can help you bargain for prices as low as P500. 
  • You can also commute to any rock formations; the cost varies.

II. Biri Larosa Pearl Farm:

  • Visitors can purchase fine pearls from the Biri Larosa Pearl Farm.

III. San Antonio de Padua Church:

  • It is a historic church in the town proper of Biri Island that dates back to the Spanish colonial period.

IV. Biri Island Marine Reserve:

  • A marine sanctuary where visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving. 

V. Biri Island Lighthouse: 

  • The lighthouse provides a wide-angle view of the surrounding waters. 
  • It is an excellent spot for sunset watching.
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