Places to see in my island (Biliran)

This is a view of the shore of Sambawan Islet, taken atop a small hill. Note the pristine beach, clear seawater, and no human trash! This islet is not inhabited, but a lot of visitors arrive in motorized bancas. This is the leeward side, the other side faces open sea and is craggy, but good for diving. This is also a protected area by the provincial government, so we can expect the marine life is thriving. From the capital town (Naval), this islet can be reached in about 1 and a half hour pumpboat ride. Its nearest jump-off point is the town of Kawayan and the island town of Maripipi, about 30 minutes or so.




Another "must-see" is this shifting sand bar in another island called Higatangan. Attached to its southernmost tip, this sand bar stretches about 200 meters into open sea from the seashore so you can walk on it. The sand bar shifts according to the sea current that passes between the strait that separates Higatangan island and the northeastern tip of Leyte mainland (background), which also corresponds to the monsoon season. The island is inhabited with two barangays under the local government of Naval. The people are friendly and accommodating , and there is a resort for local and foreign tourists. Jump-off point to Higatangan Island is Naval port area, about 45 minutes motorboat ride.




Now if you think that my island (Biliran) is all sand and sea, this is a surprise! We have about two dozen waterfalls and cascades hidden among the lush foliage in my island's hinterlands. This is the majestic Tinago Falls located in Barangay Cabibihan in the town of Caibiran. "Tinago" literally" means hidden, but this place is highly accessible. A new project of the provincial government has placed clean rest rooms, walkways, relaxation areas and a navigable road down to the area from the national road. To reach this place, take the "cross-country" road from Naval Bus Terminal by public utility bus, or motorcycles-for-hire towards Barangay Cabibihan, along the national highway a sign board announces you've arrived safely!




Another surprise (we have a lot of these) is Bagongbong Waterfalls located about 2 kilometer walk from Barangay Caucab in the town of Almeria. But what's a kilometer of walking for nature lovers when all they hear and see are the ambient sounds and sights of nature?

Map of Biliran Island

This is a map of my beautiful island. Situated in the main island are the towns of Naval (capital), Almeria, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan and Biliran. The island on the top-left portion is the town of Kawayan. On the western side of the main island is Higatangan, and on the western side of Maripipi is the Sambawan Islet. These islets have good white sand beaches and areas suitable for diving and game fishing.

On the southernmost tip of the main island is the town of Biliran, which connects to Leyte province by a causeway and Biliran Bridge.

Quick Facts about Biliran Island

Yay! It seems that my posts are far in between!!! Anyways, I've promised I will have something about my island, so this is it. Fast facts for starters. We can get to details later, okay?

Quick facts: Province of Biliran

The island of Biliran was first called Isla de Panamao , referring to an ethnic fishing net. Between 1668-1712, the name was changed to Biliran, which was derived from a native grass called “borobiliran”. On April 8, 1959, R.A. 2141 made Biliran a sub-province of Leyte, with the title Lt. Governor. On June 21, 1969, R.A. 5977 was enacted to amend the original charter, changed the title Lt. Governor to Governor, with the executive power of a provincial governor. On May 11, 1992, the people of Biliran and Leyte ratified in a plebiscite the conversion of the sub-province into a regular province.

Location

Biliran is an island province located on the eastern part of the Visayas group of island.The province belongs to Region VIII, the Eastern Visayas Region. It lies with geographic coordinates between latitude 11^o28’00” to 11^o50’00” and longitude 124^o37’00”. It is bounded on the South by Carigara Bay, Samar Sea on the East, North by the Visayas Sea and the Strait of Biliran on the West.

How to get here

DZR Airport, Tacloban City, Leyte

PAL and Cebu Pacific serve direct Manila-Tacloban flight twice a day. From Tacloban City, air-conditioned shuttle vans and ordinary fare buses are available in going to Naval, capital town of Biliran province, 1 and a half to 2 hours away.

Mactan Internation Airport, Mactan, Cebu

Nearest international airport, also serves direct flight from Manila. From Cebu City, fast crafts (Supercat & Weesam Express) are available daily to Ormoc City, where air-conditioned shuttle vans connect the trip to Naval, 1 and a half to 2 hours away. Shipping lines (Cagayan Princess - Sulpicio) offer direct voyage to Naval from Cebu three times a week.

Aircon Shuttle Vans/Buses - serve the Naval – Tacloban City and Naval – Ormoc City routes. Naval – Manila route is served by several major bus lines.

Geography (Sources: DENR & TWGPGC, NSCB)

land area 555.5 sq. km.

no. of municipalities 8 (Naval – capital town, Almeria, Kawayan,
Maripipi, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan
and Biliran)

no. of barangays 132

Demography (Source: NSO, May 2004)

total population 140,270
household population 140,174
average annual growth rate (in percent) 1.28
proportion in age group [0-14 years] 40.5
proportion in age group [15-64 years] 54.0
proportion in age group [65 years & older] 5.4
number of households 27,090
average household size 5.02
sex ratio (males per 100 females) 103.3
dependency ratio 85.0
population density (persons/sq. km) 265.4

Communications

GlobeLines Incorporated (Landline & Cellular Phones)
Smart Communications Inc. (Cellular Phones)
PLDT (Public Calling Office)
Bayantel (Public Calling Office)