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?