Biliran | An Island of Waterfalls

It’s not since Iligan when I got excited at the prospect seeing and enjoying a number of waterfalls in one area. Tablas in Romblon also have a good set of waterfalls on the island but most of them low type ones. The province of Biliran in Eastern Visayas however have at least 30 waterfalls on its mountainous island. Only at least ten of those have names and unlike Tablas, the island of Biliran have tall and powerful waterfalls that’s truly majestic. Others cascade beautifully. I have to Biliran three times for the past six months and I haven’t explored all of them yet. Here are the ones I have visited and ranked based on my favorites. These are also the ones I would recommend if you plan to chase waterfalls in Biliran.

Tinago Falls

Is probably the most accessible falls on the island but still retains its picturesque quality. Beautiful drop, large basin for swimming and wonderful cascades. Place is developed as Tinago Eco-Tourism Park with an amphitheater area for picnic near the lower swimming area. Large restroom and shower room. Parking area.

Location: Brgy Cabibihan, Caibiran, Biliran
Travel Time: 30 min from Naval
Entrance Fee: Php 20/pax

Bagongbong Falls

What I love about Bagongbong Falls is its rawness. No development whatsoever but there’s a small set or restrooms being built. The high cavernous walls feels like being inside a cathedral where the altar is the dramatic drop of the falls. It takes about 20 minutes to hike to the falls. You will get wet crossing the stream to get a better view of the falls so it is recommended to wear slippers, sandals or river trek shoes.

Location: Brgy Caucab, Almeria, Biliran
Travel Time: 30 min from Almeria
Entrance Fee: None

Ulan-ulan Falls

This falls has quite a character. A gorgeous pyramidal drop cascading along the high rocky walls. Ulan-ulan Falls is picture-perfect but ironically hard to capture. Its mist is like rain and the unending draft of air makes it challenging for photography especially when its waters flow at its fullest. Ulan-ulan Falls requires a challenging trek for at least 30 minutes to reach the falls.

Location: Sampao, Almeria, Biliran
Travel Time: 30 min from Almeria
Entrance Fee: Php 20

Recoletos Falls

If you reached Ulan-ulan Falls, trek farther up the falls to find this humble yet refreshing Recoletos Falls. It is a low falls but high cascades lead to this wonderful basin. It’s a great place to swim and even dive even. So relaxing after that trek. Named after a religious group hence the image of a saint by the falls.

Location: Sampao, Almeria, Biliran
Travel Time: 30 min from Almeria
Entrance Fee: Php 20 (same fee with Ulan-ulan)

Kasabangan Falls

Part of Kasabangan Falls appeal is the adventure of reaching the falls. The long fragile wooden walkway is daunting. But stay calm and appreciate the scenic trail as Kasabangan Falls is high up Cabucgayan. View of the Coalargo Bay on the horizon. There are amphitheaters and a watchtower similar to Tinago Falls heading towards the falls. Kasabangan has a quiet appeal enclosed in its dim rocky walls. Though I head this is just the lowest drop and visitors can still hike up to its 13th layer.

Location: Balaquid, Cabugcayan, Biliran
Travel Time: 20 min from Cabucgayan proper
Entrance Fee: Php 10

Casiawan Falls

Also in the midst of Cabucgayan is the highest waterfalls on the island, Casiawan Falls. A beautiful pathway fringed with a flower field leads to this striking falls. It pours down like a fine needle broken by the rock beds on the surface down to a gentle stream leading to the pool. I would have ranked this higher if not for the tidiness of the place. Yes, the trash here is nasty. I would understand if there’s no entrance fee but I hope the people managing this place would take measures of cleaning it up.

Location: Casiawan, Cabucgayan, Biliran
Travel: 20 min from Cabucgayan proper
Entrance Fee: Php 10

Karaha Falls and Cascades

Just because it is last on the list it doesn’t mean its the least in terms of appeal. Karaha Falls in Caibiran is a personal favorite. It’s a low falls with numerous layers of cascades. It’s another chill-out falls for swimming and lounging around.

Location: Villavicenta, Caibiran, Biliran
Travel Time: 30 min from Caibiran proper
Entrance Fee: none

Chasing Waterfalls in Biliran

On how to go to these falls? At the moment, the LGU of Biliran hasn’t imposed standard rates for habal-habal, tricycles or even multicabs. So it varies on who you talk to and your haggling skills. But just to give you an idea:

• Habal-habal. If you are traveling alone or as a duo a day hire of a habal-habal with driver can be around Php 1,000 to 1,500.
• Tricycles. They offer a more comfortable ride though hire a tryke with powerful motors. Price range can be Php 1,500 to 2,000 per day or even Php 500 per falls but haggle still.
• Multi-cabs can also be hired from resorts including Agta Resort. If you are in a group, price ranges from Php 3,500 to 4,000 a day.