Biliran does not get anywhere near the attention that Boracay or Siargao get, and honestly, that is part of what makes it worth visiting. This small island province tucked north of Leyte is connected to the mainland by a single bridge, which means you can drive in without needing a ferry, then spend your days chasing waterfalls, hopping between tiny islands, and soaking in hot springs without fighting crowds for a spot. If you have already ticked off spots like Kalanggaman Island or Malapascua and want something with the same quiet, undeveloped feel, Biliran belongs on your list. If you are looking for things to do in Biliran that go beyond the usual beach resort routine, here is where to start.
Sambawan Island
This is the postcard shot everyone associates with Biliran, and for good reason. Sambawan is a cluster of small landmasses connected by sandbars, ringed by turquoise water and a healthy coral reef just offshore. It sits off the coast of Maripipi, a smaller island municipality within Biliran province, so getting there takes a bit of planning.
Most travelers catch a boat from Naval Port to Maripipi town, which costs around 60 pesos and takes roughly an hour and a half, then arrange a habal habal motorcycle ride to Barangay Ol-og before hiring a small boat over to Sambawan for around 600 pesos. Alternatively, you can charter a boat directly from Kawayan on the mainland, which runs closer to 1,000 pesos for up to five people. Camping overnight on Sambawan is a genuine highlight if you have the gear, since the island empties out once the day trippers leave, similar to the stripped down, no frills feel you get camping on Bantayan Island further south.
Higatangan Island’s shifting sandbar
Higatangan is known locally for its sandbar that changes shape and even color with the tides and seasons, sometimes stretching out into a long white tongue of sand, other times shrinking back closer to shore. It is a quieter, less photographed alternative to Sambawan, and the island itself has a small fishing community that keeps things feeling authentic rather than touristy.
Maripipi Island
Beyond being the jump off point for Sambawan, Maripipi is worth a slower look on its own. Expect coral gardens good for snorkeling, small fishing villages where you can grab fresh seafood, and a much slower pace of life than anywhere on the mainland. Few visitors linger here longer than a few hours before continuing to Sambawan, but if you have the time, staying a night lets you see the island without the day trip rush.
Waterfalls around Caibiran and Kawayan
Biliran’s interior is mountainous and genuinely lush, which means waterfalls everywhere you look. Ulan Ulan Falls, inside the Biliran Provincial Ecopark near Caibiran, is one of the more accessible ones with a proper trail and viewing platforms, along with a cool river for swimming once you have worked up a sweat on the walk in. There are several smaller falls scattered around the Kawayan and Caibiran area as well, many of which are only known to local guides, so it is worth asking around at your accommodation for the current favorites rather than relying only on what shows up in a search. A local guide will typically charge a modest fee for the day and can also point you toward swimming holes that never make it onto any list.
Libtong Hot Springs
The hot volcanic springs of Libtong sit near the base of Mount Panamao and are fed naturally by the island’s volcanic activity. They are a nice way to wind down after a day of hiking or island hopping, and unlike some hot spring resorts elsewhere in the Philippines, this one still feels fairly low key and undeveloped.
Mount Panamao
For a proper hike with a payoff, Mount Panamao near Kawayan offers sweeping views across Biliran’s coastline and out toward the neighboring islands. It is not a technical climb, but you will want decent shoes and a guide if you are not familiar with the trail network, since signage is minimal in true rural Philippines fashion.
The strawberry farm in Caraycaray
A little surprising for a tropical island, Biliran is home to the only strawberry farm in the province, located in Caraycaray near Naval. Admission is typically free, and you can usually sample fresh strawberries on site. It is a quirky, low effort stop if you are already passing through Naval and want a break from beaches and waterfalls for an hour.
How to get to Biliran
Most travelers fly into Tacloban City first, since Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia all run regular flights there from Manila and Cebu. From Tacloban, it is roughly an hour to an hour and a half by van or bus to Naval, Biliran’s capital, crossing the Biliran Bridge that links the island to Leyte. If you are combining this with a Leyte itinerary, it is an easy add on rather than a separate trip.
Once on the island, habal habal motorcycles and tricycles handle most short distance transport, while boats take over for reaching Sambawan, Maripipi, and Higatangan. If you would rather skip arranging transport piece by piece, some guesthouses in Naval can help coordinate a driver for the day, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of figuring out habal habal fares and schedules on your own.
Best time to visit
Dry season, roughly March through May, gives you the calmest seas for island hopping to Sambawan and Higatangan. Note that boat crossings to Sambawan typically do not run on Sundays, so plan your island days around that if you are working with a tight schedule. The wetter months from June through November can still work for the waterfalls and hot springs, but expect rougher water for the outer island trips.
A watchtower with a story
Near Barangay San Roque stands the ruins of an old stone and coral watchtower, built generations ago as a lookout against Moro raids along the coast. The original settlement around it was burned down, but the watchtower itself survived and still stands today. It is a small, easy to miss stop, but if you have any interest in local history it is worth the short detour, especially since so little of it makes it into typical guidebooks.
Where to stay and what to expect
Naval, the provincial capital, has the widest range of places to stay, from simple budget inns to a handful of more comfortable mid range hotels, and it is also where you will find the small strawberry farm in Caraycaray if you have not gotten to it yet. Options thin out quickly once you head toward Caibiran or Kawayan, where you are mostly looking at small family run guesthouses rather than anything resembling a resort. That is part of the appeal for a lot of visitors, but it also means booking ahead matters more here than it would in a place like Boracay, since there simply are not that many rooms to go around.
Do not expect much in the way of nightlife or restaurant variety outside Naval. Biliran rewards travelers who are fine with early mornings, home cooked meals, and long days outdoors rather than those chasing beach bars and late night options.
Quick FAQ
How do I get to Biliran from Manila? Fly into Tacloban City, then take a van or bus roughly an hour to an hour and a half to Naval, Biliran, crossing the Biliran Bridge along the way.
Is Sambawan Island worth the trip? Yes, it is widely considered Biliran’s top attraction, with clear water, sandbars, and a coral reef that make the multi step journey worthwhile.
Can I visit Sambawan Island on a Sunday? Regular boat transfers typically do not run on Sundays, so you would need to arrange a more expensive private charter if that is your only available day.
How many days do I need in Biliran? Three to four days is a comfortable amount of time to cover Sambawan, the waterfalls, and Mount Panamao without rushing.
