The Island Explorer

After the out of this world experience, we silently and hungrily headed back into the town of Biri. We visited this resort, owned by a German. I wasn't able to get the contact details of the resort, but it is past the municipal hall from the port. You can't miss it since it's only one road and it's a walking distance from the pier. You can just ask the locals for directions. The Biri Resort is probably the best place to stay in the island. There are around 5 resort hotels in Biri town, and there are also homestays as well. They don't get guests, except for adventurous travelers from different countries who fall in love with the place and stay for a month. And who shouldn't? Biri is a very laid back town, quite busy but has a cool and relaxed island vibe. There are a few eateries, a simple market, practically no night life and yet, I feel that the island is very alive. I found the people to be very accommodating as well. They were quite shy at first, but once you...

There are a few places in the Philippines that have made me nod in disbelief. Last year, Magpopongco in Siargao and Tambobong in Pangasinan were successful in doing that. This year, the rock formations in Biri in Northern Samar made me do more than that. Who wouldn't be enchanted upon this sight? Rock islands around 200 meters away from the main shoreline, separated by small mangrove plants arranged in almost perfect straight lines. The majestic rocks of Biri are a wonder of nature. There are 6 in total, covering an area of almost a kilometer across. We were only able to visit the one at the end of the line. You could easily walk to the island if the tide is low, but when it's high, the water reaches up to the chest level, making it very difficult to get through. Even the surroundings were breathtaking. The sand at the shoreline of Biri Island was not fine, but was glistening at the heat of the noon sun. We passed through coral reefs revealing itself in the low tide, so we wer...

When I found out that I was going to Catarman in Northern Samar for an event, I knew I had to visit one place. We landed in Catarman, and after getting over with the Grill Fest in the town's park, we drove straight to the port town of Allen. Allen is the gateway of Samar, having a regular ferry from mainland Luzon through Sorsogon. The journey to Sorsogon takes only 45 minutes via ferry, so it's around 2.5 hours to Legaspi City in Albay. We stayed in Kinabranan Resort, owned by our hosts. You won't miss Kinabranan along the highway of Allen, as you will see this huge Montery Meatshop sign. The resort is 15 years old, and is listed in Lonely Planet. It had recently renovated its rooms, making it cleaner, but still very basic. After all, it's more of an inn, than a resort. So don't expect luxuries here. Nevertheless, we spent a comfortable night here, and the next day, we rose early to drive to the town of Lavezares, which is actually the town before Allen coming from...