The Majestic Rock Formations of Biri

I only heard of Biri last year when sir Gerry Ruiz and his wife invited me to join them to travel to Biri, Northern Samar supposedly last March 2011. I tried to Google what’s in store for us, and I got blown away at the photos I saw in in the search engine. Unfortuately my flight got cancelled due to several commitments, and my plan to visit Biri got shelved. Up until I got an invitation to explore the hidden gems of Eastern Visayas together with the Members of PHILTOA and the media last week! It was a dream come true for me to actually set foot in this place!

The quiet town of Biri is known for its majestic rock formations, shaped over time by wind and water. The shape of the rocks are formed through a very slow natural process called weathering. The waves in Biri is generally rough especially in the afternoon and during the habagat season as it is here where the waters of the San Bernardino Strait and the Philippine Sea meets.

There were several large rock formations in Biri. The more popular and easily accessible is the Magasang Rock and Magsapad, pictured left and right above. There are rows and rows of mangroves planted but there is a large space or “walkway” where you can wade through ankle-deep water.

One can climb the rock formations, just like what we did last week during the PHILTOA Media Familiarization tour of the Eastern Visayas. We cimbed the Magsapad rock at high noon and the view from the top is just indescribable!

The Biri Rock Formation is easily accessible from Manila via AirPhil Express flight to Catarman. From Catarman, take a 45 minute jeepney ride to the town of Lavezares. Go to the port and ask for pumpboats that service the Lavezares-Biri route. Pumpboat ride from Lavezares to the town of Biri is approximately 45 minutes. From Biri port, take a habal habal (motorcycle) that would bring you to the rock formations, unlike in Istanbul Turkey where you can get Turkey Car Hire services for you tour

The road leading to the rock formations ins not completely paved. So expect a bumpy ride when you travel.

I find our trip to Biri a bit short and bitin. I wanted to see the rocks change its colors during the sunrise and sunset. It must be a dramatic sight!

Th Biri Rock Formations will be offered as part of tour packages that will be available during the upcoming 2011 Philippine Travel Mart which will be held this Sept 2-4 at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia.

Experience Biri with AirPhil Express! AirPhil Express flies daily from Manila to Catarman using the Q300/400 aircraft.