BILIRAN ISLAND | Agta Beach Scuba Dive Resort, Volcanic Islands and Waterfalls: A Phenomenal Exhibition

the unselfish ombré splat of Sambawan Island

BILIRAN ISLAND |

Biliran Island, part of Region VIII in the Eastern Visayas, is one of the newest and ranks as fourth smallest province in the Philippines. The island, which heretofore was referred to as “Isla de Panamao” during the Spanish era, swarms with native grass called “boro-biliran”, hence renamed in 1685. Four volcanic islands beset Biliran – Maripipi, Biliran, Higatangan and Dalutan. It comprises a total of eight municipalities and houses several of the country’s best kept secret paradises – from fantastic bodies of water to mad landforms.

HOW TO GET TO BILIRAN ISLAND 

From Tacloban Airport

1. AIRPORT – DOWNTOWN | As soon as you exit Tacloban Airport, several barkers would offer trips bound for downtown; you can either rent a cab (Php 200-250) or ride a tricycle (Php 150). The cheapest is the Good Ol’ Filipino Style - hop on a jeepney for Php 13. Get off at downtown proper; travel time is more or less 15-20 minutes.

2. DOWNTOWN – VAN TERMINAL | Ride a tricycle bound for the terminal of either Van-Van Tours or Duptours (Php 8); travel time is just 5 minutes. I do not recommend the latter transport provider, as I had experienced too much delay and poor customer service with them.

3. DOWNTOWN – NAVAL, BILIRAN (BILIRAN’S CAPITAL) | Ride a van that is bound for Naval, Biliran; (Php 100); travel time is approximately 3 hours. From Naval, several options are available – you can look for a hostel and explore the area or decide whether you want to try beach bumming in a resort, do falls or island hopping.

Naval is your jumping-off point to limitless adventures.

Now, get off your ass and do something awesome! Shout your name with all your might and tell the people that their savior has come! Sabihin mo na ikaw ang mag-aahon sa Pilipinas sa kahirapan. Popondohan mo ang sector ng edukasyon, kalusugan, agrikultura at paiigtingin mo ang turismo. Pati world peace isama mo na para kumpleto rekados, pero dapat sabihin mo to ng walang pagba-buckle ha. Dapat you sound convincing, parang confidently beautiful with a heart lang. Mag-isip ka rin ng tagline mo, yung madaling ma-recall, parang ganito - “Apat na letra lang po sa darating na eleksyon – L.O.V.E.” Sabayan mo ng pamimigay ng bazooka,  viva candies o good morning towels na may tatak ng mukha mo. Trapong-trapo datingan mo nun. Lakas.

And as always, GET LOST!

LIVELIHOOD |

B A H A Y  K U B O | 

Kahit munti, ang halaman doon ay sari't sari!

The island, getting hands on almost all of nature’s sea abundance, makes living through fishing. Fish ponds and conventional style of fishing that are being operated on a wide variety of scales – small to large capital investments; aim to generate money amongst Biliranos. The ideal geographical structure of the province also provides an excellent stretch for fundamental and integrated farming. Abounding homegrown rice is planted on the terraces of its mountainous slopes, providing scenery to behold during sightseeing on wheels or by foot! Coconut trees, a primary element in copra farming, are clustered or run on side roads and hill sides. Fiber-yielding plants of different species are being used extensively for weaving and homemaking; innovative crafts of the locals are also said to be transported within and outside the country.

 

STAY | Agta Beach Scuba Dive Resort

HOW TO GET TO AGTA BEACH SCUBA DIVE RESORT |

This haven is just approximately 20 minutes from the town of Naval. The accessibility of its location is one of the significant advantages against its competitors, as it is only one motor bike away from the city proper. I was told that the usual fare should only be Php 40-50, but tourists are usually charged at Php 100-150.

THE RESORT | 

Agta Beach Scuba Dive Resort, meekly stationed along the unflustered coast of Talahid, is the first to offer all-inclusive island liberation. From the usual beach bumming or the mere art of doing nothing, just watching sunsets as Zac Brown Band’s song plays in the background “ toes in the water, ass in the sand/  not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand”, you’d sure get the snooze or booze you’ve been wanting and waiting off work. Professional Scuba Dive Services, facilitated by the skilled and sole Dive Master of Biliran – Melo Sabitsana, are available for an extreme adrenaline rush. His team designs specialized activities to take your adventure a notch further, may it be over or underwater. 

scuba dive equipment

Open Dive | Php 15,000

Inclusion: boat, tank, gear rental, license, check out

Advanced | Php 13,000

POLICIES, PROTOCOLS AND GUIDE

ONE SUNSET AT A TIME |
An after six view from my tent

For how peaceful it is to realize that these three: Humans, nature and animals have their own moral worth.

• Accommodation starts at Php 1,200 (A/C room, heater, toilet and bath, power outlets, some are even equipped with televisions).
• Pitching of tent is allowed, you may coordinate with the resort staff regarding the applicable rates as it varies based on the number of pax.
• Scuba Hatch, a beach front accommodation for group of travelers, is by and large outfitted for scuba divers. Inclusive of two A/C rooms, a living area, toilet and bath, and power outlets. Rate is at Php 3,500 per room.
• Check in time : 1 PM
• Check out time : at noon
• Entrance fee starts at Php 20/per pax/day
• Open Nipa huts, tables and chairs are available for rent.

morning glory

one's cool, two's just mad cute!

Hello there, Brown Brown!

THE POOL | Coming Soon

Kids – 2 feet | Heated Pool – 4 feet | Adult –7-9 feet | Diving Pool – 9 feet

THE BACKYARD | Poultry, Aviary and Woods

The lavish garden of the resort, composed of many interesting botanical elements, was surprisingly a show-stealer during my visit. Several local fruit-bearing trees, fowls of different breeds and a variety of domestic birds are sheltered in this oasis. Organic poultry, free-range chicken and 45 day old chicks are fixed hits whether you are into eat-clean or organic diet. The majority of the resort’s food supplies are mostly grown on the orchard, ensuring to give only the freshest possible produce to their guests.

THE RESTAURANT | Agta Cafe

Daily marine supply of the resort usually varies as it depends on the catch of the day. Poultry on the other hand is a steady offer, due to the resort’s abundant supply from their backyard. These products are sold per kilo and will be cooked once order is confirmed. Make sure to allot ample time as these are mostly pre-orders. Price ranges from Php 200-300.

SERVICES | Island Hopping and Multiple Falls Hike

Boss, walng Marlboro.

Depending on what adventure you want to undertake, Agta Beach Resort provides tour services that are custom-fit on the traveler’s budget and schedule. A few islands (Sambawan Island, Dalutan Island, Higatangan Island and Capinahan Island) and several waterfalls in Biliran can be explored; rates vary if you are going solo or with groups.

Rates may change without prior notice:

Boat Rental for Sambawan Island and Dalutan Island – Php 3,500

Organized Falls Hike – rate varies

CONTACT | Inquiry and Reservation

http://agtabeachresort.com/
http://facebook.com/agtabeachresort

SAMBAWAN ISLAND | 

V I E W I N G  D E C K |
Pwede ka mag-moment pero wag ka tatalon, medyo mataas yan.

boats anchored while we go ashore :)

S E L F I E  B U C K E T  L I S T |
Get a selfie shit out of that baywatch rescue float!

• Environmental Fee : Php 100/head
• Open Nipa Hut : Php 500
• Closed Hut : Php 2,500
• Pitching of tent : Php 50/pax/night
• Electricity runs only at night

DALUTAN ISLAND | 

Dalutan shore's like a boner - long, sturdy and hard.

The sweeping of sunset from behind after 5

"LIFE" at Dalutan Island

Tara?

• EXCLUSIVE FOR DAY TOUR ONLY
• Environmental Fee : Php 20/head
• There is no electricity in the island
• No accommodation of any type
• Guests are expected to vacate the place at 5PM

ULAN-ULAN WATERFALLS | 

The drizzling walkthroughs towards Ulan-Ulan 

U L A N - U L A N  F A L L S |

Makisig, malakas, matikas - parang ikaw.

SAMPAWAN/ SAMPAOAN WATERFALLS | 

rolling top view of Sampawan Falls

palaka ka.

RECOLETOS WATERFALLS | 

Ingrid, testing the waters of Recoletos.

• The point of Entry  to these waterfalls is at the foot of Barangay Sampao, Almeria, Biliran
• Environmental fee : Php 20/head

BETHANY HILL | Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran Island

Overlooking a few islands and islets of the Philippine Sea

Banaue? No baby, sa Biliran.

A themed restaurant/ events place that feeds visitors of Almeria.

SUPER | 

Some say that it's okay to elude the perplexing affair when things become too pressing. Many think that either a sport or a retreat can help, a few relies on music; others get a slice of cake, pair it with ice cream and top it with chocolate! If you are loaded, you go afar for luxury – think of something grand! Probably you would imagine yourself in a hotel or yacht or you might find comfort in reading a steadfast book on a couch as you breathe in out the air. As for me, it’s the feel of sand rubbing against my toes, the sound of waves against the shore, the overlong spaces between sunset and sunrise, the silence and pauses in every breath I take, the opportunity to go storytelling with a complete stranger and be able to talk about life’s vision or whatnot, the chance to get dirty and crazy on late afternoons until midnight, finding people or letting them find me or be completely untraceable for a moment - these, all these, make me and everything just super!