Candol Cove Beach Resort photo via Biliran.gov.ph
Biliran is located in the Eastern Visayas Region of the Philippines. It used to be a sub-province of Leyte and became independent in 1992. It’s located not far away from Leyte and is connected via a fixed bridge-causeway. The capital of Biliran is Naval. It has a total area of 536.01 square kilometers and comprises two main volcanic islands and other islands. There is a combination of warm and cool climates in this region, which they say is perfect for growing crops. Their wet season typically occurs in December.
Biliran Travel Guide photo by Rodel Bontes via Flickr CC
In this 2019 Travel Guide to Biliran Island Blog, we listed some tips on how you can do your own DIY trip to Biliran. We also included the Biliran Island Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.
The best time to visit Biliran is during the dry season from December to May, when the weather is generally sunny, the seas are calmer, and outdoor activities are at their best. This period is ideal for island hopping, waterfall adventures, beach trips, and hiking.
December to May (Best Time to Visit)
This is the peak travel season in Biliran, offering pleasant weather and excellent visibility for exploring the province’s natural attractions.
Highlights include:
March to May is the warmest period, making it perfect for beach activities, although accommodations may fill up faster during school holidays and Holy Week.
June to November (Rainy Season)
Biliran remains lush and beautiful during the rainy months, with waterfalls becoming more powerful and forests greener. However, frequent rain, rough seas, and occasional tropical storms may disrupt boat trips and outdoor excursions. If you plan to visit during this season, keep your itinerary flexible and monitor weather forecasts.
Best Month Overall
February is often considered one of the best months to visit Biliran because it combines comfortable temperatures, low rainfall, calm waters, and excellent conditions for sightseeing, photography, and island hopping.
Travel Tips
Whether you’re seeking turquoise islands, hidden waterfalls, or peaceful coastal scenery, Biliran offers an unforgettable escape, especially during the sunny months from December to May.
Getting to Biliran is easier than many travelers expect. Although the province has no commercial airport, it is well connected by air, sea, and land through neighboring Tacloban and Cebu City. Most visitors choose to fly to Tacloban before continuing by van or bus to the capital town of Naval.
| Route | Estimated Travel Time | Best For | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly to Tacloban + Van/Bus | 4–6 hours | First-time visitors | Best Overall |
| Fly to Cebu + Ferry to Naval | 7–10 hours | Travelers from the Visayas | Highly Recommended |
| Direct Bus from Manila | 16–18 hours | Budget travelers | Good Value |
| Ferry from Manila | 24–26 hours | Slow travel enthusiasts | Alternative Option |
This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Biliran.
Step 1: Fly to Tacloban
Book a flight from Manila, Clark, or other major Philippine airports to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport. The flight from Manila takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Step 2: Travel from Tacloban to Biliran
Upon arriving at the airport, take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the Tacloban transport terminal. From there, board a van or bus bound for Naval.
| Transportation | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioned Van | 2–2.5 hours | Fastest and most popular option |
| Bus | 2.5–3 hours | More affordable and frequent |
| Private Van or Car Rental | 1.5–2 hours | Ideal for families and groups |
The journey crosses the scenic Biliran Bridge, which connects Biliran Island to mainland Leyte.
If you’re already in Cebu, you can travel directly to Biliran by sea.
Step 1
Proceed to Cebu Port.
Step 2
Board a ferry bound for Naval, Biliran.
The ferry journey usually takes between 6 and 10 hours, depending on the vessel and sailing schedule.
For travelers who prefer overland travel, several bus operators provide direct services from Metro Manila to Biliran.
Route
| Travel Route | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Manila to Biliran | 16–18 hours |
This is one of the most economical ways to reach Biliran but requires an overnight journey.
Travelers who enjoy sea travel can take a ferry from Manila to Ormoc or Cebu, then transfer to Biliran by bus or van.
Typical route:
The total travel time ranges from 24 to 26 hours, depending on ferry schedules and land transfers.
| Traveler Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| First-time visitors | Fly to Tacloban, then take a van to Biliran |
| Families | Fly to Tacloban and hire a private van |
| Backpackers | Direct bus from Manila |
| Budget travelers | Bus and ferry combination |
| Travelers already in Cebu | Ferry directly to Naval |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Flight from Manila to Tacloban |
| 7:30 AM | Arrive at Tacloban Airport |
| 8:30 AM | Board a van or bus to Biliran |
| 11:00 AM | Arrive in Naval, Biliran |
| Afternoon | Check in to your accommodation and begin exploring the island |
Travel Tips
For most travelers, especially first-time visitors, flying to Tacloban and taking a two-hour van or bus ride to Naval offers the best combination of speed, comfort, and convenience. This route allows you to reach Biliran in less than half a day, giving you more time to experience its stunning waterfalls, white-sand islands, hot springs, scenic coastal roads, and peaceful countryside. It is also the most reliable transportation option year-round and offers easy access to the province’s top attractions.
The inhabitants of Biliran primarily speak Cebuano and Waray, both Visayan languages. The majority of the residents also speak and understand Tagalog and English.
Sambawan Island is one of the islets that make up Biliran. It’s an uninhabited island in the western part of Marpipi. Its beauty is unique, with small landmasses abundant in green grass, some rocky terrain, and a white-sand beach. The water is turquoise, and the whole island is quiet.
There are outrigger boats in Brgy. Ol-og is going to Sambawan, and it will cost about Php 600 for 6 people for a round trip. It’s possible to go pitch a tent on the island. Read our Sambawan Island Travel Guide for complete details.
Like the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Iyusan is also a man-made structure built by gifted hands in Almeria to boost local farmers’ productivity. It’s an agricultural wonder and a sight where you can take lots of photos of its lush, green scenery.
This beach is one of the white-sand beaches in Marpipi, Biliran. It features azure waters and rich marine life in the surrounding areas, so it’s best to snorkel in the vicinity. There are several cottages tourists can rent, and the area offers much-needed chill time for visitors.
Swim your way to this cave, which opens to the sea, and enjoy a few meters of loveliness. There’s a small spring inside, said to be a source of a healthy drink for locals. The cave is located in Brgy. Acaban. It’s a thirty-minute ride from Naval. The only accessible part of the cave is a 20ft opening. The caretaker said that there was once a treasure hunter who bombed the cave in search of treasure.
Bagongbong Falls features a narrow strip of waterfalls sandwiched between towering red-earth rock formations. It is reachable in 15 minutes via a forested area. Its water is crystal-clear and cold, and some say it looks like a cathedral. The falls are located in Brgy. Caucab, Almeria town.
Legend has it that Father Gaspar led the settlers to this place when their group was trying to run from Moro pirates. He was looking for a safe place with a water source. He then pushed his holy cane into the soil and whispered some Latin words that pleaded ‘be the origin of water’.
After that, water surfaced. The place is now called the Padre Gaspar Pilgrimage Site, which many pilgrims visit every Monday. The water spring is responsible for supplying Brgy. Hugpa.
Canaan is a Biblical place which God has promised His people for fertility and good harvests. In Canaan Hill and Honey Farm in Brgy. Uson, Caibiran; they let Mother Nature take care of them and gift them with abundance. The serene place is perfect for people who love nature, organic farming/eating, and relaxing. It’s a health and wellness place for all.
The Watch Tower was used between 1765 and 1774, but during an attack on the settlement, only a block of stones and corals remained. In the year 2000, the place was reconstructed using what remains of the old structure, and this is what will greet tourists when they visit. It’s only 5-10 minutes away from Biliran town proper, and it’s also the place that the locals say Fr. Gaspar had a fort built to serve as a sanctuary for the Biliranons.
The mini-zoo is privately owned, but it’s open to visitors. You’ll find several animals inside like a lion, different species of birds and a ‘liger’ amongst others. It’s exciting to meet this kind of hybrid from a lion and a tigress, as its kind is rare.
This island features stretches of white sand beaches. It also has several interesting-looking rock formations. The island is rich with stories about pirates and ships. There is a 200-meter-long white sandbar that resembles a tongue. Some old folks say that some of the accidents that happened, which claimed the lives of some people, are because of supernatural beings or gods. Whatever the reason, it is such a beautiful place, and being careful when there is a sudden gust of wind or a big wave is important to prevent untoward incidents.
Offering a much-needed respite from the chaos of the city, the Boardwalk is where you can walk through and see a mangrove forest. It’s located in Barangay Looc, Cabucgayan. The place is rich in land and sea resources, and it’s possible to take a hike or a dip in the sea. Aside from walking through the boardwalk, there are many activities to do in the vicinity, like kayaking, snorkeling, island hopping, and bird watching. They also offer catering services.
If a spring pool, shaded trees, and the sounds of chirping birds are good enough for you, then you must visit San Bernardo, Spring Pool. There is much to see, but the pool gets its water from a nearby spring, and it’s a good place to relax with friends. There are many large trees that keep the area a bit cooler. You can also bring some food with you as you spend a couple of hours enjoying the weather in Biliran.
Provincial Tourism & Information Office
Contact No. (053) 500 8892
Email Address: ptio.biliran@gmail.com
Don’t mistake Biliran for a dull province that will take the backseat. In fact, it’s a place where you can truly experience nature. The place is filled with legends and myths, so your visit will always be exciting. With careful planning and saving, you can be on your way to this ‘rising tourist destination’.
Have you been to Biliran Island? Help us improve this Travel Guide to Biliran Blog by sharing your personal travel tips and recommendations.
*Some photos courtesy of Biliran.gov.ph
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Waow ! Seems great ! What about the weather in August ? Any idea ?