One In 7,000 Islands: 8 Best Things To Do In Naval, Philippines

1. Around Naval: visit Tinago Falls In Caibiran

The Filipino word Tinago means “hidden” in English, but Tinago Falls is by no means hidden from the view of visitors. In fact, it is one of the most popular waterfalls in the island province. Located in Caibiran, an adjacent town to Naval, there was a time when the falls was not easily accessible to the public. That changed however when the Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road was constructed. From Naval, the falls are 18.4 kilometers (11.4 miles) away, about 30 - 40 minutes by private car or hired motorcycle. There is a view deck where one can get the best vantage point to see the 27.4 meter (90 feet) high waterfalls.

Tinago Falls

Address: Cabibihan, Caibiran, Biliran

Price: admission fee of 0.50 USD for adult and 0.25 USD for children

Opening Hours: Best time to go is during daylight.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: From Naval, visitors can hire a motorcycle for a day trip for around 10 USD round trip.

2. Around Naval: visit Ulan-Ulan Falls

Along with Tinago Falls, Ulan-Ulan is one of the 10 waterfalls in the province that is frequented by tourists. However, locals say that there are many more falls waiting to be discovered in the mountains of the province. Ulan-Ulan Falls is so named because its drop flows like “ulan” or rain in English. The falls are found in another adjacent town to Naval, the town of Almeria. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful falls in the province, its 27.5 meter (90 feet) drop falls through rocks and plants, thus making the water fall just like rain. From Naval, it takes 20 minutes to the jump off point in the village of Sampao, and another 30 minute hike to the waterfalls.

Ulan-Ulan Falls

Address: Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Price: admission fee for adults: 0.25 USD; for children: 0.10 USD

Opening Hours: Best time to go is during daylight.

Duration: around 4 hours required.

Access: Hire a motorcycle from Naval town. A round-trip rental for a day would cost around 6 to 7 USD.

Website: Biliran Government Tourism

3. Around Naval: more waterfalls - Casiawan and Kasabangan

In another town of Cabucgayan, this time a bit further from Naval, two more waterfalls are worth the visit. Kasabangan is a 12-falls system, 7 of which flow down to the eco-tourism and leisure park developed by the provincial government of Biliran. The park is accessible from the Biliran Circumferential Road, a national highway. From the town proper, it is a 20 minute drive to the village of Balaquid. There is a trail along a creek that leads you to the waterfall. You can opt to go to the seventh layer of the falls, but this will require a special guide.

Casiawan Falls, also in Cabucgayan, is smaller than Kasabangan. Depending on the amount of water flowing down, the falls can be as picturesque as Kasabangan. It is located north of the town and can be reached via a 20 minute drive and a 10 minute hike.

Casiawan Falls and Kasabangan Falls

Address: Cabucgayan, Biliran

Price: admission fee for adults 0.5 USD; children 0.20 USD.

Opening Hours: Best time to visit is during daylight.

Duration: around 8 hours required.

Access: Arrange a day trip package to Cabucgayan from Naval, which should include a vehicle to take you to and from Cabucgayan. The two falls can be done in a day.

Website: Casiawan Falls Kasabangan Falls

4. Around Naval: take a hot dip at Mainit Hot Springs

If you want a different water experience, go to Caibiran’s Mainit Hot Springs. In contrast to the cool waters of the waterfalls, Mainit Hot Springs has bubbling hot springs that result in warmed water. Visitors can find a spot along the river to sit and feel the warm water soothe their tired muscles. Found in an inner village of Caibiran, it can be reached via a 25 minute drive via hired motorcycle from the town proper or an hour drive via private car from Naval.

Mainit Hot Springs

Address: Villavicenta, Caibiran, Biliran

Price: admission fee is 0.50 USD

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: From Caibiran town proper, hire a motorcycle to take you to the springs. From Naval, you can either hire private transport or take a jeepney to Caibiran proper, then hire a motorcycle.

Website: Mainit Hot Springs

5. Take to the islands: Higatangan Island

Biliran province is not just one island - it is many islands. And one of these is Higatangan Island, famous for its white sand beaches and a sandbar that changes shape and color depending on the shifting ocean winds. The sandbar, which is located on one end of the island, is said to change color depending on the time of day; the best times to watch it is during sunrise and sunset. There is a daily passenger boat from Naval town proper that leaves before noon and returns to town by 8am the next day. If you have money to spare, you can rent a motor boat for a day trip. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes. Once on the island, you can stay in any of the small resorts or pitch your own tent.

Higatangan Island

Address: Higatangan Island, Naval, Biliran

Price: boat ride is 1 USD

Duration: overnight stay required.

Access: From Naval port, take the passenger boat or hire a motor boat; boat ride is 45 minutes.

Wesbite: Higatangan Island

6. Take to the islands: Dalutan Island, Almeria

Smaller than Higatangan Island, Dalutan Island’s main attraction is its pristine white sand beach and the marine life around the island. If you do not want to snorkel or dive, you can explore an area of corals when the tide becomes low and perhaps spot a few clown fish and anemones. The facilities on the island are limited to huts for day trip visitors. You can stay overnight if you bring your own tent and food as well. The island can be reached by riding an outrigger boat for 15 to 20 minutes from Agta Beach in Almeria, the town next to Naval.

Dalutan Island

Address: Dalutan Island, Almeria, Biliran

Price: no admission fee

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Access: From Naval, go to Agta Beach, Almeria. Hire an outrigger boat for 10 USD to bring you to the island.

Website: Dalutan Island

7. Take to the islands: Sambawan Island

Said to be the most beautiful island in Biliran, Sambawan Island requires more time and patience to get to. But most would say that it is worth the time and effort, especially when you see its unique shape and beauty. The island offers quite an underwater experience, especially for divers and snorkelers. There are several dive spots around and you might be lucky enough to spot a bull shark. If you don’t dive, you can laze about on the quiet beach, or take a dip in its clear waters. There is a lone resort on the island but you are welcome to do some beach camping if you are up to it. Or you can just make it a day trip and stay on nearby Maripipi Island. To reach Sambawan, you can take a passenger boat which will take you from Naval port to Maripipi Island in two hours. From Maripipi, you can hire a motor boat to bring you to the island in 30 minutes.

Sambawan Island

Address: Sambawan Island, Maripipi, Biliran

Price: no admission fee

Duration: around 4 hours required.

Access: To reach Sambawan, you can take a passenger boat which will take you from Naval port to Maripipi Island in two hours. From Maripipi, you can hire a motor boat to bring you to the island in 30 minutes.

Website: Sambawan Island

8. Around Naval: Canaan Hill Farms and Honey Garden

Back in the town of Caibiran, a different kind of attraction can be found. Up in the hills of Uson village in Caibiran lies Canaan Hill Farms and Honey Garden. This 6-hectare (14.8-acre) privately owned farm is unlike any other farm because it practices organic farming. Visitors have a whole range of activities to choose from: sightseeing around the farm, tractor rides around the farm, having a picnic or an event or even staying overnight. Orientations about organic agriculture can also be given by the owners. The farm also sells some of its products such as honey, peanut butter, turmeric powder, organic eggs, and organic chicken.

Canaan Hill Farms and Honey Garden

Address: Uson, Caibiran, Biliran

Price: admission fee of 1 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm. Closed on Sundays and on public holidays.

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Contact: +63 9066704534

Website: Canaan Hill Farms and Honey Garden

More about Biliran, before you go

Before you go on your trip, it is best you know a little bit more about the province. The province has two main islands: Biliran Island and Maripipi Island. Internet access and even cellular service will be a bit spotty in many parts of the province, so this may be a deal breaker for some. You can reach Naval by taking a plane from Manila to Tacloban. From Tacloban, there are vans that travel to Naval which takes you two hours. If you are on a budget, try the Manila-Tacloban ferry. It is also best to arrange your local trips through the provincial tourism office in Naval. You can reach them at +63 535009627.

Biliran may very well be the next popular island paradise in the Philippines. Come and explore it before everyone else does!