Biri (Northern Samar)

Overview

Biri sits across the San Bernardino Strait from Bicol, an island whose coastline is built around a series of monumental sandstone formations carved by the open sea. The shapes change with the tide: at low water, stepped pools and open walkways appear between the rocks, and at high tide the same cliffs drop straight into the water. An overnight gives time for the low-tide walk and the island's viewpoints, and Capul Island, with its old church-fortress and lighthouse, pairs naturally on the crossing route.

Standout experiences

• 01 Rock formation walk

  A guided low-tide walk among the island's named formations and their pools, the reason most travelers come.

• 02 Bel-at and Caranas tidal pools

  Sheltered pools that open at low water, reached with a local guide and the day's tide table.

• 03 Busay viewpoint

  An island panorama from the high ground, best in the late afternoon light.

• 04 Capul Island

  A neighboring island with a Spanish-era church-fortress and lighthouse, reachable by boat.

• 05 Surf and paddle

  Uncrowded breaks on the exposed side and calm water for kayaks and paddleboards near town.

Getting there

Fly to Catarman National Airport (CRM) in Northern Samar, the province's main air gateway. From the Catarman Land Transport Terminal, a minibus runs to Lavezares port in about one hour, then a boat crosses to Biri town in about one hour. Habal-habal motorcycles provide transport on the island. Travelers coming overland from Luzon can take the ferry from Matnog to Allen, then road transport to Lavezares.

When to go

December through April is the most reliable window, when seas are calm and crossings from Lavezares or Allen are dependable while the rock formations stay dramatic. November through January brings the biggest Pacific swells, which make wave action at Magsapad and Binurong Point most spectacular but also the weather least predictable. The June to October typhoon season can suspend ferries for days. Biri holds its Kaway Festival every June 21.