Tres Marias Naliwatan Peak

A few weeks ago, my cousin, Ivan, created an Event at Facebook titled Mama Mary’s Birthday Climb at Naliwatan Peak scheduled on September 17, 2016. A was excited and was eager to join the climb but I only hit “Maybe” because I’m not yet sure whether I could join them or not because of some of my compliances at work and I lack of preparation. As you can see, Naliwatan Peak is the second highest mountain in Region VIII next to Alto Peak of Jaro/Ormoc, Leyte. So a good preparation physically and mentally is really needed. I have no time to prepare physically because I have work and compliances to be done. The night before the D-Day, I met with my fellow climbers and had a meeting prior to the climb. I met new friends and a distant relative who happens to be our guide during the climb.

Though I am not physically prepared for the climb, I still decided to join them because I missed trekking and going on an adventure.

D-Day

Jump off Area at Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Bilira
left to right: Ryan Kyle, Janine, JV, Ivan, Makoy, Me, Julius and Deo

Had our lunch at a river going to the camp site

Nomads Falls

We left Naval at about 0930H and went to Brgy. Sampao, Almeria, Biliran and from there we trek and pass thru Ulan-Ulan Falls, Recoletos Falls and Nomads Falls (Named after the first Mountaineering Group who explored the area). On our way to the campsite, we river trek, cross tree lines and rocks that needs to be hugged literally just to be able to continue your trek because it blocks the trail and is the only way to reach our destination. We reached the camp site at about 1430H and immediately prepared our sleeping paraphernalia. I don’t have a tent but I have a hammock with mosquito net, a usual item for PNP Members. After the dinner, we prayed the rosary in honor of the birthday of Mama Mary. Had few shots of brandy and then hit the bed because we were scheduled to go to the peak early  on next day.

On our way to the camp site

Camp Site area

After our Rosary, had a get together

Day 2

We were supposed to wake up at about 0430H the next day so we can see the sunrise at the Mt. Naliwatan Peak but to no avail because everybody woke up late. So we decided to just eat our breakfast and then hit the trails to the peak. The trails to the peak was hard compared to the trails to the campsite based on my own opinion. Because there are certain areas there that you’ll have to walk to the edge of the mountain and have to hold on to the roots of the trees. Going to the peak, you’ll see a lot of pitcher plants, different birds and insects that can only be found at the mountain. The peak of Tres Marias Mt. Naliwatan was very mossy. It was cold and it feels like it’s already 1800H but it was still 1000H when we reached the peak. We took photos and had minutes of rest then traversed back to the camp site. After reaching the camp site, we immediately prepared lunch then packed up our things so we can reach the Barangay (village) proper of Sampao before the sun sets. On our way to Brgy Sampao, we had a stopover at Nomads falls so we can take a dip for a few minutes. After Nomads Falls, we trekked back to Brgy Sampao and hit the roads to Naval.

Day 2 on our way to Naliwatan Peak from the camp site

Mossy forest of Tres Marias

Group Picture at Naliwatan Peak

When you’re new to Biliran, you can also try to visit other wonders of the province like the Tinago Falls, Sambawan Island, Higatangan Island, Acaban Cave, etc.

I really enjoyed my experience from Tres Marias Naliwatan Peak because I was able to make new good friends and was able to appreciate more the beauty of our nature. 

Mt. Panamao

The second peak of Tres Marias

Pitcher Plant

Moss

Me at the 2nd highest peak of Eastern Visayas

First time I saw an orange moss

On our way back to Brgy Sampao

Visit Acaban Cave at Biliran Island

One of the interesting place that can be found in Biliran Island is the Acaban Cave aside from the waterfalls. It is located at Brgy Acaban, Culaba, Biliran; a 30 minute drive from Naval, Biliran’s Capital. The entrance fee is just P20 and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal waters of the Acaban Cave.

The Cave of Acaban is wide enough to let the people enter it but the only accessible part of the cave is about 20ft from the opening. Legend has it that the Cave is not natural but man made. The caretaker of the place said that treasure hunter once blasted the cave believing that they can find a treasure in the area. I haven’t asked though if they were able to find one.

When you go swimming at Acaban Cave, make sure that you know how to swim because the water is too deep especially in the middle part. Bringing of life jacket is advised for the kids and even adults if they don’t know how to swim. Snorkeling is a fun activity when going to Acaban Cave because there are different type of fishes that you can see there. You can even feed them with bread. It’s definitely a must for the visitors of Biliran to have a look at Acaban Cave. I have here below a video presentation I made during my visit at Acaban Cave.

Dalutan Island Beach Resort

Yesterday, my girlfriend invited me to join with her high school classmates visit Dalutan Island of Almeria, Biliran. I was hesitant at first because I am not that close to some of her friends. So I was thinking if should I join them or not but the thought that I haven’t visited the Island yet gave me the urge to go with them and visit the Island. Dalutan Island is situated in Almeria, Biliran right in front of Agta Beach Resort, Talahid Beach Resort and VRC. The island is owned and managed by Engr. Dondon Muertegui, a childhood friend of my father. The distance is probably 2 or 3 kilometers away from the main land of Biliran, so it should take about 15-30 minutes boat ride from Talahid, Almeria.

Our group arrived at Talahid at around 1pm and was able to find a good deal for the boat ride. The boat ride was suppose to be P600 but we were able to haggle up to P500 (Hmm. P100 is still P100).  When arrived at the beach line of Dalutan, we were asked to pay P20/head for the entrance fee exclusive of the cottage and table. Since we were the only beachbum that day, we then asked if we could just pay for the entrance and use the table for free for our lunch. The caretaker was too good to let us use the table and some facilities.

My girlfriend with her high school classmates

That afternoon was all swimming and diving for my girlfriend and her high school classmates. Me, I tried to roam around and search for some interesting sites near the shoreline. Most part of the Island has rock formation on its side and only a hundred meters approximate for the beach line.

The Rock Formation of Dalutan Island

On our way back to the mainland of Biliran, the boatman was so generous to tour us to the back part of the Island. The Island has a cave on the right side wherein bats reside during day time and the only way for you to enter is to swim inside or by boat. I don’t know if that part of the island goes low tide though.

A panoramic view of the beach line with my girlfriend on it.

If you want to visit the Island, you can travel by motorcycle or a 4-wheel vehicle to Talahid and ask for a boatman that goes to Dalutan Island. Try to haggle for the fare because for me, P600 fare is too expensive for the two way boat ride. Bring your own foods on the Island because you won’t see any convenience store in it. The management also doesn’t allow an overnight stay to their visitors so at 5pm, you should be going back to the main land of Biliran together with the caretaker of the Island.

The Philippine Flag

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Waterfalls of Almeria, Biliran

I never really thought of posting this picture here before but when I saw that it was actually nice and good looking, I decided to blog about it. This was my first time visiting this tremendous falls in Almeria, Biliran Province. Going to the place is not an easy task, you'll have to pass through some steepy cliff. There is actually four waterfalls on this side of Biliran. You can pass through them one by one until you reach the fourth waterfalls called "Kinaraha". First waterfalls is Sampaw if I'm not mistaken next is the Ulan-ulan and then Recoletos then lastly the Kinaraha Falls. We went there last May 2010 when some Cebuano friends of my cousin had a vacation at Naval. The Sampaw falls is not very accessible though you can see it while walking going to Ulan-ulan. Kinaraha is a bit far and locals said its a bit dangerous going there. So our party decided to just stay at Ulan-ulan then visit Recoletos.

Jumping from the side of Recoletos

In Recoletos, you can be like Tarzan because there's this rope hanging from a tree that you can ride on then jump off on the water. You can also go near its top and jump from there. Me and my cousins had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Biliran's waterfalls. I'm pretty sure our visitor enjoyed their visit too.

That's me! Catching the waters of Ulan-ulan Falls!