Northern Samar: Rock Formations, Waterfalls and Islands
Accommodation in Northern Samar
Northern Samar borders the San Bernardino Strait and the Pacific Ocean. The destination offers a variety of reasons to visit: large rock formations, waterfalls, mangrove landscapes, islands and cultural events. When planning your trip, it is worth considering how you can reach each destination. In addition to places along a road, there are short walks, a hike lasting several hours and trips by boat.
Rock Formations, Islands and Mangroves
On Biri, there are seven large rock formations, including Bel-at and Magasang. Canauayon Island & Fish Sanctuary includes a nine-hectare island and a fish sanctuary covering more than 13 hectares. It has natural coral cover, and white beach sand can be found at the northern tip.
Buenavista Mangrove Eco-Park is a 90-hectare swampy area at the foot of Looc Bay. Its extensive mangrove growth is visible from Buenavista Causeway. Lalaguna Mangrove Ecopark is located in Barangay San Isidro, Lavezares: a 300-hectare protected mangrove forest and marine sanctuary. Visitors can explore the park via a bamboo-and-concrete walkway and climb to a viewpoint on a hill. Boating, kayaking, swimming and nature walks are among the activities offered there; conditions and visitor arrangements may change.
Waterfalls and Special Access
Igot Falls is 150 feet high and flanked by two large, densely forested mountain ranges. From the national highway in Barangay San Juan, Miroy Falls & Lagoon is a 15-minute walk through cultivated coconut farms. Igot Falls, by contrast, can only be reached from the old logging area in Palanit via a four-hour hike; trail conditions may vary. When planning visits to the two destinations, take their different walking times into account.
Kan Pongkol Falls is a multi-tiered series of waterfalls where the waters of three large rivers, as well as several streams and waterways, meet. Travelers on the national highway often stop at Bangon Falls to swim in its cool waters. Busay Falls lies along the road from Barangay Seven Hills to Barangay Happy Valley and is frequently visited by local tourists because of its proximity.
Culture, History and Local Events
The Ibabao Festival is Northern Samar’s major provincial festival. It celebrates the province’s rich history, cultural heritage and shared identity as the ancient land of Ibabao. The festival takes place every June in connection with the anniversary of Northern Samar’s founding. Local programming may change; check event dates before your trip.
In Lavezares, the recurring Pinonayan Festival highlights the history, culture, livelihoods, products and industries of each barangay. On Capul Island, the centuries-old San Ignacio de Loyola Church and its watchtower are well known. During the Spanish colonial period, the watchtower once served to defend against pirate raids. The Statue of the Risen Christ in Barangay Balicuatro, Lavezares, is also visited for prayer, reflection and sightseeing.
Boat Trips and Trip Planning
Canauayon Island & Fish Sanctuary can be reached from San Isidro Ferry Terminal by rowboat; boat availability may vary. Sohoton Cave and Cliff is a five-minute boat ride from Barangay Palanit. Boat arrangements may change. Biri Island can be reached from Lavezares by bangka in about an hour; crossing times depend on conditions.
A municipal ordinance requires visitors to Biri to have an accredited local guide. Check the requirement and guide arrangements before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Southern Leyte, Leyte, Southern Leyte.
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