An Escape to Sambawan Island (Maripipi, Biliran Province)

Of the Philippine regions, the 2 that I haven't been to are Eastern Visayas (Region 8) and ARMM. One is because these two are not in my real bucket list. And two, either one region is ravaged by typhoons or the other affected by armed conflict.

This year's Holy Week was a great opportunity to visit, at least, Eastern Visayas. A travel buddy has been talking tirelessly about a certain Kalanggaman Island in Leyte. And since we were unable to chance upon promo fares to Hanoi, we shall go local this year. 

I must say this is the trip I was most unprepared for. Why? Because one of us who is a Waray is clueless about the location of the island and there were very few blog entries about it. While looking at how-to-go-there stuff, we came across Sambawan Island in Naval, Biliran. Since it is 2 hours away from Tacloban Airport, it was considered a possible detour.

Several days before leaving Manila, we have decided to go to Sambawan and then to Kalanggaman in Palompon, Leyte. We shall go back to Manila via Cebu.

Sambawan Island (Tacloban City to Naval)

From Tacloban Airport, one needs to take a cab to get to the New Tacloban Terminal. Fare is around Php200. This will only take 15 minutes.

At the terminal, ask the Manongs there about the shuttle vans that go to Naval. The trip is 2 hours long and fare is only P150. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Naval Port.

[Longer Route] 

Upon arrival at the port, pay the terminal fee of Php10 before heading to your preferred ferry. There are three schedules for ferries that go to Maripipi: 10:00AM, 10:30AM and 11:00AM. Fare is only Php60 which is collected in the boat. Travel time to Maripipi is 1 and a half (1.5) hours.

From the Maripipi port, we rented 2 habal-habal that will bring us to that part of the municipality where we can ride a boat to Sambawan. Before hopping on your boat, make sure you have all the supplies you need as there is no store in the island. 

Welcome to Maripipi!

One mistake we committed was taking this really small boat to the island, only for Php350. As we get to the middle of the sea, the waves got bigger and the water started splashing into the boat. Honestly, I got scared because my two buddies do not know how to swim! Thankfully, we reached the island safely and in one piece. 

[Fastest Route]

There is another way, the shorter one, to reach Sambawan. From Naval, you can rent a habal-habal to take you to Kawayan Port (the trip is approximately 20 minutes). Boat rentals can go as high as Php2,000. For our way back, the island supervisor charged us P1,700 (split to 3) to bring us to Kawayan. I would recommend this route as this is faster and they use bigger boats. The trip to kawayan will only last for an hour.

Hello, beach.

 Amazing view from the top.

Breathtaking...

What to remember in Sambawan Island:

1. Entrance fee is Php50.
2. You can rent a cottage for Php500.
3. There are no sari-sari stores. Make sure to have enough water and food with you especially when planning to stay here for the night. Buy your supplies in Naval.
4. There is no cooking charge! The people here are just so kind.
5. There are cottages you can rent for the night for Php2,500 -- cheap for groups. 
6. Tents are allowed.

We stayed in Sambawan for 3 hours, enjoying the pristine white-sand beach and taking photos from atop the mountain. It gives you a 360-degree view of Sambawan.

The hour-long travel to Kawayan Port was a smooth one even if the dark clouds were already forming and it started to drizzle. At the port, the habal-habal brought us to Naval. To me it was a joy ride, the air was fresh. The rice fields set against the lush mountains make a beautiful background. After 20 minutes, we are back in Naval. We are staying at TJ Lodge. An airconditioned room good for 3 pax only costs Php850.

EXPENSES:
Taxi to New Tacloban Terminal - P70 (metered fare is P200, divided by 3)
Van to Naval - P150
Naval Terminal Fee - P10
Ferry fare to Maripipi - P60
Habal-habal to boat rental - P30
Boat to Sambawan - P117 (P350 divided by 3)
Island entrance fee - P50
Cottage rent - P167 (P500 divided by 3)
Boat to Kawayan Port - P567 (P1,700 divided by 3)
Habal-habal to Naval - P100
TJ's Lodge - P283 (P850 divided by 3)
Dinner at Goldilocks Carinderia - P73 (P220 divided by 3)
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TOTAL - P1,677