Biliran
Waterfall country — Sambawan's sandbar, hot springs and jungle falls.
Plan a trip to Biliran
We'll route it through Cebu and build the itinerary with you.
Overview & Highlights
Biliran is the Visayas' best-kept adventure island: a mountainous province of waterfalls, hot springs, mangrove rivers and the postcard sandbar of Sambawan Island. Canyoneer Tinago and Ulan-Ulan falls, soak in the Mainit hot springs, cross the shifting sandbar at Higatangan, then anchor off Sambawan for snorkelling and sunsets. From Cebu, fly to Tacloban and continue by land and boat into the province.
Flight Information
Flight Schedules from Cebu (CEB)
Gateway: Tacloban (TAC)| Airline | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Cebu Pacific | 2x Daily |
| Philippine Airlines | Daily |
Interactive Map
Sample Itineraries
Biliran Falls & Sambawan
4 DaysArrive via Tacloban and Naval, then a trek to Tinago and Ulan-Ulan falls with a hot-spring soak, a full day island hopping to Sambawan and Higatangan, and a slow final morning before heading back to Cebu.
Biliran + Cebu Gateway
5 DaysMactan heritage and reef days in Cebu, then four days in Biliran for waterfalls, hot springs and the Sambawan sandbar.
Tourist Attractions
Sambawan Island
A tiny islet off Maripipi with a curving sandbar, coral gardens and a grassy hilltop lookout.
Tinago Falls
A towering waterfall in Caibiran reached by a short trek through jungle and riverbed.
Ulan-Ulan Falls
A wide, easy-to-reach falls near Almeria with a natural swimming basin.
Higatangan Island
Home to a shifting white sandbar that changes shape with the tide, plus a black-rock beach.
Mainit Hot Springs
Natural hot springs in the hills above Caibiran, popular after a long trek.
Casiawan Beach
A quiet grey-sand beach with clear water and views toward Maripipi.
Local Food & Dining
Kilawin & kinilaw
Fresh catch cured in vinegar, calamansi and chilli — the province's go-to appetiser.
Danggit & tuyo breakfasts
Sun-dried fish with garlic rice and eggs before a day on the water.
Lato & guso seaweed salad
Crisp sea grapes and seaweed tossed with vinegar and onion.
Binagol & moron
Sweet taro and sticky-rice treats from neighbouring Leyte, sold in Naval's markets.
Hotels & Accommodation
Sambawan Island cottages
Biliran Dive Resort
GV Hotel Naval
Triss Homestay
Activities & Tours
Island hopping to Sambawan
Boat out to Sambawan and Maripipi for snorkelling, sandbar walks and a hilltop sunset.
Waterfall & canyoneering trek
Guided trek through riverbeds and jungle to Tinago, Ulan-Ulan and Bagongbong falls.
Hot spring soak at Mainit
A relaxing soak in the province's natural hot springs after a trek.
Mangrove & firefly boat
An evening boat through the Caibiran mangroves as the fireflies come out.
Freediving & snorkelling at Higatangan
Reef and sandbar snorkelling with shallow, clear water near the island.
Festivals & Events
Higatangan Festival
A beach festival on Higatangan Island with boat races, sandbar games and local food.
Naval Town Fiesta
The provincial capital's fiesta with processions, street food and community shows.
Practical Travel Information
Transportation
Fly Cebu to Tacloban, then a van or bus to Naval takes about 2-3 hours. Boats to Sambawan and Higatangan leave from Naval or Caibiran; tricycles and habal-habal cover short hops on land.
Weather
Tropical with frequent rain, 25-31°C. Driest from March to June; Biliran sits in the typhoon belt, so seas and roads can be affected from July to December.
Best Time to Visit
March to June for calm crossings and accessible falls — check weather forecasts before any island crossing.
Travel Tips
Bring cash: cards are rarely accepted outside Naval. Hire local guides for the falls, pack a dry bag for boat days, and keep your plans flexible for sea conditions.
Extend Your Journey
Continue exploring through Cebu — these destinations are nearby or reachable on the same trip:
Ready to explore Biliran?
Your adventure starts at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
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