Langyaw: Biri Island

Biri is a statement. I can't be adding anything to its name if I use beautiful as a predicate because after seeing the island, Biri cannot be anything else but that.

It is a respite after traveling for over 20 hours. From its people, to the view, and the simplicity of life, everything is a relief from the tiring trip and the numbing stress at the office. The island provides a sense of calm and an avenue for thinking about things that we try hard to ignore every day.

Biri is an island municipality north of Samar, whose amazing rock formations intrigue even geologists. They are huge, dark and mysterious. But Biri is much more. The water that I saw along its shores, even at the port, was unforgettable. I could see through to the bottom, making them look shallow. Sights like this always surprise me considering the sad state of any body of water in Metro Manila. I also saw the island’s sunset casting a relaxing orange glow on the port, where every moment is worthy to be framed. And how beautiful it was to see the sun slowly disappearing behind the mountains of Bicol on the west (Bulusan Volcano is visible from Biri)! Evenings there remind me of my own province. People gather at the park, near the port, chatting about the day’s catch and the humid weather, some telling their children to go home for dinner and others just quietly passing the time, watching everyone else, the stars, the sea, tomorrows and could-haves.

To get to the rock formations, I hired a habal-habal (a motorbike the sits up to 5 people including the driver). From the town center, it took about 15 minutes. Good thing Biri’s road is concrete. Though I still would not consider riding a motorbike enjoyable, it was bearable. This road is supposed to circle the island, very much like the road in Marinduque. But politics in the island is no different from the politics in the metro.

Any compliment would fall short if ascribed to the rock formations I saw in the island. The gigantic rocks that overlook the Pacific and San Bernardino strait are perfect for photo ops, painting, picnics and just passing the afternoon, but I was glad no one else was there but us. Streams and pools of sea water were also found among them. The bigger natural pools have water so clear you can see the sand and the rocks at the bottom and the colourful fishes. They were good spots for a swim.

According to the habal-habal driver-cum-guide, the tourism office has more plans for Biri. They will have more activities for people visiting the island. That will be in addition to the snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing (yes, the waves there are perfect for it) activities that the island already offers. Biri will be full of tourists in the coming years. I can’t decide whether that’s a good or a bad thing.

Getting to Biri is hard, especially, if you take the bus, but the island is worth the hassle. Nothing beats walking along its boulevard near the port at sundown. The burst of colors in the sky over Bulusan volcano inspires. The island is a great place to distill thoughts and to rest. If there is one that I regret about going there it is that I could not stay longer. Surely, Biri is a statement to remember.

Travel Notes:

Manila to Biri
Bus Fare (to Lavezarez): Php 1000

Travel Time: 20 hours (including the Roro from Matnog to San Isidro)
Terminal Fee: Php 30
Boat Fare (Lavezarez to Biri): Php 50
Travel Time: 1 hour

Note:
- We took the bus that goes to Catarman. This bus passes by Lavezarez.
- You may take buses that pass by Allen (buses to, then take a tricycle to Lavezarez.
- You may also take buses to Sorsogon, then take another bus/jeepney/tricycle Matnog. From Matnog, take the Roro to Allen.
- There are passenger boats in Lavezarez till 4pm, but if you want to hire just for you, that will cost more (P800+)
- Electricity in Biri is only from 5pm to 12am.