If you fancy the outdoors and taking off-the-beaten path, the tiny province of Biliran will surprise you with immaculate natural attractions concealed in its towering mountains draped by dense wilderness. Maripipi Island, the smallest town of Biliran exudes with dramatic coastlines and a handful of white sand beaches blissfully devoid of luxury trappings. Sambawan Island, just off the coast of Maripipi is the most beautiful island in Biliran that I have seen to date.

Sambawan Island

Here’s a guide to Maripipi Island and Sambawan Island to help you plan your trip:

How to get to Maripipi Island from Mainland Biliran:

• Naval, the capital of Biliran, can be reached by van from Tacloban or Ormoc in Leyte. Travel time is 2 hours, van fare is PHP 130.

• Three daily ferry boats (large outrigger boats) leave for Maripipi Island from Naval port in Biliran. I took the Ma.Lourdes 2E ferry to Brgy. Ermita (town center) that leaves Naval at 10:30 AM for Maripipi and returns the following day at 5AM. Fare is Php 75, travel time is roughly 1.5 hours. Viga Express leaves for Brgy. Binalayan, Maripipi at 10AM and returns the following day at 5AM.

Getting Around Maripi Island:

• There is no tricycle or jeep in Maripipi Island, you can get around by habal-habal (motorcycle). Touring the island will take a few hours and you can charter a motorcycle for about Php 400.

How to get to Sambawan Island: 

• Because I stayed in a homestay in Brg.Ermita, I took a motorcycle to the jump off point in Maripipi Island to Sambawan for Php 50 (one way).

• You can hire a small boat for Php 500 (1-3 people) from Maripipi Island, travel time is roughly 20 minutes. You may contact ate Cynthia Requiero (+63) 918 516 6075. At that time, ate Cynthia referred me to another boat owned by the staff working in Maripipi Island. You may also contact them at Php + 63 928 904 3673 0r (+63) 96 410 4866.

• For large groups, you may also rent an outrigger boat from Kayawan town in mainland Biliran for roughly Php 1,500- Php 3,000. Travel time is roughly 1.5 hours.

• Entrance fee at Sambawan Island is Php 50 per person.

• There’s a store at the island for your basic needs, drinks and snacks.

Maripipi/Sambawan Island Accommodations:

• Judith Gaviola’s homestay  –  double fan rooms (good for 2 pax) starts at Php 250. They have 3 spacious, clean and tranquil rooms. Contact number: (+63) 929 766 9790 (contact person May Gaviola) . However they told me that since they are run by elderly sisters, for security reasons, they prefer female or couple guests, they rarely accept solo male visitors.
• Beside their house there’s a nice and accommodating family that has an eatery and serves grilled food. There motorcycle is also available for touring around the island. If you plan to stay at Aling Judith’s homestay, I suggest you board the Ma.Lourdes ferry from Naval port. This ferry will stop at Brgy.Ermita, and from there, walk a few meters to the highway and turn left, Aling Judith’s homestay can be reached by foot, landmark is the Lotto, after the church. Also near the port is Maripipi Island’s Municipal Hall.
• Napo Beach Resort – rooms start at Php 600.
• Sambawan Island open cottages – Open air cottages in Sambawan Island start at Php 500. You may contact the resort at Php + 63 928 904 3673 0r (+63) 96 410 4866

Maripipi Island and Sambawan Island Sample Itinerary:

3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary

• Day 1

9:30 AM – Board ferry at Naval Port ( Brgy. Ermita or Brgy. Binalayan)
11:45 AM – Arrival at Maripipi Island
11: 45 AM – Look for homestay or lodge (see details above)
12:00 PM – Lunch / Rest
1:00 AM – Hire a motorcycle to tour around the island.
4:00 PM – Back to Lodge
4:15 PM onwards – Relax / Dinnner / Mingle with locals/ Sleep

• Day 2

8:00 AM – Hire motorcycle to Sambawan Island jump off point.
8: 30 AM – Ride the boat to Sambawan Island
9:00 AM – Pay the Php 50 entrance fee.
12:00 PM – Lunch

3:00 PM – return to Maripipi Island
4:00 PM onwards – rest / dinner/ sleep

• Day 3

4:30 AM – Board the ferry back to Naval.

2 Days 1 Night Itinerary:

• Day 1

9:30 AM – Board ferry at Naval Port ( Brgy. Ermita or Brgy. Binalayan)
11:45 AM – Arrival at Maripipi Island
11: 45 AM – Look for homestay or lodge (see details above)
12:00 PM – Lunch / Rest
1:00 PM – Hire a motorcycle to jump off point to Sambawan Island.
1: 30 PM –Hire a boat to Sambawan Island.
2:00 PM – Travel to Sambawan Island.
2:20 pm – Arrive in Sambawan. Go trek the hill for a scenic view of the island.
5: 30 PM – Return to Maripipi Island
6:00 PM onwards – rest/ dinner/ mingle with locals/ sleep

• Day 2

4:30 AM – Board the ferry to Naval port.

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