“Must-See” Places in Biliran Part 6

BILIRAN ATTRACTIONS

If you haven’t heard of Biliran, maybe it’s because you see that little island on the map and think it’s a part of Leyte. Up until 1992, you would’ve been right. In 1992, Biliran became one of one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines at just over 200 square miles. Biliran affords plenty of opportunities to get lost in true island life regardless of its small size. With provincial charm and no tourist traps that plague other well-known island destinations, Biliran is one of the country’s best kept secrets, and it’s waiting for anyone adventurous enough to unlock its hidden gems. Read More: http://ellry.com/blog/biliran-philippines-waterfall-capital

Maripipi Island

Photo from: http://tourism.biliranisland.com/maripipi-island.php

Maripipi Island, home to the famous Sambawan Island; has a charm of its own, known for its crystal clear waters, friendly locals and white biogenic sand. Nowadays the island of Maripipi has its newest nickname “The Isle of Gems”; with its recent boom in tourism, it provided a much needed income for municipality and its residents.

Isla Rosa (Rosette Island) was allegedly the first name of the island. Legend has it that the name Maripipi, was derived from the lovers Maria and Pepe who fled in this unchartered island to escape the wrath of her parents. The father after a long search, discovered their hiding place. Maria and Pepe took their own lives in order to be joined in the after life, rather than risked being separated in their lifetime. The island became their tomb, a silent testament to their tragedy and love.

The Romantics in us, refused to believe that Maria and Pepe did not have their happy ending. Another version of the story was that the star-crossed lovers found their happiness in the island. It was said that their love was what made the island mesmerisingly beautiful. Whatever happened to the couple after, remains unknown. The island was called in their names, Maria and Pepe, Maripipi as a tribute to their love. Read More: http://tourism.biliranisland.com/maripipi-island.php

Saob Falls

Photo from: http://tourism.biliranisland.com/saob-falls.php

The lesser-known Saob Falls in Cabucgayan, is an incredible 85-meter waterfall that’s perfect for canyoneering. Read More: http://ellry.com/blog/biliran-philippines-waterfall-capital

Nasunugan Watch Tower

Photo from: http://tourism.biliranisland.com/nasunuganwatchtower.php

The Nasunugan Ruins is a reconstruction of an old structure used by early settlers in the island as watchtower against Moro raids between 1765 – 1774. When the settlement was razed to the ground by the invaders, what was left of the structure were the blocks of stones and corals. These were used for reconstruction in 2000.

The ruins is located in Brgy. San Roque, about 5–10 mins from Biliran town proper, believed to be the site where Fr. Gaspar Ignacio de Guevarra built a fort as sanctuary of the early Biliranons. Read More: http://biliran.gov.ph/nasunugan-watchtower-ruins/