SAMBAWAN ISLAND IN BILIRAN
Sambawan Island is an uninhabited set of islets at the western side of Maripipi Island in Biliran Island, Samar. Sambawan Island is full of fun activities to enjoy. The water surrounding its islets is a haven for numerous marine animals. From the spiny sea urchins to the brightly colored clown fishes swimming among the corals, these waters are teeming with life.
You can snorkel at Sambawan Islands’ shallow waters and if you have a camera handy, take some awesome underwater photographs. The warm waters are also excellent for some recreational swimming.
Having a picnic on the white sandy beaches of the Island is the best way to enjoy a meal since there are no cottages to mar the natural beauty of the area. This gives Sambawan Island its unique appeal for the discerning traveler who wants to experience untouched nature
Sambawan Island is endowed with beautiful white sandy beach, rich marine life and coral gardens, which invite intrepid divers and snorkelers especially on summer season. During high tide, Sambawan transforms into three beautiful islets.
Also taking photographs up the rocky faces of the islets makes for excellent compositions. The stark, rocky coastline and spectacular lighting with the clear blue skies as your backdrop are interesting elements you can play with
Clear crystal waters greeted us as we docked on the pleasant shore of Sambawan Island. The stretch of pristine white sand beach is unblemished.
Sambawan Island is a beautiful and untamed piece of land. So the most advisable time to go is when weather conditions are at its friendliest. However if you are of the adventurous type anytime of the year is still a great time to visit Sambawan Island.
And if you manage to catch the sunrise or the sunset in Sambawan Island then you can be sure you’re gonna get a masterpiece in your hands.
How to get to Sambawan Island
Sambawan Island is located on the northwestern part of Biliran Island and is 20 minutes away from the smallest town of Biliran, Maripipi Island. There is no direct flight to Naval, Biliran and the nearest airport is in Tacloban City. Travel time from Tacloban City to Naval, Biliran is approximately 2 hours, and van fare is 140 pesos. If you are coming from Cebu, you can take the SuperCat which has a daily trip to Ormoc (5:30, 11:00, and 4:30PM). Travel time to Naval from Ormoc is also 2 hours, but you won't be paying anything for the van c/o SuperCat, just present your ticket. For SuperCat schedule of trips, just visit their site. Drop off point whether you come from Tacloban or Ormoc is at Naval Port.
At the Naval port, there are three ferry boats (Ma. Lourdes, Viga Express, and Brian Claire Cruise) that leave Biliran Port to Maripipi Island and the schedule of these trips (Monday to Saturday only) is at 10:00-10:30 in the morning and the trip going back to mainland Naval is at 4:30 to 5:00 in the morning the following day. This means that you have to stay a night at either Sambawan Island or at Maripipi town, especially if you are going to this island the local way. Travel time from Naval port to Maripipi is roughly 1.5 hours. Once you reached the town of Maripipi, you can hire a habal-habal that could take you to barangay Ol-og where you can hire motorized boat that can take you to Sambawan Island. Travel time (Maripipi to Sambawan) is more or less 15-20 minutes and it should cost only 300-500 pesos.