Bel-at Rock
A dark mass with clear tidal pools.
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The Biri Rock Formations are a group of strange rock masses on the north coast of Biri Island, off northern Samar. They face the Philippine Sea, carved by waves into tilted layers and huge walls, and are among the most astonishing natural sights in the east of the country. The island belongs to the municipality of Biri, which began as a village in 1649 and became a separate municipality in 1969, with about 11,000 people today. The rocks lie within the Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape. Press reports say they have been declared a national geological monument, and local bodies are seeking UNESCO Global Geopark status. You walk on broad stone shelves leading from one mass to the next, among them Bel-at and Magasang. Clear tidal pools between the rocks mirror the sky, and waves hit the walls hard. Golden and dark layers of stone show clearly. The islanders are known for inakob, a dish of taro and coconut served hot in the rainy months. The rocks are 35.6 km in a straight line north-west of Catarman. You travel by road to Lavezares port, then by boat to the island, then by tricycle. Waves are dangerous and the stone is slippery and sharp, so keep back from the edge in high seas and wear closed shoes. Bring water and a hat, as shade is scarce. Avoid the typhoon months, when boats may stop.
A dark mass with clear tidal pools.
A tilted wall above broad shelves.
Carved stone in warm colours.
North coast of Biri Island, Northern Samar province
By road to Lavezares port, then by boat to the island, then by tricycle to the rocks.
Yes with care, as the stone is slippery and waves dangerous, so keep back from the edge.