February 2021

hidden gems in Bali, bali, water palace, vacations

Hidden Gems In Bali – Top 7 You Now Know!

The Land of Gods, that is Bali. This island is known for its traditional arts, dance, paintings, sculpture, and its rich Balinese Hinduism heritage. Bali is definitely the most visited island in the world and its popular tourist spots are often packed. However, do you know there are several hidden gems in Bali?

In this post, we explore 7 of its hidden gems, the best areas, and hotels to stay, and if Bali is worth visiting. You have landed on the right page if you are looking to know:-

  1. Where is Bali?
  2. What are the hidden gems in Bali?
  3. Which is the best area to stay in Bali?
  4. Is Bali worth visiting?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer Policy for more information.

Where is Bali?

Bali is one of Indonesia’s provinces. This province is East of Java and West of Lombok. Bali has three islands which are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. This island is one of Indonesia’s popular destinations. The Austronesians are the natives of Bali. Although, the people are culturally associated with Indonesia and Malaysia.

Balinese Hinduism

Although Indonesia has a majority Muslim population of 87%, Bali’s Hindu population is 83%. Hinduism came to Indonesia in the 1st century through traders, sailors, and priests from India. The Tantu Pageleran is a collection of ancient tales from the Majapahit Empire.

This collection has extensive use of Sanskrit words and stories and emphasizes Indian deities and concepts. An 8th-century Canggal Inscription strengthens the widespread adoption and acceptance of Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities as their Gods. 

Balinese Hinduism is a combination of animistic and Indian customs. The belief in the Trimurti of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva is prevalent here. The Balinese also worship non-Hindu Gods such as Sang Hyang Widhi.  Sang Hyang Widhi is the Supreme God of Balinese Hinduism and is equivalent to Lord Brahma in Hinduism.

What are the hidden gems in Bali?

Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan

hidden gems in bali, pura tamblingan, 10th century ancient temple, temple at shore of lake
Image Credit: The Nest (Tumblr)

The first in our hidden gems in Bali is Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan. This temple sits on a caldera lake in Buleleng. There are three lakes in this area which are Lake Tamblingan, Lake Buyan, and Lake Bratan.

Another famous temple in Lake Bratan is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. This particular temple is the archaeological remnants of 10th-century civilization. 

The ancient civilization of Tamblingan was the first settlement near the lake. The villages were Munduk, Gobleg, Gesing and Umejero.

A common belief among the villagers was maintaining the sanctity of the Lake Temple. This temple is 44 miles from Denpasar which is a 2-hour drive. The only way to get here is by private vehicle.

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Twin Lakes of Bali

hidden gems in bali, twin lakes of bali, lake buyan, lake tamblingan, rainforest
Image Credit: The Bali Bible

The second in our hidden gems in Bali are the twin lakes of Bali. The twin lakes of Bali are Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. The lake on the left is Buyan and the one on the right is Tamblingan.

This lake was previously one lake. However, local stories state that a major landslide divided the lake into two. This lake has been featured on Eleven Myanmar, Padma Resort, Ubud, and Travel Triangle.

These lakes are a 2-hour drive from Denpasar. Pura Tamblingan and the twin lakes can be made as a day trip since these two attractions are in the same area.

Pura Gunung Kawi

hidden gems in bali, pura gunung kawi, funerary complex, bali's valley of kings, tampaksiring
Image Credit: Chensiyuan (Wikipedia Commons)

The third in our hidden gems in Bali is the funerary complex of Gunung Kawi. Gunung Kawi is Bali’s Valley of the Kings. This funerary complex is in Tampaksiring. This funerary complex is near Tirtha Empul.

The candis was constructed by King Anak Wungsu for his parents. This candis are not tombs as they have never contained human remains or ashes. This place is on CNN and New Indian Express.

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Wanagiri Hidden Hills

hidden gems in bali, bali swing, wanagiri hidden hills, lake buyan
Image Credit: Wonderful Indonesia

The fourth in our hidden gems in Bali is the Wanagiri Hidden Hill. Wanagiri Hidden Hill is Indonesia’s Selfie Region. This lookout point is famous for its swing with a view of Lake Buyan. Other lookouts include a huge bird’s nest and a bamboo boat-like structure (Titanic, maybe?). The entrance fee is between IDR 100,000 to 150,000 ($7 to $10).

An excellent guide on this place is on Wanderers and Warriors. This place is on Wonderful Indonesia, Asia One, and The Bali Bible.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

hidden gems in Bali, campuhan ridge walk, ubud
Image Credit: Omnivagant

This ridge walk is 17 miles from Denpasar which is about an hour’s drive. This walk is in Ubud. The walk passes through paddy fields, small villages, and ends at a cafe where you can enjoy the view. Check out How to Get to Campuhan Ridge Walk and walk away!

There is no entrance fee to visit the ridge. It takes about 1-3 hours to complete the 1.7-kilometer trek. This depends on one’s fitness levels. Campuhan Ridge Walk has been featured on Thrillophilia, Fodor’s Travel, and Coconuts.

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Monkey Forest

hidden gems in bali, sacred monkey forest, ancient temple
Image Credit: Marriott Vacation Club

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is 16 miles from Denpasar. This forest is home to the Balinese long-tailed macaque. An estimated 1,050 monkeys live here. The sanctuary is in Padantegal and the villagers own the forests and the temples within its ground. The three temples are Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji and Pura Prajapati.

Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal is the main temple and is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi who is a personification of Lord Shiva. The grounds are based on Tri-Hita Kirana.

Tri-Hita Kirana is a doctrine where 3 harmonious relationships are recognized. The relationships are between humans, between humans and animals, and between humans and their Supreme God. 

This forest is on Business Insider, The Travel, and Atlas Obscura.

Pura Lempuyang

hidden gems in Bali, Pura Lempuyang, sacred temple, six sanctuaries of the world
Image Credit: Road Trip With Raj (Unsplash)

Pura Lempuyang is on the slope of Mount Lempuyang and is considered a highly sacred temple. This temple is said to represent the “six sanctuaries of the world”. This temple is about 48 miles from Denpasar which is an approximate 2-hour drive.

Before You Go 

If you are going because of a photo-op, then you can skip this temple. It was revealed that there is no water element and the stunning reflection is a creative photography trick. 

Why You Should Go

This temple is one of the oldest and is on par with Pura Besakih. There are 1,700 steps to reach the top. As this temple is in a remote area, one can experience real life in Bali. A journey to the top is a spiritual experience. This place is on Atlas Obscura, Mirror UK, and Lonely Planet.

Which is the best area to stay in Bali?

Hills

Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa Buleleng

Munduk Moding Plantations, Hill Stay, Buleleng, infinity pool
Image Credit: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa

Munduk Moding is a resort in the Buleleng district in Indonesia. This resort is located 44 miles from Denpasar which is a 2-hour drive. This resort boasts an infinity pool that blends with the blue skies. The resort is famous for its spectacular views of the Java Sea and the surrounding mountains. There are several accommodation options available to suit your family.

Paddy Fields

Veluvana Sidemen

Veluvana, paddy fields stay, sidemen bali
Image Credit: Veluvana Bamboo House

This bamboo house is 30 miles from Denpasar. Veluvana is on the southern flank of Mount Agung. The house is made of locally sourced materials. This place is all about relaxation. One of the activities is a pampering session in the flower pool. These are known as flower baths or the local term, “Mandi Bunga”.

Flower baths are known to have healing properties. The benefits of flower baths include better sleep, soothes aches and pains, and relieving the symptoms of depression. For the adventurous, one can trek the paddy fields. Veluvana has been featured on Tripcanvas.

Beach

The Legian Seminyak

The Legian, Seminyak, beachfront hotel, swimming pool
Image Credit: The Legian

This hotel is on Seminyak beach. This resort boasts 67 sea-facing suites. Each suite comes with a refreshing welcome drink, breakfast, minibar, afternoon tea, and full access to Wellness by The Legian. If you are looking for swaying palm trees and modern architecture, then this resort is for you.

Wellness By The Legian is on the private stretch on Seminyak Beach. The facilities are Sauna, Steam Room, Hot and Cold Plunge Pools, and a lounge.

For complete privacy, stay at the 14 pool villas at The Club by Legian Seminyak. These pool villas are across the street from The Legian. The Club Villas come with a range of benefits to ensure a memorable stay. This hotel is on The Tatler, Harpers Bazaar Arabia, Telegraph UK, and Euro News.

Luxury

Ungasan Clifftop Resort Uluwatu

Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Bukit Peninsula, Ungasan, view of Indian Ocean
Image Credit: The Ungasan

This hotel is on Bukit Peninsula in Ungasan. The hotel is 15 miles from Denpasar which is an hour’s drive. This exclusive resort has 7 villas each with 5 bedrooms. Some of the attractions nearby are Pura Luhur Uluwatu and Jimbaran Bay. Jimbaran Bay is famous for its fresh seafood.

This resort is perfect for those seeking solace. It is away from the crowds of Kuta and Seminyak. This resort also has one-bedroom villas for couples. The good point of this resort is that all villas come with a view of the Indian Ocean.

Is Bali worth visiting?

Yes! Bali is worth visiting. If you are a first-timer, check out The Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Bali to avoid repeating those errors. Bali has a tropical climate, which means loose comfortable items of clothing are a must. Read about what to wear in Bali to know more. Bali has appeared on CEO World Magazine, TTR Weekly, and Fortune Magazine.

To experience life in Bali and its culture, it’s best to step out of the tourist zones and explore the island a little further.

Do you know Indonesia is home to sea gypsies?

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pattachitra odisha, handicraft, handmade, painting

5 Steps to Creating Pattachitra Odisha – A Beautiful Art!

Pattachitra Odisha is a sustainable painting. This art form is from Raghurajpur. In this village, everyone is an artisan. The themes are based on mythological and folklore stories. Pattachitra is a must-buy for tourists who visit Odisha.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer Policy for more information.

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What is a Pattachitra painting?

pattachitra odisha, radha krishna, flute, orange
Image Credit: Webneel

Pattachitra is painting on canvas. It is from the Bengali words “Patta” (cloth) and “Chitra” (picture). This means pictures on cloth. This art has its roots in Odisha, hence the word, Pattachitra Odisha. Another state famous for this type of painting is West Bengal. 

This type of painting is famous for its vibrant colors. Although, there are no specific colors for deities as it depends on the scenes that are being depicted. The paintings are used at Jagannath and Bhubaneswar temples in Odisha. In the village of Raghurajpur, what was originally on cloth, is now on walls and home decoration items. 

The stories are of Radha-Krisha and Lord Jagannath. Scenes from Ramayan and Mahabharat are extensively used. These paintings date back to the 5th-century. Bijoy Parida is an artist who has displayed his works with his solo show, Dancing the Line.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi gifted Pattachitra to former French Prime Minister, Francois Hollande. The art came from this village.

Palm Leaf Pattachitra (Tala Pattachitra)

pattachitra odisha, palm leaf pattachitra, tala pattachitra, lord ganesh on palm leaf, palm leaf painting, raghurajpur
Image Credit: Prashant Dinkar (Pocketful of India)

Before we start on the process of Pattachitra Odisha, let’s look at the types of pattachitra. The first type is Tala Pattachitra which is on palm leaves. The process is time-consuming as it involves palm leaves. However, the results are stunning. 

To soften the leaves, palm, neem, and turmeric are used. The leaves are dried, stitched, and made into foldable panels. Foldable panels are made before the image is drawn. There is no margin for error. If an error is made, the panel would have to be replaced.

Do you know that Ludo and Snakes & Ladders have taken a traditional twist?

Check out the 9 Unknown Facts About Pattachitra if you would like to know more about this art form.

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Which place is famous for Pattachitra in Odisha?

Raghurajpur

pattachitra odisha, bhitti pattachitra, paintings on walls, jagannath, subhandra, balachandra, ragurajpur
Image Credit: Travel With Lakshmi

Bitti Pattachitra is paintings on walls. Raghurajpur. Raghurajpur is in Puri district, Odisha. Gotipua dance originates from this village as well. This village is 38 miles from Bhubaneshwar and 6.2 miles from Puri. This village has been featured on CNN

In this village, Pattachitra is a way of life. This village has some honors attached to it. Firstly, the Patta paintings under Lord Jagannath’s throne and the chariots are from this village. Secondly, the Sambalpuri Sari owe their origins to the Raghuraj paintings.

Although the children of the villagers are all degree holders, they take pride and mention that “it is our duty” to take the art to greater heights. The children hope that Raghurajpur would one day receive worldwide recognition.

What is the process of Pattachitra?

Prepare canvas

pattachitra odisha, preparing the canvas, raghurajpur
Image Credit: Gayatree Tripathy (Medium)

The first step of Pattachitra Odisha begins with preparing the canvas. Cotton is favorable. However, silk cloth is used as it is softer. Firstly, the cloth is dipped in tamarind and soaked for several days. Secondly, the cloth is dried while a paste is made from tamarind and chalk powder. This paste is rubbed on a cloth.

pattachitra odisha, preparing the canvas, rubbing cloth with stone, raghurajpur
Image Credit: Gayatree Tripathy (Medium)

The second step of Pattachitra Odisha is then rubbing the cloth with paste and then leaving it to dry. Finally, the cloth is rubbed with stones to smoothen and make the cloth shine.

The next step in the Pattachitra Odisha process is preparing the colors. The color play reflects the emotions of the characters. Limited colors used were black, white, red, and yellow.

Preparation of colors

preparing the colors, raghurajpur, seashells, hingala
Image Credit: Sarmaya Guide

When making Pattachitra Odisha colors, natural elements are used. The colors are from natural sources such as white color from crushed seashells, black from the soot of burnt coconut shells and yellow comes from Haritala stone.

Do you know that the brushes used by these painters are made from buffalo hair?

Drawing the borders

drawing of borders, pencil work, pattachitra
Image Credit: Gayatree Tripathy (Wikipedia Commons)

The next step in the Pattachitra Odisha process is drawing the borders. The existence of borders is important in Pattachitra. The borders give the painting a contained look and feel.

There are no strict rules with regard to the borders. It can be thick or thin and is up to the artist. An expert draws immediately with the image already in mind.

Drawing the outline

outline of images for pattachitra, pencil work
Image Credit: Gayatree Tripathy (Wikipedia Commons)

The next step is the outline of the images. Some artists use pencils for preliminary drawings. Expert artisans draw onto the canvas using a lighter shade of red or yellow. The outline is important for the artisan to connect with his art. He may choose to go into exact detailing or simply draw the main image.

Symbolism of Characters 

symbolism of pattachitra characters, gods, goddesses, king, commoner, asura, demon, female
Image Credit: A Tale of Crafts (Gaata.com)

As Pattachitra paintings represent Gods and Goddesses, the artist follows the convention of basing God’s expression in Gunas. The portrayal of characters’ emotions is important. These emotions are Rasa. The characters’ emotions depend on the scenes portrayed.

Do you know that the focus of Pattachitra paintings is the expression and emotions of the figures?

Coloring begins

coloring begins, paint, art brush
Image Credit: Gayatree Tripathy (Wikipedia Commons)

The are several stages in the coloring process. The first stage is Hingula Banaka which is filing in the background. The second is Ranga Banaka which is the painting of the characters. The third is Alankarlagi which is painting the finer details. The last stage is painting thick black lines and adding fine lines. The finishing touches are painting the finer ornaments and details.

Is there any other Pattachitra style?

Bengal Pattachitra

bengal pattachitra, woman at work, woman painting
Image Credit: Pritam Dutta (Wikipedia Commons)

Medinipur is the heart of Bengal Pattachitra. The process is similar to Odisha’s. The difference is the artist sings about the story of his scroll as he unfurls the Pattachitra. The Pattachitra artists of West Bengal are Muslims, yet their art relates to Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Chalchitra

chalchitra, bengali pattachitra
Image Credit: Shreya Das (The Indian Express)

Chal” means “to cover” in Bengali while “Chitra” means picture. Chalchitra is a painting covering the idols and is similar to the halo around Gods and Goddesses. An example of an ancient Chalchitra is in the British Museum. The purpose is to create a subtle spotlight from the idol.

Naya

Naya is a village of singing painters. This village is 78 miles from Kolkata. Two hundred and fifty families live here. Everyone is a singer and painter. Their stories are based on mythology and folklore. They are Patuas. Naya is on National Geographic

What is Pipli famous for?

Pipili is a town 19 miles from Bhubaneshwar. Pipili is famous for its Applique. Applique incorporates mirrors into embroidery. Home decoration items, sling bags, and lampshades are the end products of this art. After all, it’s all about the bling!

The name is from Pirs, a Muslim saint who once lived in this village. A Kalinga emperor awarded the land that Pipili sits on. This is to encourage and flourish the arts that we used in Hindu temples.

To encourage tourism, a Mobus service between Bhubaneshwar Railway Station and Pipili began on 23rd June. Four buses with 33 stops ply this route. The maximum fare is INR 30 ($0.40).

Pipili artwork, colorful bags, mirrorwork
Image Credit: Rohit Rath (Flickr)

This town is on Times Travel, Telegraph India, and Deccan Herald. The artwork adorns Lord Jagannath’s chariot during the annual Rath Yatra. Pipli and Raghurajpur is known for their entrepreneurial spirit.

What is applique work embroidery?

Pipili, applique technique, colorsful bags, mirrorwork on fabric
Image Credit: Odisha Tourism

Applique is needlework with mirrors and ornaments. The end products are bags and home decorative pieces. The motifs are geometric shapes, abstract designs, religious stories, and iconography. Read 8 Fine Art & Crafts Traditions to know more!

Khatwa

Khatwa is the art of Bihar. It uses red, yellow, green, and orange motifs. This is the characteristic of Khatwa. The ‘Play-by-ear’ method is used when creating Khatwa. Tents and canopies are the end products of this art. Check out Everything You Need To Know About Khatwa to know more!

Vogue India gives a description of Khatwa and how the art is given a new lease of life. The article describes khatwa as creating designs using fabric, on fabric.

What’s the difference between applique and embroidery?

Embroidery uses colored thread to create patterns. Applique combines patches of cloth. This adds dimension, depth, and texture to the cloth. Applique uses felt fleece and quilting cotton. Embroidery is “thread art” that embellishes a pattern on a cloth.

How many crafts are there in India?

India is known for its arts & crafts. The arts of each state represent diversity, richness in culture, and religion. These home cottages can turn India into a global handicraft center. India is sitting on an untapped gold mine when it comes to handicrafts.

Handmade items are rare. Because of this, the work of these craftsmen is worth mentioning. They need our help and purchasing power to survive.

Do you know the Kumortuli idol makers?

This town is the town of traditional clay idol artists. The villagers have been making clay idols for generations. The residents make deities and demons used during Kolkata’s religious festivals.

Endless Possibilities

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Biliran Island Tourist Spots, philippines, boracay, white beach

Top 7 Awe-Inspiring Biliran Island Tourist Spots For You!

Biliran Island is one of the smallest and newest provinces in the Philippines. The island has white sandy beaches, more than 30 waterfalls, and rice terraces. This post explores Biliran Island tourist spots and places to stay on the island.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer Policy for more information. 

Where is Biliran island located?

Biliran is an island in the Eastern Visayas in the Philippines. Eastern Visayas is part of Region 8. This island is the Philippines’ newest and smallest province. Biliran was previously Isla de Panamao. Spanish conquerors gave the name in the 17th century. Naval is the capital city of Biliran. The original name of this city was Bagasumbol

What is Region 8?

Region 8 or Eastern Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines. There are a total of 17 regions in the Philippines. The aim of these regions is administrative and mainly to coordinate and plan how to get government services across multiple local government units.

Region 8 specifically consists of 6 provinces, 1 highly urbanized city, and 1 independent component city. The three islands of Region 8 are Biliran, Samar, and Leyte. 

Early History of Biliran Island

There are several theories as to how the name Biliran came about. Borobiliran is grass on the island and locals suggest the name may have come from that native grass.

A second theory suggests that the name came from the word bilir which is a Visayan term that means “corner or edge of a boat, vase or anything protruding, like veins, or the furrow made by the plow”. The dictionary gave the name Biliran as an alternative spelling to Bilir.

The theory does make sense as Biliran was once a large ship-building facility. The ships were Galleons. Biliran was the center of trade between Manila and Mexico during the 17th century.

Visa Requirements

The Philippines maintains diplomatic relationships with many countries including the United States. US citizens who visit for less than 30 days do not require a visa. You can check if you have visa-free entry for 30 days. 

How do you get to Biliran Island?

Air

The fastest way to Biliran is via Biliran Airport. However, there is only one airline that flies here. The airline is Air Juan which flies there 5 times a week. Please note that flight schedules may change and it is best to check their website frequently.

The second way by air is through Mactan-Cebu International Airport. This airport is located in the Central Visayas region and is a hub for Cebu Pacific, Pan Pacific Airlines, and Royal Air Phillippines

After arriving at Mactan Airport, take a taxi to the jetty. At the jetty, book a ticket with Oceanjet to Ormoc. The ticket costs Php 650 ($13) one way and the trip takes about 2.5 hours. From Ormoc, Naval is a 2-hour drive.

Sea

From Cebu, there are two options. The first would be to take a 10-hour ferry to Naval. The second option would be to take a speedboat (Oceanjet) to Naval. 

Land

If traveling by land, the options include travel via Manila. There are daily buses to Naval from Pasay or Cubao. Do note that the journey takes more than 24 hours. 

The fastest bus route would be either via Tacloban or via Ormoc. The bus journey from these cities takes about 2 hours to Naval. Check the best ways to get from Cebu City to Biliran on Rome to Rio.

What is Biliran Island famous for?

Biliran Island is famous for many several activities. However, the main Biliran Island tourist spots include island-hopping, hiking waterfalls, and extreme canyoning.

  1. Islands
  • The islands near Biliran that are worth exploring are Maripipi, Sambawan, Higatangan and Dalutan. These islands are untouched by tourism which means clean beaches and fewer crowds.
  1. Waterfalls
  • This island is home to more than 30 waterfalls. They are Tinago, Soab, Tomalistis, Saad, Ulan Ulan, Bagongbong, Recoletos, and Casiawan just to name a few.
  1. Extreme Canyoning
  • Canyoning and waterfall rappeling is a new extreme sports. Similar to rock climbing, one has the adrenaline rush of climbing a waterfall and descending with the full force of the waterfall. 

What are the tourist spots on Biliran Island?

Maripipi Island

Biliran Island Tourist Spots, Maripipi Island, Sambawan Island, rocky outposts, Philippines
Image Credit: The Wandering Juan

Maripipi is a municipal in Biliran province. The original name of this island is Isla Rosa or Rosette Island. Local legends state that star-crossed lovers, Maria and Pepe fled to this island to escape the anger of Maria’s parents who were against the union.

The second version of that story is after eloping, they found happiness here and it was their love that made this island mesmerizingly beautiful. The island was named after them, Maria and Pepe. 

No one knows whether these stories are true or what happened to these lovers. However, the beauty of this island is without a doubt. On how to get to Maripipi, check out this post.

Sambawan Island

Biliran Island Tourist Spots, Sambawan Islands, popular dive site in Philippines
Image Credit: A Wanderful Sole

This crescent-shaped island is about 3 miles from Maripipi Island. Day trippers combine Maripipi Island and Sambawan before heading back to Biliran. Sambawan is a popular dive site due to its crystal clear waters.

A marine sanctuary is on this island and reef sharks, turtles, barracudas, and cuttlefish are a common sight on these reefs. Sambawan is featured on Inquirer and GMA News.

Ulan Ulan Falls

Biliran Island Tourist Spots, Ulan Ulan Waterfalls,  Philippines
Image Credit: No Juan Is An Island

These 25-meter waterfalls are one of Biliran’s most beautiful waterfalls. It is surrounded by dense forest and a short hike above the falls would take you to Recoletos Waterfalls. To reach Ulan Ulan, you would need to hike for about 30 minutes.

The good news is to boost tourism, an access road is being built. The access road would reduce the 30-40 minutes hike to a 5-10 minute drive to the falls. The word Ulan Ulan is a Visayan term which means “rain”.

Nasunugan Watchtower

Biliran Island Tourist Spots, Nasunugan Watchtower, ancient structure, Philippines
Image Credit: Provincial Government of Biliran

Nasunugan Ruins is the only archaeological site on the island. Nasunugan in Tagalog means “burned”. This watchtower was unknown to many until it began appearing on tourist brochures to promote the island. The structure was built in 1765. This revolt is the most successful native revolt against the Spanish in the Phillippines. 

This revolt was led by Padre Gaspar who was eventually caught by Moro fighters. After executing Padre Gaspar, the Moro burnt his forest commune and its structures. To know more about Padre Gaspar, read it on The Biliran Commune.

Higatangan Island Shifting Sand Bar

Biliran Island Tourist Spots, Higatangan Sand Bar
Image Credit: I Am Traveling Light

This sandbar is called the shifting sand bar because the location changes according to the month and tides. Sometimes there are two sandbars and other times, there may be three. Higatangan is from the local word “atangan” which means “to wait”.

The locals believe that this site was where the Moro fighters ambushed approaching ships and waited out for their enemies who were going out to sea. 

The first story is that the Limpiado House is believed to be the hiding place of the late President Marcos with Man Dising. The second story is that strong currents are caused by Ursula sea monsters that inhabit the waters.

There are no shades here as seen in the video below. So, bring plenty of sunscreens and enjoy the views of the shifting sandbars. 

Agta Beach

Agta Beach Resort, Sunset views
Image Credit: Leodb (Wikipedia Commons)

This beach is probably the most popular in Biliran for sunset views. There is only one resort here, Agta Beach Resort. Agta Beach Resort opened in the 1980s when two retired teachers welcomed guests to their home. The beach was named after a tree-dwelling giant according to local belief. Agta beach is a base to visit Dalutan Island for snorkeling and scuba diving activities. 

Mount Panamao

Mount Panamao, Isla de Panamao, second highest peak in Biliran
Image Credit: Biliran Island

The volcano gave this island its name. Mount Panamao or Isla de Panamao is a popular hiking trail. This mountain’s eruption was a rain of ashes in 1669. Mount Panamao’s last eruption was in 1939. Mount Panamao erupts every 130 years. 

What are the best places to stay in Biliran?

Biliran Paradise Sea Houses

Biliran Paradise Sea Houses, Biliran

This beachfront property has two bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a satellite TV, and a fully equipped kitchen. The staff at this resort speak English and Filipino and would assist with bicycle and car rental services.

Fragoch Tourist Inn

Fragoch Tourist Inn, Naval, Biliran

This inn has 20 rooms equipped with mirrors, towels, a closet, and air-conditioning. WiFi is only available in common areas. Fragoch is in Naval and suits travelers who are in Biliran for business or pleasure.

Is Biliran Island worth visiting?

Yes! Biliran is an untouched destination unknown to many tourists. Biliran is overshadowed by Coron, Palawan, and El-Nido which are hot on the tourist radar. This island has much to offer, from endless tourist spots to diving activities. 

The Philippines has 7,641 islands with some already on the tourist map. There are many undiscovered islands not on the tourist trail.

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