At a towering height of 1315masl, Tres Marias is a popular destination for nature lovers visiting Biliran. The highest mountain in Biliran Island. One of my favorite in the Philippines due to its stunning landscape. Visited here twice in 2011 and 2012. I still have this desire to come back next time.
It was a relief when we reached the jumping off point in Sampao which took us 3 hours from Tacloban. We registered ourselves at the small house and started the trek immediately. The numerous waterfalls along the trails will surely tempt the exhausted climbers planning to reach the summit. Three major waterfalls including the Ulan-ulan, Recoletos, and Nomad. The most captivating among them all is the majestic Ulan-ulan waterfalls. Probably got its name due to its rainshower-like appearance gracefully falling on the rocky grounds. It’s the first waterfall you can see when scaling this mountain.
The Aeta campsite is big enough to accommodate more or less 20 tents. It is nestled inside a woody forest. From campsite to the summit, the landscape changes dramatically to trees thickly covered with moss and pitcher plants clinging on branches. Some mountain rats and centipedes were observed on the summit. You have to climb in one of those bonsai trees for you to see the panoramic view of the ranges. Been there twice but still, I haven’t had the luck to see the clear view of the ranges.
How to get there:
From Tacloban, take a van or bus either in Abucay Terminal or van terminals situated in Tacloban City proper. Van Vans terminal is located in Burgos St while Duptours terminal in Avenida Veteranos St. From Naval, you can hire a habal-habal going to Sampao, Almeria.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Depart in Tacloban via rented van 0830H
Arrived in Brgy. Sampao, Almeria, Biliran 1140H
Start of trek 1200H
Arrived at campsite. 1800H
Pitched tent, dinner and socials
Lights off 2300H
Day 2
Rise and shine 0600H
Light breakfast 0700H
Summit assault 0940H
Arrived at summit 1100H
Descend to campsite. Decamp. 1130H
Descend to Brgy. Sampao 1300H
Arrived in Brgy. Sampao 1700H
Back to Naval via habal-habal 1730H
Depart Naval, Biliran 1900H
Arrived in Tacloban. Home sweet home. 2200H
Expenses:
Tacloban to Brgy. Sampao Php 150.00
Sampao-Naval via habal Php 50.00
Naval to Tacloban Php 120.00
Guide Fee per day Php 800.00
