What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Such a coincidental question posted by Angel on Facebook after deciding to waive my return tickets for a major climb and declining two free concert passes. Such an opportune time to waste. But you see, as you age, you become more particular with the amount of risks you are willing to take. You become more “choosy” with your battles. This is the reason why I would always push others to do something crazy while they’re still entertaining such thought – why I forced Rhona and Sansan to go for that ATV ride, why blackmailed Wilma if she won’t climb Taraw Peak, and why I’ll forever support those who are planning to set forth on wild adventures. Cliché but it is true: you only live once. There would come a time when the adrenaline fades and only fear will crept into your system.
This is why I’m forever grateful to Chasing Potatoes for tagging me along on this Biliran trip. And why I won’t be sorry for taking a leave of absence so as to marvel this beautiful paradise. Peace out, boss! HAHA.
After our extreme canyoning adventure in Biliran, we went island hopping around its nearby islets to chill and unwind after that strenuous jumping, swimming, and rappelling down Ulan-ulan Falls. Sambawan Island is one of the many islets of Biliran – a province that has been long living in the shadows of Leyte. It is a separate province composed of two major islands – Biliran and Maripipi. Sambawan is a long stretch of island composed of interconnected hilly terrains with white sand beaches on the sides. It is a perfect vantage point for sunrise and sunset with the islands of Maripipi, Biliran, and Leyte at the background and a wonderful playground for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Reflecting on it, Sambawan Island opened a lot of opportunities for me. It made me connect with other bloggers, hikers, and people whom I would never have met had I declined Glister’s invitation. Indeed, you’ll never grow if you stayed on shores. As they say it: only rough seas make great sailors. Once in a while, you have to be bold and take risks. It’s either you win or you learn. It would take a lot of convincing because it’s really scary. But if you take risk, you also get rid of the uncertainty, of the ‘what-is’. Probably it won’t work exactly the way you hope it to be, at least you didn’t sit around playing safe while immense possibilities lie in the corner.
Life is short. Do not let you fears intervene. If an adventure is waving at you, make sure to wave back.
See you on trails? Or see you on Facebook and Instagram?
How to get to Sambawan Island in Biliran:
- There are direct trips from Cebu to Biliran (12hr) but it is also be reached in v-hire from Ormoc/Tacloban.
- From Naval, we went to Barangay Kawayan to charter a boat to bring us to Sambawan Island. Price may range from P1,000 – P3,000 depending on the number of persons. If you’re coming from Maripipi, it is accessible via Barangay Ol-og with boat fee ranging from P500 – P3,000. Travel time runs from 45 minutes to an hour.
- Aside from Sambawan, you may also visit its neighboring island, Higatangan Island, which is known for its shifting sandbar and unique rock formations.
- Sambawan is an uninhabited island, hence no hotels can accommodate guests there. But guests may pitch tents along the beach (P100/day) or rent cottages for P500 – P2,500 (with bed, toilet, fresh water bath, and electricity). Entrance fee is at P80/head with boat mooring fee of P50.
- For a hassle-free trip, you may contact Sir Joni Bonifacio of Trexplore the Adventure, who also manages Biliran Outdoor Shop and Samar Outdoor Shop, at 0919-294-3865/0927-675-0062. Or directly reach him through Facebook (Trexplore the Adventures) or at trexplore.weebly.com.
Dakilanglaagan 