Pink Sand Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippines is blessed with a variety of sand colors 

ranging from white, brown, black, gray and pink. 

Yes, pink sand beach in the Philippines!

What causes the beach to turn into pink sand? 

The color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion mixed with the white sand.

from Wowzamboangacity

The Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) is an alcyonarian coral native to the waters of the Indian Ocean and the central and western regions of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only known species of the genus Tubipora. This species is a soft coral but with a unique, hard skeleton of calcium carbonate that contains many organ pipe-like tubes. On each tube is a series of polyps which each have eight feather-like tentacles. These tentacles are usually extended during the day, but will swiftly withdraw with any sort of disturbance. The skeleton is a bright red color, but is typically obscured by the numerous polyps, which are green or gray in color. In size, colonies can reach up to a meter across, while the individual polyps are typically less than 3 mm wide and a few mm long. They are restricted to shallow waters and tend to live in sheltered areas. They eat plankton. They are close relatives to other soft coral and sea fans (from Wikepedia).

In the Philippines, we have some island destinations having pink sand beaches, namely:

1. Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Related link:
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-sta-cruz-island-zamboanga-city.html


2. Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/subic-beach-matnog-sorsogon.html



3. Sila Island, San Vicente, Catarman, Northern Samar

from vigattintourism.com

So far, I have visited only, Sta. Cruz Island and Subic Beach and I am planning to explore the other pink sand beaches not only in Sila Island but also in the other nearby towns in Northern Samar.

There are other pink sand beaches in the Philippines. And as of now, there are still debates on their location. In fact, my friend told me that there is another one in Surigao Del Sur. And locating and exploring these pink sand beaches will surely be part of my next travel in the Philippines.

It's More Fun in the Philippines! =)

Related link: 
7 Pink Beaches in the World: http://realwonderoftheworld.com/7-pink-beaches-in-the-world/

Ro-Ro Travel from Allen to Matnog Port (and vice-versa)

Matnog Port, Sorsogon

If you will be traveling by land in the Bicol Region and Region 8, it is a must that you will cross via Ro-Ro the Matnog and Allen ports. The distance between the 2 ports is 25 kms.

There are 2 ports in Allen, Samar and there is only one in Matnog, Sorsogon.

The two ports in Allen are -

1. Dapdap, Kinabranan (there are 4 ships)
    Montenegro - Contact no. 0935-844-5111

2. Balwharteco, Looc (there are 8 ships)
    168 and Star Ferry - Contact No. 0917-591-7718
    Sta. Clara - Contact Nos. 0920-894-4458/ 0917-580-1524

    Better choice is the Looc since it has more ships.
From my experience, even during Holy Week, the shipping lines still service the route provided there are passengers and cargoes. It was Holy Thursday when I traveled in Allen. The only thing that prevents the Ro-Ro trip is a typhoon.

Travel from  time Allen to Matnog using a Ro-Ro and vice-versa is 1 hour.

Biri Rock Formations (Northern Samar)

I attempted thrice before successfully going to this island.

First attempt was last May 2012, my dad got sick and I was not able to go even though I had already booked myself and paid for it.

Second attempt was last November 2012, there was a typhoon signal No. 2. You simply cannot go to this island whenever there is a typhoon. 

Third attempt was last March 28, 2013 and finally I was successful!

Lesson of the story - Never give up your dream.

Tip - Go to Biri Island only on summer.

On  with the show..

How to get there

From Catarman airport, ride a jeepney/van/bus to Lavizares Port (1 hour).

From Catbalogan, ride a van (I suggest Van-Vans, Dup Tours or Grand Tours) to Calbayog (2 hours) and then, another van (Grand Tours only) to Allen (1.5 hours) and go to Lavizares Port.

From Calbayog, Grand Tours van to Allen (1.5 hours) and from Allen, tricycle to Lavizares Port (25 minutes).

From the Port of Allen, Northern Samar, hire a tricycle to Lavizares Port. The cost if you are going to hire the tricycle is P120 or 20/pax. 

Reaching the Lavizares Port, ride a boat (P50.00/pax and wait or charter the boat 700-900 depending on the season. I hired the boat for P900 (peak season).

Travel time from the Lavizares port to Biri Port is 45 minutes.

Best time to go to Biri Island is early in the morning so that you will catch the beautiful sunrise at the bay and when you stay in Biri, choose either the sunrise or sunset.

The moment you reach Biri Port, you have to hire a habal-habal (single motorcycle). There are no jeepneys or tricycle at the island.

Fare for the habal-habal to the rock formation is around P150-200 depending on your agreement. You can ask the driver to give you time to take your pictures and wander around and enjoy the scenery and fetch you afterwards.

If you are going to hire a guide, the rate is P300 for the entire day (cheapest deal) unless he gives you a higher rate. 

My guide that day was Mr. Rommel Espineda (0916-685-1002).  He is the best!

The ride to the rock formation is 15-20 minutes.

Then, you are going to trek a bit for 15 minutes before reaching the spot.

Then, the adventure begins at end of the boardwalk since you have to walk the mangrove towards the rock formations.

Tip - It is very slippery. Be very careful!

Then, be amazed!

There are a total of 6 major rock formations.

You need 2 days to see and explore all the rock formations!

  I used my zoom lens to cover 3 of the rock formations. 

I was able to go to only one of them. You can do camping while you are here.

Accommodations

Biri Resort

Aircon - P1,500

Non-aircon - P750-850

Villa Amor

Aircon - P1,500

Non-Aircon -
upstairs - P1,000.00
downstairs - P600.00

And this one..

Nobody was there when I tried to inquire. This is the nearest to the port and the farthest to the rock formations.

In case there are no available accommodations, the locals offer homestay accommodations.

It's Really More Fun in Biri Island!!!!

For my student, Ms. Lore-Anne Espineda, who loves and is proud of her home island so much! =)