The island group of Balicuatro is made up of around 18 small islands off the northern coast of Samar. Blessed by its remote location, it has exquisite natural beauty hardly touched by tourism.
The three main islands consist of Capul, San Antonio and the most northerly, Biri. To the north of Biri is a rock formation named Magasang that stretches out into the San Bernardino Strait, which carries 70 percent of the water from the Pacific through to the Visayas, carving some spectacular scenery into the northern coastline.
There are also many coral reefs and isolated beaches to enjoy and explore around the island group. Hiring a small boat for the day and packing a picnic is an enjoyable way to discover the smaller isles and their hidden gems, including caves and secret caverns.
Capul Island, which is the furthest south, offers pure serenity with no cars to pollute your lungs and ears, long stretched out beaches and a rich history and culture. There is only one town here, Capul, which is one of the oldest in the country, boasting the beginnings of Christianity for the Philippines and a church said to be more than 400 years old.
Getting There & Away
There are many ways to travel to the islands. The quickest way from Manila International Airport is to fly to Catarman or Calbayog (1 hour). Bus services from these airports take about 2 hours to reach Lavezares town, from where a short boat journey takes visitors to the islands. Alternatively, catch a bus from Manila to the port of Matnog on the southern east tip of Luzon, where ferries leave every hour to the port of Allen on Samar. From here it is a 15-mile journey to Lavezares, with the complete trip taking around 16 hours.