Unforgettable Road Trip to Northern Samar - Spectacular Rock Formation and raging surf.

Biri's Rock Formation

Our Epic 600km Road Trip from Manila to Northern Samar

Hey there, sightseers and fellow adventurers! Buckle up because this one’s a ride to remember. In this blog, I’m taking you on our 600+ kilometer road trip from Parañaque, Metro Manila, all the way to the stunning and mystical Biri Island in Northern Samar. This wasn’t just your typical drive - it was a journey through scenic highways, hidden provincial gems, ferry crossings, and dramatic rock formations that looked straight out of a fantasy film.

Kicking Off: Manila to the South Luzon Expressway

Our road trip started bright and early in Parañaque. As we rolled out, we passed through familiar urban landscapes like Filinvest in Alabang before hitting the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). While one option was to take the Star Tollway down to Batangas and ferry to Mindoro, we opted for a more adventurous and scenic route - through Laguna, Quezon, and the Bicol Region, eventually reaching the Matnog Ferry Terminal in Sorsogon.

Why this route? Simple: more chances to sightsee, take spontaneous stops, and experience the true vibe of the countryside.

Through Quezon’s Heart: Atimonan and the Bitukang Manok Route

Quezon Province was a treat. Rolling green hills, quiet mountain roads, and that fresh provincial air made the long drive feel refreshing. We hit a bit of a snag in Atimonan when the GPS routed us through a truck-heavy route. Thankfully, we trusted our instincts and rerouted to the scenic Bitukang Manok road - a beautiful stretch slicing through forested hills, complete with sharp turns, coastal glimpses, and roadside locals directing traffic (don’t forget to toss a few coins as a small thank you!).

One of the best rest stops we stumbled upon here had picnic areas, snack stalls, and even a serene statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by greenery. It was the perfect breather spot before the next leg of the journey. We had lunch here in one of their stalls (free).

A side Note: When we passed through Quezon province, we encountered numerous road construction projects along the way. These ongoing works significantly added to our travel time and slowed us down in several areas. However, the silver lining is that all this construction signals progress. A few years from now, once these infrastructure projects are completed, traveling through Quezon province is expected to be much faster, smoother, and more comfortable. The inconvenience now will definitely pay off in the long run, making future road trips through this region far more enjoyable.

A Mermaid in the Mountains and a Lunch Break in Kalawag

Still in Atimonan, we passed by a unique landmark - the Little Mermaid of Atimonan. Perched on a rock by the roadside, this statue has a local legend behind it: a mermaid who fell in love with a fisherman and was left heartbroken. It’s a quirky but memorable piece of local folklore.

Subscribe FREE

We hit some traffic due to construction delays in Lopez, Quezon, (we literally sat there for over an hour) but finally made it to Kalawag. That’s where we had a quick lunch at a roadside eatery - simple, home cooked, and just what we needed to recharge.

Skimming Through Bicol: From Camarines to Sorsogon

Surprisingly, traffic was smooth through Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. Before we knew it, we were pulling into Legazpi City just in time for sunset. The final Luzon leg was along the Maharlika Highway in Sorsogon, winding through lush rice fields and seaside towns with glimpses of the imposing Mount Bulusan in the distance.

We made our way to the Matnog Ferry Terminal, the gateway to the Visayas and our passage to Northern Samar.

Crossing the San Bernardino Strait: Matnog to Allen

Catching the ferry at Matnog was an experience in itself. These roll-on/roll-off ferries operate almost around the clock with departures typically at 2 AM, 6 AM, and 10 AM. It took about an hour and a half to cross to Allen Port in Northern Samar, with sweeping views of the San Bernardino Strait making the ride extra scenic.

Cost-wise, passengers usually pay between ₱150 to ₱500, while vehicles are charged around ₱2,000, which includes the driver’s fare.

On to Biri Island: By Land, Sea, and Banka

From Allen, we made our way to Lavezares, where we hopped on a banka (outrigger boat) bound for Biri Island. While short, this sea crossing was one of the most thrilling parts of the trip. The feeling of being off the grid, heading to a place so raw and rugged, gave us chills—in the best way possible.

Biri’s Breathtaking Rock Formations

Rain or shine (and yes, it was mostly rain!), we began our exploration of Biri’s otherworldly rock formations. The island is known for geological wonders sculpted over millions of years—like Magasang, Bel-at, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Caranas, and Pinanahawan - massive, jagged formations that rise dramatically from the sea.

Despite the wet weather, we pressed on. With slippery paths and stormy skies, the adventure had an extra edge. Shoutout to our guide Kuya Micas Bernaldez, well-known in the area and among travel bloggers - for guiding us safely and sharing incredible stories and history about the island.

Fun fact: the rock formations aren’t all on the main island. We crossed shallow waters and even waded knee-deep at low tide to reach them. No boats here—just determination and a good pair of waterproof shoes.

Life in Biri: Simple, Scenic, and Soulful

Biri may be a tourist hotspot, but its local charm remains beautifully intact. There are no big resorts, flashy malls, or crowded boardwalks here—just the raw, untouched beauty of nature and a community that lives simply, yet meaningfully.

The main mode of transport? Habal-habal—those improvised motorcycle taxis you’ll see zipping along narrow roads and muddy paths, often carrying two or three passengers at a time (sometimes even with bags of rice or crates of supplies!). Helmets? Don’t count on them. This is rural life in motion, where practicality and familiarity take priority over regulation. It’s all part of Biri’s laid-back, no-fuss vibe.

Locals are incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready with a smile or a helping hand. Don’t be surprised if a tricycle driver offers to wait for you while you grab a snack, or a sari-sari store owner gives you a rundown of the best rock formations to visit.

The food here is simple but full of heart. Think grilled fresh fish caught just hours before, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) with a spicy vinegar kick, and local kakanin (rice cakes) made the traditional way. Dining is often al fresco, with sea breeze in your hair and ocean views right from the table.

Life moves at a slower pace on the island. People rise with the sun, take breaks under the shade of mangroves, and gather in the evenings to chat or play cards. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unplug, breathe deeper, and rediscover the joy of doing… well, nothing in particular.

And when you’re not exploring Biri’s famous rock formations, you might find yourself wandering through mangrove forests, watching fishermen haul in their catch, or simply sitting on a sea wall, watching the sky melt into a watercolor sunset.

Biri isn’t just a destination—it’s a mindset. And once you feel it, it’s hard to forget.Wrapping Up and Heading Home

After a few unforgettable days on Biri Island, we started our journey back to Manila. But don’t worry—the adventure isn’t over. We’ve got more stops planned for the return trip, and we’ll be sharing those in our upcoming videos and posts.

If this road trip lit a spark in you, don’t forget to check out our full video (Video 2)for all the epic footage—from lush mountain passes to dramatic coastal views and raw island beauty. And if you’re planning your own journey to Biri, let this be your guide. Drive safe, travel smart, and as always, stay curious and adventurous.

Until the next ride—see you on the road! And don't forget to visit our Channel for all our EPIC Sightseeing videos.

"Ready to plan your next adventure? Use our special Expedia link to book flights, hotels, and everything else you need for an unforgettable trip!" And our Car Rental link to reserve your car rental. "Every booking you make through our link helps us out! We earn a small commission (with no extra cost to you), and it’s one of the best ways you can support our journey and future content."

And if I could make one final recommendation — and just to be clear, I’m not getting any commission for this — I wholeheartedly suggest Villa Amor, manage by the Bedes - husband and wife team -Rolly and Amor . That’s where we stayed during our trip, and it was such a charming little resort right off the water. The place has a cozy, laid-back vibe, and what really stood out to us was the warmth and hospitality of the people there. They made us feel truly welcome from the moment we arrived.
If you're heading to the area, definitely check them out — it’s a hidden gem worth considering.

Amor - middle , top row