Planning a DIY trip to Biri Island and Catarman? Let me share to you a guide that AJ Araracap Montaño graciously gave me permission to share about his solo backpacking trip to Samar. From Tacloban bus routes to splitting tour guides at the port, here is a complete 4D3N commuter itinerary and exact expense breakdown with a total cost under ₱6,500—courtesy of solo backpacker AJ Montaño, who recently took on this adventure.
4D3N Biri Island & Catarman Commuter Itinerary
Day 1: Manila to Tacloban & Overnight Bus to Lavezares
- Budget Commute to NAIA T3: Skip the expensive taxi rides—take the MRT to Taft Station (₱10), then hop on a local jeepney straight to NAIA Terminal 3 (₱13).
- Flight: Fly Manila (MNL) to Tacloban (TAC) via Cebu Pacific.
- Tacloban to Abucay Terminal: From Tacloban Airport, take a jeepney into the city center (₱23), grab lunch, and head to Abucay Bus Terminal via jeepney (₱13).
- Overnight Bus: Board the Alvin Transit bus directly from Abucay Bus Terminal to Lavezares Public Market (₱550).
💡 Transit Note: AJ departed Abucay Bus Terminal at 10:00 PM and arrived at Lavezares Public Market around 5:00 AM the next morning (approx. 7 hours transit). Lavezares Port is just a short 5-minute walk from the market!
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Day 2: Lavezares Port, Biri Rock Formations & Sunset
- Public Boat Crossing: Catch the public pump boat from Lavezares Port to Biri Island (₱120). Boats start operating early—AJ departed Lavezares around 7:00 AM and docked at Biri Port by 8:00 AM. This is where AJ met two fellow travelers, Ms. Charmaine and Ms. Jam! Joining them to share tour fees and room costs saved everyone thousands of pesos.
- Check-In: Gloria Vista Hostel (Fan Room at ₱800/night total, split 3 ways = ~₱267/person).
- Island Tour: Meet your local tour guide, Kuya JR Galvez (0930-744-4716), whom AJ discovered via Facebook and TikTok research. Kuya JR takes you around the island via habal-habal (motorcycle) for the entire tour (₱3,360 total for 2D1N / 3 pax). Spots Visited: Bel-at Rock Formation & Natural Tidal Pools, Magasang Rock Formation, and Magsapad Rock Formation.
- Sunset Hike: Hike up Busay Hill (₱25 entrance fee) for an incredible panoramic sunset view over the Pacific Ocean. Dinner: Local street BBQ near the town center (~₱95/person).
💡Tour & Transit Tip: Since Kuya JR Galvez takes you around via habal-habal, pack a small dry bag for your camera and phone while riding between spots. When exploring the tidal pools at Bel-at and Magasang, keep an eye on the tide times with your guide so you don't get caught in strong Pacific swells.
Day 3: Sunrise, Catarman Side Trip & Return to Tacloban
- Sunrise Session: Early morning jump-off to Macadlao Rock Formation and the Biri Island Signage.
- Boat Back to Mainland: Take the morning pump boat from Biri Island back to Lavezares Port (₱120).
- Catarman Side Trip: Hop on a local bus from Lavezares to Catarman (₱55, ~30 mins travel time).
- Town Tour: Explore Our Lady of the Annunciation Catarman Cathedral, Freedom Park, the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol, and the unique Catarman Airport Runway spot.
- Long Van Ride to Tacloban: Catch a passenger van from Catarman back to Tacloban City (₱550). AJ departed Catarman at 1:00 PM and arrived in Tacloban City by 7:00 PM (6 hours travel time).
- Check-In: Leo's Lodge, Tacloban City (₱450/night for a budget Fan Room with common CR).
💡 Transit & Cash Tip: The van ride from Catarman to Tacloban takes a full 6 hours. Make sure to use the restroom and grab a quick meal at the Catarman terminal before boarding, as highway stopovers can be limited. If you haven't already, use the ATMs in Catarman before heading back to Tacloban!
Day 4: Tacloban Flight back to Manila Airport
- Transit: Catch a local jeepney from Tacloban City center back to Tacloban Airport (₱23).
- Flight: Fly Tacloban to Manila via Cebu Pacific.
- Homebound: Jeepney and MRT back home for under ₱50.
💡 Airport & Flight Tip: Give yourself around 2 hours buffer time when traveling from Tacloban City center to Tacloban Airport (TAC) via jeepney during morning hours, as local city traffic can occasionally slow down near the downtown market areas.
Exact Itemized Expense Breakdown (Per Person)
| Expense Category | Particulars | Cost (PHP) |
| Airfare | Manila ↔ Tacloban Roundtrip (Cebu Pacific) | ₱2,060.60 |
| Accommodation | Gloria Vista Hostel (Biri) + Leo's Lodge (Tacloban) | ₱717.00 |
| Tour & Entrances | 2D1N Guide (JR Galvez) + Busay Hill Entrance | ₱1,145.00 |
| Land Transport | Jeepneys, Trains, Vans, & Buses | ₱1,310.00 |
| Sea Transport | Lavezares ↔ Biri Island Pump Boats | ₱240.00 |
| Food & Drinks | Carinderia meals, Fast Food, & Local BBQ | ₱811.00 |
| Miscellaneous | Extra fees & personal items | ₱50.00 |
| TOTAL | 4D3N DIY Northern Samar Trip | ₱6,333.60 |
Practical Insights & Travel Tips
- Be Open to Meeting Fellow Travelers: The real key to AJ’s ₱6,333 total was splitting expenses. If you travel strictly solo, expect the budget to cross ₱10,000+, as you'll have to shoulder the entire ₱3,360 tour fee and ₱800/night lodging on your own.
- Bring Enough Cash: There are NO ATM machines on Biri Island or in Lavezares. Be sure to withdraw all the cash you need while in Tacloban City or Catarman. Pack Aqua Shoes: Reaching spots like Bel-at, Magasang, and Macadlao requires walking across sharp, slippery coral flats. Sturdy aqua shoes are non-negotiable.
- Budget Dining: You don't need fancy restaurants. Stick to local carinderias and street BBQ spots to keep your total food expenses under ₱1,000 for the entire trip!
All photos and details of this trip are credited to AJ. We want to thank him for the chance to share his very helpful guide to North Samar. You may follow him on Facebook HERE.
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