Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls : Travel Guide,How to get there + FAQs
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
DID YOU KNOW?
Biliran is composed of two major islands – Biliran and Maripipi, and smaller islands and islets that dot its water including the famous Sambawan Island.
Ulan Ulan Falls is a waterfalls hidden in the town of Biliran. It is the found at the lower portion of the falls. The upper portion is called the Recoletos falls. Water from the falls are somewhat connected.
Traveling to Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money and maximize your time. This guide will also make sure that you get the best out of your money while travelling to the Falls.
Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.
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How to get to Biliran — By plane + Van, Biliran can be reached on an hour flight + an hour van ride from Cebu. Biliran has no airport so you need to travel by boat or airplane.
Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.
Check discounts and prices online — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.
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Spend 2 days or more — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the island in a day, consider planning at least 2 days to tour the island.
Save More while Traveling — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide. You can actually save more when you do not include attractions that has entrance fees. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the attractions.
Getting around Biliran — There are a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the motorcycle/tricycle commute to get around or stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience.
Grab is not offered in this area.
See more blogs & travel guides
Pre-Travel Guide
✓How to get to Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls?
✓ How to get around Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls ?
✓ Should I book my Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls hotel online?
✓ What to prepare for a trip to Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls ?
✓ How to find cheap flights to Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls ?
✓ When is the best time to visit?
✓ Travel Must Haves
✓ Money-saving tips
How to get to Ulan-Ulan and Recoletos Falls
Direct Flights from Manila,Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and more are being served to Tacloban. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia.
✓ ENTRY POINT MANILA (NAIA) or CEBU (MCIA) or DAVAO
◾By Airplane (Cebu pacific, Airasia and Philippine Airlines)
Manila to Tacloban.
From Tacloban ride Van-vans, Duptors, Grandtours to Naval, Biliran. The trip will take approximately two hours and a half. Fare is PHP 120.00 per person.
At Naval, ride a habal-habal or motorbike to Ulan-Ulan Falls. This will cost you around PHP 100.00 per person. Travel time is 25-30 minutes. (note that this fare is for two way trip)
✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU (Pier 3)
◾By Boat (Roble Shipping Lines)
From Cebu, ride the Roble Shipping lines boat at Pier 3 to Naval, Biliran. Roble Shipping Lines serves the route 6x a week and at 7:30pm. Travel Time is around 6 hours
At Naval, ride a habal-habal or motorbike to Ulan-Ulan Falls. This will cost you around PHP 100.00 per person. Travel time is 25-30 minutes. (note that this fare is for two way trip)
or
◾By Fast Craft or Fast Boat (2GO, Oceanjet or Weesam)
From Cebu, ride any of the three boat at Pier 1 to Ormoc City, Leyte. The three fastcrafts serves the route daily. Travel Time is around 3 hours. Fare is PHP 600.00
At Ormoc City, ride a tricycle to Robinsons near Simangan. Note: make sure to point out that you will be riding a van because there are 2 Robinsons in Ormoc. Fare for the tricycle is PHP 8.00.
At Robinsons Ormoc Van Terminal, ride a Van to Naval,Biliran. Travel Time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Fare is PHP 130.00.
At Naval, ride a habal-habal or motorbike to Ulan-Ulan Falls. This will cost you around PHP 100.00 per person. Travel time is 25-30 minutes. (note that this fare is for two way trip)
MAP ON HOW TO GET TO ULAN ULAN AND RECOLETOS FALLS
Should I book my Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls Hotel Online?
My answer will always be YES. Head over to the article Where to stay below for more information.
What to prepare for a trip to Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls?
Sunblock— If you don’t have a plan in getting yourself tan, then bring some sunblock to protect your skin from the suns UV rays.
Hats and Eye wear — Protect your eyes from the heat of the sun.
Cellphone Waterproof Case — You don’t want to drench your phone w/ saltwater.
Rent a GoPro – If you are in Cebu, my friend can rent you one here.
Food – Although there is a convenience store in the island, it is much better to bring your own foods and drinks.
Powerbank & Batteries – Electricity on the island only runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Tent – Even if you are not staying overnight, just bring. It can lessen your expenses.
Snorkel and Scuba diving gears – Bring your own.
How to find cheap flights to Tacloban?
Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner.
Also, check Tacloban promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
In my experience, March – June are the best months to visit Ulan-Ulan Falls and Recoletos Falls since rainfall is less in those months.
Travel Must-Haves
✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.
✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.
✓Gps-Guided App – Tour the city like a local with this app.
✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.
✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.
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Money Saving Tips
Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Biliran that doesn’t cost a dime.
Drive a motorcycle — This is the cheapest way to get around.
Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.
Where to Stay in Biliran?
| TOP RATED PLACES TO STAY IN BILIRAN | |
|---|---|
| Marvin’s Seaside Inn | Splurge / Brgy. Road, Naval. See discounts |
| Fragoch Tourist Inn | Mid-Range / Caneja Ext. Naval. Check Rates |
| MayLaka GuestHouse | Budget Hostel / Biliran Conferential Road. Check Rates |
| UnderPHP 2,000 | Best Biliran Apartments — For 4 or more travelers looking for decent yet affordable accommodations and does not like crowded hostels.See rates & reviews |
| UnderPHP 1,000 | Best Biliran hostels & budget hotels — affordable places to stay for backpackers/solo travelers.See rates & reviews |
Where to book
Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to avail cheaperst prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:
Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls Itinerary
Guess what? I am such a joiner for this trip. Did not look it up online again.
Day 1: Ulan-Ulan Falls and Recoletos Falls En Route (Prepare to get wet!!)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0800 am | Arrived at Naval, Port |
| 0945 am | Arrived at Sale’s Residence (Prep) |
| 1015 am | En route to Ulan-Ulan Falls and Recoletos Falls |
| 1100 am | Arrived at Ulan-Ulan Falls |
| 1230 nn | Lunch |
| 12:45 nn | Trek to Recoletos Falls |
| 0300 pm | Free Time |
The trek to Recoletos falls is very hard. You need to risk your life in crossing the path. Please wear shoes with grip so that you won’t easily slide. Please be careful and don’t bring many things with you.
A lot of things can be done in Biliran. Will update you with my Biliran Travel and Budget Guides.
1-Day Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls Budget Expenses (for 6 people)
Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 1-Day itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.
Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 6 people sharing the travel expenses.
| Transport expenses breakdown | |
|---|---|
| PHP 660 | Roble Shipping Fare |
| Activities/Attraction costs breakdown | |
|---|---|
| PHP 20 | Entrance fee per person. (foreign/local) |
| Budget Trip Expenses Summary | |
|---|---|
| FREE | Transport — Sponsored by my bff |
| FREE | Accommodations — Since we stayed at a house of my bestfriend, then its free. |
| PHP 500 | Food — Full meals x 3 days |
| PHP 20 | Activities — Admission tickets/entrance fees on selected activities above. |
| PHP 1810 | Total — Including all expenses above for a day to Ulan Ulan Falls and Recoletos Falls |
| Other fees to take note of | |
|---|---|
| PHP 50 | Entrance Fee for Climbers |
| PHP 50 | Motorbike Fare (one way) |
Thank you sale residence for accommodating us during our stay.
* Prices subject to change without prior notice
What to do in Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls
Check out these Must-Do activities in Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls Island.
1. Swim in the cold waters of Ulan Ulan Falls
2. Instagrammable rock formations at Recoletos Falls
4. Mini Cliff Diving at Recoletos Falls
1. Swim in the cold waters of Ulan Ulan and Recoletos Falls
Swim and feel the water embrace your being. Be with the nature.
2. Instagrammable rock formation at Recoletos Falls
Incredible, right? Be careful not to trip yourself in the process.
3. Picnic with friends or loved ones
Bring food and have fun! Just don’t talk loud.
4. Mini Cliff Diving at Recoletos Falls
Some locals did jump from a mini cliff. Just be careful, okay? Don’t want my readers to get hurt. Have fun and take a lot of pictures and memories.
Nearby Activities
✓ Bethany Hills
✓ Sambawan Island
✓ Rice Terraces
✓ Canaan Hill Farms
✓ Mainit Hot Springs
✓ Agta Beach
✓ Relax in VRC Resort
✓ Island Hopping
Map to Help You Locate Biliran Attractions
Have you visited this island? How was it? Share your thoughts below.
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