Cruising down Samar’s longest river

published August 27, 2010 in BusinessWorld

PARANAS, SAMAR -- With just a slight move from anyone on board, it seemed the small boat could capsize. Two skilled boatmen, however, deftly maneuvered the four-meter-long boat through the waters of Ulot River.

The 520-kilometer river, Samar’s longest, was the main link between Samar and Eastern Samar provinces before roads were constructed on the island. Now, it’s one of the ecotourism attractions within the Samar Island Natural Park.

Tourists, however, may navigate only about 10 kilometers of the river, said Eric A. Bontuyan of Asia Pacific Adventure based in Hong Kong.

"The river is perfect for boating. Going downstream is exciting but going back upstream is more thrilling," he said.

It takes an hour to navigate the river downstream from the jump-off point in Barangay Tenani. The return trip takes an additional 15 minutes.

Tourists can enjoy the extreme ride while taking in the lush vegetation that’s part of the 87,000-hectare Ulot Watershed. In calmer waters, tourists can see the colorful marine life that still abound in the river.

"I’ve never seen this kind of boat ride anywhere in the world," Mr. Bontuyan said.

"Our main recommendation is to promote a guided boat ride instead of rafting, kayaking and tubing. Boatmen are already trained to do this," he added.

The forests on either side of the river are still intact. Only a few structures used by villagers to process copra can be seen from the boat. Otherwise, the forests remain undisturbed.

The area is a designated center for plant diversity with 885 flowering plant species of which 406 are endemic.

Jason Garrido, a certified trainer accredited by the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc., said that navigating the river is safe. Apparently, the safety of passengers was highly considered when the boatmen underwent training.

"Since the activity is extreme, tour guides were briefed on emergency techniques and procedures as one of the most important aspects of handling tourists," Mr. Garrido said.

Angelito B. Villanueva, ecotourism section head at the park, said the river cruise is part of the Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop.

Other recreation sites nearby include the Taft Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, Pangpang Falls, Can-maanghit Falls, Lusungan Falls, Yabon Falls, Liaw Cave, Silay Cave, Catingcoy Cave, Pugtak Spring, Duloy Spring, Sulfan Spring and Nasarang Spring.

The tour package includes entrance fee, tour guiding fee, community development fee, motorized banca rental, kayak, rental, use of buoyancy aids, tubes and helmet.

Menus featuring local dishes are being prepared by villager-members of the Ulot Watershed Model Forest Stakeholders Federation. The park recently opened its eco-lodge built at the SINP office rooftop. The overnight rate is P100 to P150 per person.

In Barangay Patag, just a few minutes’ drive from the river is a privately owned resort which was built at the foot of a hill. Villa Escober offers rooms with two beds and free breakfast the next day for P2,000. Guests who book a room at the compound can look forward to kicking back in a cold natural spring.

The ecotourism site in Paranas is accessible by land and air. From Manila, the flight takes a little over an hour to Tacloban City or Calbayog City. From these anchor destinations, buses, vans and jeepneys ply the routes that will bring tourists to the site. (Sarwell Q. Meniano)