Rock Formations are natural wonders that are usually a result of weathering and erosion carving the existing rock. It is common in areas where forces of nature are in boundless work, like a wave constantly crashing into a cliffed coast. The Philippines, being an archipelago in the Pacific, is lucky to be outlined by numerous spectacular rock and cliff formations. The most popular maybe are those limestone rock formations that can be found in El Nido, Palawan. While a lot more are like gems scattered everywhere waiting to be discovered and explored. And I am fortunate enough to have stumbled on one unknown and unexplored destination.
My lust for wandering and adventure has led me to Mapanas, a coastal town in the province of Northern Samar. I first heard about this place from a guest in Hey Fellas Hostel. But the details I got were so limited to just “beautiful rock formations and a lagoon comparable to that of Laswitan Lagoon in Surigao”. And that guest, she has never been to that place. She just overheard about it from someone she met on her traveling. This made me more curious about this place. I searched Google but found not much information or photo about these spots. Facebook wasn’t helpful as well. But at least gave me a lead of someone that might help me in my escapade plan. I met Sir Narcie on Facebook, he is a local from Mapanas and is actually working in the Local Government Unit. He offered to give me a tour to his hometown. And without second thoughts, I agreed and immediately set a date!
Mapanas is a small town bordered by the towns of Palapag in the north and Gamay in the south. These three towns are located in the Pacific Coast of Samar. And in my observation, they share that same characteristic of having beautiful rock formations dotted along its coast. With the help of Sir Narcie, I enjoyed going around this stunning small town.
Without further ado, here are the spots I visited and explored in Mapanas. Be amazed!
Pinusilan Rock Formations
Pinusilan is a waray word that literally translates to “Gun-shot” in English language. Stories be told that during World War II (WWII), American soldiers bring their captured enemy to this place for execution by firing hence the name Pinusilan.
It actually feels eerie knowing about its history. I cannot help but think of lost souls seeking for redemption, or worse vengeance. Well, those soldiers are at war, they cannot die beautiful but at least they died in a beautiful place.
This dark back story adds up to the interest of the people who wanted to visit this place. Nowadays, tourists from neighbouring towns come to enjoy this spot especially on a weekend. One cannot deny the fact that the light brought about by its grandeur outshines any other dark shades about the Pinusilan Rock Formations.
Blue Lagoon
Enclosed within the rock formations in Pinusilan is a natural dark blue lagoon. It is a heart-shaped lagoon directly connected to the great Pacific Ocean through an underground natural tunnel. My friend Narcie does not have any idea how deep the lagoon is, and as much as I would like to know, I do not have the gears, the skill and the courage to skin dive and explore its depth. It would be better to just leave it to the experts and professional divers.
An approximately 10 meters-wide rock wall separates the lagoon from the Pacific Ocean. During stormy weather, a furious Pacific Ocean crashes its waves into the rocks creating a huge splash of water falling into the lagoon.
The waves coming from the ocean creates a breathing-like effect in the lagoon. Looking at it will give you an impression that the lagoon is alive and is breathing. And my extra wild imagination? It’s telling me of a ginormous sea monster patiently waiting for its prey. Still, I went on enjoying and swimming with small fishes. Yes, there were a lot of fishes visibly swimming in the lagoon.
My friend Narcie did not swim in the lagoon. He was just there standing, observing and frequently reminding me to stay away from that side of the lagoon where it’s connected to the ocean. The underwater current might pull me through the tunnel into the ocean. According also to Narcie, once there was a meter big leatherback turtle trapped inside the lagoon. They do not know how to rescue it and so they just let the turtle find its way out. Apparently after a week the turtle got out of the lagoon.
Naputad Beach
Since not all are adventurous enough to cross the shallow water to Pinusilan, some tourists just spend their time in Naputad Beach. It is a private beach with a very expensive entrance fee of 15 PESOS. It has open cottages good for families having a picnic on a day use. I did not bother asking for a price, but I am pretty sure it’s not going to be higher than 100.
For a coastal town blessed with beautiful serene beaches it is surprising to know that there are only few beach resorts in the area.
Naputad has a long stretch of beach that seems to be divided by a huge rock formation. I took an extra effort of walking through the shore, approximately 500 meters from the main beach of Naputad, into some un-named rock formations.
I found my own solitude with a spectacular view of the beach, rock cliffs, rock formations, crystal blue water and a kiss of Sunrise. I and my friend Narcie were the only human soul in the area. And so I had the chance to do my favourite kind of swimming, that is skinny-dipping, on a broad daylight. This kind of experience never fails to excite me. Narcie, as usual, just observed me from afar. He already warned me the night before to not be so comfy naked in the beach as most locals are conservative not used to it.
I climbed this 15 meter-high cliff. I was not even halfway yet and my knees were already shaking. Still I had a good vantage point to take a selfie.
After more than an hour of exploring the area, we decided to proceed to our next destination.
Likwaron and Sleeping Lion Rock Formation
This rock formation in the village of Likwaron is a little bit hidden, in fact, not even the locals frequently visiting this place. And true enough when we get there, aside from some kids swimming in the rock pools, we were the only explorers for the moment. You have to walk through a mini forest in order for you to arrive to this place.
Aside from the sleeping lion rock formation, what are highly notable to this place are the rock pools in the area. On low tides, you will have multiple of options of rock pools. My favourite though is the widest pool, nearly Olympic size. It has a rock cliff that serves as the jumping off point for those brave enough to do some extra adventure. There were around 10 kids enjoying their day jumping from a 10-meter rock into the pool. They asked me to try it. I failed them!
On the backdrop is a lush green forest. God this place is beautiful!
Mayong Payong Rock Formation
To cap up the day, I went back to Mayong Payong Rock Formation. I have been here the previous day, but it was already dark when I arrived so I did not have the chance to explore. This time, I and Narcie were joined by 3 more locals. They recommended that we pass through the back portion of the rock formation since it was low tide, we gently obeyed.
It turned out to be the best decision we ever made for that day. The formations alone were amazing, but exploring the area is totally a different level of an experience. It made me wonder if I was still on Earth.
You will find a lot of natural rock aquariums interconnected by narrow water canals. And in this rock aquariums are colorful fishes trapped in its clear waters. It looks very much alive with live corals and seaweeds. I was so tempted to dive, but the thought of uncertainty in the deep of the water scared me. What I see from out of the water are small fishes but deep inside these pools maybe are large aquatic animals or worse mermaids… etc.! lol
Too bad I do not know how to upload the video.
We had most of our time taking photos.
In the nearest beach to these formations are equally interesting stories and myths. We visited what seems to be an ancient burial cave. Stories be told that spirits protect this area. And whenever someone come and takes anything from the cave, it brings bad luck to the entire village, like scarcity of fish harvest and bad weather or typhoon hitting the village. But then an excavation exploration by foreigners happened. And accordingly they have found pieces of gold and jewelleries, antique jars and over-sized human bones and skeleton. Right now what is left are bones and skeletons scattered around the area.
We also intended to visit “Balay it Kataw” (Mermaid’s Place), a cave with a narrow opening that can only fit an average size human being. But inside is very wide with a cave pool where mermaids keep their tails submerged in sea water. But then a local villager we met along the way advised us to not bother going there for our own safety. He said a gigantic snake is guarding the cave. Eerie, I know!
For now, that is all for the town of Mapanas. Hopefully I can get back here in the future.
Bonus: Rakit Dakit Rock Formation
It is located in the next town of Palapag, Northern Samar. It also deserves your time exploring this place.
How To Get To Manapas, Northern Samar:
The most convenient way is via Tacloban City. Tacloban City has the nearest airport.
From the airport take a taxi or tricycle going to TURBANADA Van Terminal. They are the only van company that has regular trips to Mapanas through Tacloban-Palapag-Tacloban route. I do not know how many trips they have every day, but be sure to get there in the morning as chances of frequent trips are higher. These trips are bound to Palapag so please inform the driver that you are dropping off the town of Mapanas (it is the last town before arriving at Palapag). Travel time is between 5 – 6 hours and fare is 450 Pesos.
There is only 1 lodging house in the town of Mapanas, it will be best if you contact anyone from the Local Government Unit first before going there so they can help you arrange with your trip.
I have contacts in the LGU of Mapanas. So please feel free to ask for assistance.
Thank you for your time. I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Upvote and Resteem!