An Adventure to Mt. Suiro - Caibiran Biliran

Last March 1, 2025, I embarked on an unexpected adventure to climb Mt. Suiro in Caibiran, Biliran. It all started with an invitation from my friend Kyle, who, along with his Seventh-day Adventist brothers, convinced me to join them for a trek up this hidden gem of a mountain. I climbed Mt. Suiro back in 2022, and during that visit, thick fog blocked the scenery. Now, I'm hoping for "clearing" at the summit to take in the stunning views below.

The Journey Begins

Our day kicked off at 8a.m. in Villaba, Leyte. With the sun already warming up the morning, we hopped on our motorcycles and made the scenic ride to Barangay Lucsoon in Naval, Biliran. The wind in my face and the hum of the engine made it a refreshing start. Kyle and his Adventist friends had a stop to make - attending their church’s Sabbath service. It’s a big part of their routine, and I was happy to let them do their thing. Meanwhile, I rode back into Naval town to grab some essentials for our camping trip later that day. A quick errand run turned into a mini-adventure as I navigated the bustling streets. The town of Naval feels more like a city these days, with new establishments popping up and busy streets humming with life. Once a quieter spot, it now boasts a lively energy, as shops, eateries, and markets draw both locals and visitors into its vibrant fold. The transformation is striking - walking through its crowded lanes, you can sense the pulse of progress, a stark contrast to the laid-back charm it held a few years ago.

By 11:40 a.m., I was back at the Adventist church in Lucsoon, just in time for their post-service tradition: a communal lunch. Kyle and his friends welcomed me to join them, and I couldn’t say no to the warm hospitality. Plates were piled high with food, chitchats filled the air, and I got a seat to their tight-knit community spirit. It was a nice break before the real challenge of the day began.

Onward to Caibiran - Meeting the Guides

With full stomachs and renewed energy, we set off around noon for Caibiran town, where Mt. Suiro awaited us. At the Adventist church in Lucsoon, we linked up with our tour guides from Climb Biliran—Ken and his three colleagues. These guys were pros, and their arrival marked the official start of our mountain adventure. From there, we piled back onto our motorcycles and rode to Caibiran, heading straight for the police station. Logging in there is a mandatory step for climbers, a safety measure that made me feel both reassured and a little official - like we were about to conquer something big.

We took a quick stop at the Caibiran market. The market was alive with vendors calling out their wares, and we darted between stalls, to buy additional supplies for our dinner at the campsite - fresh chicken meat, bread, water, and a handful of condiments to spice things up.

The Ascent Begins - Rain and Resilience

By 2:30p.m., we stood at the jump-off point in Sitio Ansay, Brgy Union, ready to take on Mt. Suiro. Before setting foot on the trail, we paused for a group prayer—a quiet moment to ask for strength and safety. No sooner had we said “Amen” than the sky decided to test us with a light drizzle. Undeterred, we started our hike, the soft patter of rain on the leaves blending with the crunch of our footsteps.

Half an hour later, at 3 p.m., we reached a small hut used for drying coconut meat. It was a welcome pit stop—a chance to catch our breath and shake off the dampness. The rain was still gentle, so after a brief rest, we continued our trek. But as we climbed higher, the drizzle turned into a downpour. Our shoes squelched, and the trail grew slick, but there was something invigorating about it—like nature was throwing us a challenge we couldn’t refuse.

A Cogon Break and a Sea of Clouds

The rain peaked just as we hit an open, cogon-covered slope. Then, as if on cue, it stopped. We stood there, dripping wet, and watched in awe as the clouds parted to reveal a breathtaking sea of clouds. Below us stretched the town of Caibiran, flanked by vast seas and surrounded by rugged mountains. It was a postcard moment—worth every soggy step. We whipped out our phones for photos, grinning like kids, while waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. The air was cool, the view was unreal, and for a minute, time just stopped.

Into the Forest

Refreshed, we left the open slope behind and plunged into a forested trail. This is where Ken, our guide from Climb Biliran, really shined. He turned the hike into a living lesson, pointing out native trees, wild orchids, and even a tiny pitcher plant clinging to the undergrowth. I was blown away by his knowledge—he rattled off scientific names like Cryptostylis arachnites and Cystorchis without missing a beat. It wasn’t just a trek anymore; it was a crash course in Biliran’s biodiversity. His passion made the muddy, uphill slog way more fun than I expected.

Cryptostylis arachnites

At the Camp Site

By 5:30p.m., we rolled into the campsite, tired but buzzing with excitement. We wasted no time setting up hammocks and tarps—our little homes for the night. As the sky darkened, the group split into action: some of us chatted and laughed, while others got to work on dinner. Ken took charge of the cooking, whipping up a steaming pot of sinigang na manok—a tangy Filipino chicken stew that hit all the right spots after a long day. The aroma filled the air as we gathered around, swapping stories and letting the day’s adventures sink in. With full bellies and happy hearts, we drifted off to sleep under a calm, peaceful night, the mountain cradling us in its quiet embrace.

Morning Chills and Sikwate Warmth

The plan was to wake up at 5a.m., but the chilly mountain air had other ideas. Most of us stayed cocooned in our hammocks, some snoring through the dawn. By 6a.m., Ken was up, cooking breakfast, while Javeson worked his magic with a pot of sikwate - a rich, local cocoa drink that warmed us from the inside out. That first sip was like a hug for my cold bones, and it gave us the boost we needed to tackle the summit.

The Final Push: Slopes, Moss, and Magic

At 8a.m., we began the trek to Mt. Suiro’s summit. This was the tough yet magical part. The trail sloped steeply upward, littered with fallen trees that turned it into an obstacle course. As we neared the summit—we stopped at the mossy forest, where everything looked green and quiet. The trees were covered in moss, with ferns blanketing the ground and green dripping from every branch. The air felt calm and misty. It felt enchanted, like we’d stumbled into a fairy tale. We took out our cameras to take pictures of this pretty place. The light was soft, the moss looked cool, and we wanted to save the beauty of this part of Mt. Suiro. It was a nice spot to snap some photos before we kept going. 

After just a few more minutes of pushing upward, we finally reached the summit of Mt. Suiro, a spot teeming with small pitcher plants clinging to the trunks of naturally bonsai-shaped trees. Their delicate, carnivorous forms added a wild charm to the rugged peak. Yet, for the second time, thick fog rolled in, obscuring the surrounding views below in mystery. Though the views remained hidden, it didn’t matter, the tranquility of that mossy summit was its own reward.

Photo courtesy: Sire Yow

Photo courtesy: Sire Yow

Photo courtesy: Sire Yow

Summit Reflections

Standing atop Mt. Suiro, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of gratitude. The climb was tough—rain, steep trails, and all—but it was unforgettable. The sea of clouds, the wild orchids, the mossy forest, the laughter over sinigang—every moment was a gift. Huge thanks to Kyle for dragging me along, to his Adventist brothers for the warm vibes, and to Ken, and the rest of Climb Biliran team for fun lessons, and for guiding us through it all. This wasn’t just a hike; it was an adventure that stitched itself into my memory.

Mt. Suiro, you were worth it.

Photo courtesy: Sire Yow

How to Get Here?

Planning a  climb up Mt. Suiro? For help with preparation, transportation, and itineraries, reach out the Climb Biliran team via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ClimbBiliran 

Photo courtesy: Sire Yow

A Friendly Reminder

As you explore the raw beauty of Mt. Suiro and other mountains, always remember to be a responsible visitor. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Always Get a Local Guide

Local guides, like our amazing guides of Climb Biliran, not only ensure your safety but also enhance your experience with their knowledge of the trail and the environment.

2. Respect the Locals

Show kindness and respect to the community you visit. Greet them with a smile and honor their customs and way of life.

3. Leave No Trace

Never leave your trash behind. Pack out everything you bring in to help preserve the natural beauty of the mountain for future adventurers.

By practicing these simple principles, we can help protect these breathtaking places and ensure they remain pristine and welcoming for everyone.

Thank you, and may you have great, peaceful adventures ahead!