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Canyoning Downstream the Blanca Aurora River in Samar

Kara Santos

After visiting a place, the journey going back is usually pretty uneventful. Packing up your gear and heading home is usually not even worth writing about. But after visiting the stunning Pinipisakan Falls and spelunking in Sulpan Cave deep in the jungles of San Jorge, Samar, the journey going back was just as exciting. The third and last leg of our epic adventure involved riding the currents of the Blanca Aurora River downstream.

I thought it was going to be a breeze. I mean, we were just supposed to be drifting along with the current. How hard could it be, right? Apparently, in the sections that were too shallow, this involved clambering over massive boulders and crawling through crevices into the rocks to get through. I had to use every ounce of the strength I had left to make it back.

But the amazing landscapes more than made up for it. After breakfast in our riverside campsite, we headed to the riverbed flowing from the four-tiered Pinipisakan Falls. This waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in the country and is a sight to behold from afar.

Swimming right underneath its veil felt even more intense. We could have hung out there all morning, but we eventually had to let ourselves be carried away by the strong current. It was a thrilling ride that felt better than any waterpark I’ve been to.

But we soon found out that it wasn’t going to be smooth sailing all the way. There were plenty of sections where the water was too shallow, which meant we had to trek or hike on the riverbed instead.

We climbed up massive boulders carpeted in lush ferns and moss. I was stunned at the scenery at every viewpoint. I’ve gotten so used to seeing unhealthy or dead river systems in the city that seeing one so clean and surrounded by lush landscapes is such a treat.

There’s no discernible trail in places like this. It’s sort of a puzzle finding your way, clambering through rocks, shimmying down boulders and crawling through the rocks just to get forward.

The whole place just has this magical quality to it. We passed through some of the most pristine, untouched areas deep in the forests of Samar Island Natural Park. I didn’t have a camera with me at the time, but the photos provided by Trexplore show just a peek at the highlights. It’s something best experienced and seen for yourself.

After a couple of hours getting carried by the rapids, swimming, climbing, trekking along the riverbed, and drifting peacefully when the current slowed down, we eventually reached the point known as Duro-ongan, the sandbank where a portion of the river was blocked by large boulders.

There, our boats, porters and guides who carried back the gear were waiting to take us back to the village. We could finally just relax and sit back on the narrow wooden canoes going downstream, passing the heavily forested areas and canyons before we reached the community of Blanca Aurora.

After wolfing down fish-balls and lumpia from the vendors in the community, we took a quick peek at the waterfall in Blanca Aurora, which is downstream from where we camped out for the night. I saw a couple of kids hoisting one of their friends and throwing him from the upper layer of the falls before jumping right in. For those who can’t make it all the way to Pinipisakan Falls, this is a more accessible waterfall to visit in Samar.

From the community, it was a rough ride back on the habal-habal on a muddy road where trees were plastered with anti-NPA signs going back to the highway. I was amazed again by our drivers skills on the bike ferrying two of us and lots of gear.

We got caught in a heavy downpour while waiting for a bus to pass to get back to Catbalogan. As we waited in the rain, I couldn’t help but be thankful that we were blessed with good weather during our visit.

It’s been a few months since I went on this adventure along with travel bloggers Gian and Sheila of Adrenaline Romance and Gly of Chasing Potatoes, but the memories still feel pretty fresh. I guess one reason it felt so special was because of how remote and difficult the area was to get to and how naturally beautiful it was. For the sake of the place, I sincerely hope it stays that way.

LOCATION & HOW TO GET THERE:

Blanca Aurora River is part of a remote area of Brgy. Baiang, San Jorge, (Western) Samar, Philippines. Our visit was facilitated by Trexplore/Samar Outdoor Shop, a local tour operator based in Catbalogan City. Visits should be booked ahead of time to prepare necessary guides as visiting the area requires permits from several barangays that the hiking trail and river passes through for security purposes.  Our jump-off point was Samar Outdoor Shop HQ in Allen Avenue, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines.

WHAT TO BRING:

Pack light. Only bring a daypack or dry bag for your gear because you will get wet. Bring a water container and snacks, a hat/cap/headware, sunglasses and sun screen for the hike. For safety equipment, Trexplore provides all the life vests, wetsuits, helmets, headlamps and gloves, ropes, etc. for river crossings and safety. Porters can carry your bags to the boat via the hiking trail on the way back so you have your hands free for the canyoning portion.

NOTE: It’s essential that you have a waterproof or action camera if you want to take photos because you’ll be fully submerged going back downstream through the river. You can take photos with regular cameras during the boat ride and hiking part of the trip. Part of Trexplore’s services includes photo/video documentation. Joni usually uploads photo highlights on the Trexplore FB page and you can copy raw images & videos directly after the tour. Bring your own USB or external hard drive.

WHAT TO WEAR:

For the canyoneering downstream portion, wear long sleeved rashguards and leggings over swimwear. It’s possible to scratch yourself on rocks and boulders if the water is shallow. Wear strong hiking or trekking shoes that have good traction for bouldering on the way back. I used my Merrell Capra Sport hiking shoes which provided good cushioning and protection even in the slippery portions of the trail. You will also be issued life vests, helmets and & gloves for your safety for river canyoning downstream.

Since you’ll get wet both ways, just wear the same thing going there. Bring a set of dry clothes and slippers for sleeping in the campsite or to change into after for the bus ride.

RATES:

This adventure is part of our 2-Day visit to Pinipisakan Falls and caving at Sulpan Cave (the entrance of which is just above Pinipisakan Falls). For caving, it’s best to allot two days including travel time.

The two-day trip costs P10,000 or $200 per person. All visits here entails a lot of logistical pre-arrangements, safety equipment and manpower involved (from transportation, safety gear, food, porters and permits). Take note that Pinipisakan entrance and falls can become dangerously flooded after heavy rain and trips may be cancelled for everyone’s safety.

ITINERARY:

For detailed itineraries on what the trip here actually involves, check out the following links.

VIDEO:

Check out this video by travel blogger Gly of Chasing Potatoes summarizing the whole epic trip.

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO:

NOTE: Photos used courtesy of Joni Bonifacio of Trexplore

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