Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride in Samar

Late last month, I joined my friends for a short vacation at Tacloban City, Leyte to attend the Pintados - Kasadyaan Festival and to explore Eastern Visayas. As of this writing, it has become one of my memorable travels.

Personally, the highlight of the tour is our experience of the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride at Paranas, Samar. It is approximately 2 hours drive from Tacloban City and will pass through the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines connecting Leyte and Samar. It was imperative that we stop here and take some jump shots on the bridge!

Briefing site and starting point.

I simply love outdoor adventures as I seldom experience being away from home. It is a good way to get rid of the city stress. The weather was fantastic when we arrived and surprisingly, the river looked so clean and inviting! Mind you, that means a lot to me as I don't know how to swim.

Photo credit to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours

We were briefed and geared before we loaded the motorized torpedo boats. A boat can handle approximately 7 people, including the 2 local guides. The rent for each boat costs Php1700 (approximately $40). The adventure will take you downstream for about an hour and upstream for an hour and a half. The stop before going back is the most exciting part!

Magnificent view during the ride.

Personal Remiders:

• Be prepared to get wet. Bring a dry bag if you have one for your valuables and gadgets. It is recommended not to wear any jewelry.


• Bring extra clothes. You may opt to change after your adventure.


• Wear appropriate footwear. There will be a short hike and there are areas that are really slippery. I should know, I slipped 4 times!


• Apply sunblock! The water may be cool but getting sunburn is not.


• Bring snacks. You may eat during your break before going back.

To jump or not to jump, that is the question. Photo credit to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours

At the end of our downstream ride, we hiked a little to settle on drier land to eat lunch. Thanks so much to our most hospitable hosts, Gerry Ruiz and his loving wife, Ludette Ruiz, for providing a very delicious meal for all of us.

This is the fun and most exciting part of the adventure. We had the option to cross the river, make our way up a large boulder, and jump (yes, jump) into the raging waters. I was extremely scared as I didn't know how to swim. I have to rely on my life jacket that was seriously became my best friend at the time. From the photos, it looks as if it was easy. But looking down from where I was about to jump is an experience I will never, never forget. The water was flowing like crazy and the current will surely take me downstream in no time. But I thought that I already made it that far, I need to conquer my fear, so I jumped ... holding on to dear life.

Photo credit to Don Trivino

I jumped and managed to smile for camera!

I remember my thoughts as I was about to leap from that rock. What made me decide to jump? I was still mending a broken heart at the time and honestly, the feeling of loneliness is almost unbearable sometimes. A friend was right to say that the solution is let go of all inhibitions to be happy. I should be able to find in myself my source of happiness. And so I jumped and that made all the difference.

Photo credit to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours

After, my first jump, I climbed back for a second one! The fear was still there but a little less intense. I wanted to jump for a third time but I think my heart will not be able to take it anymore. Haha!

For security purposes, our local guides set up a rope, traversing the river, approximately 20 meters from the jumping point so we can grab onto it on our way downstream. Without it, the current may take us all the way down. We also used this rope to cross the river.

If you are planning a trip to Eastern Visayas, I highly recommend experiencing the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride Adventure. For assistance, you may contact Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours at (053) 321-7966 & 523-7966 or email leytegulf@callezaragosa.com or visit the Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours Facebook Page.

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