Ulot River

Photo Credit: https://www.ironwulf.net/2016/11/21/samar-ulot-river-torpedo-extreme/

The Ulot River is the longest river in Samar spanning 90km. The headwater starts at San Jose de Buan in Western Samar, passing downstream through Paranas and finally Can Avid in Eastern Samar. The jump-off point for the Ulot River Torpedo Extreme Boat Adventure is at Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) headquarters at Sitio Camp Uno, Brgy. Tenani, Paranas. There are actually so many names and organizations concerned here. Even the term TORPEDO is derived from Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization.

Ride the Rapids

The Ulot River Torpedo Extreme Boat Adventure was our first stop in our tour of Eastern Visayas with AirAsia Philippines. From Tacloban, we took our coaster up the highway heading to Catbalogan and stopped at Barangay Tenani, Paranas. The SINP overlooking the operations was very organized. They had quality safety gears from life vest to helmets. Their trained guides numbers at around 30 and have more than 20 boats that can seat five guest each excluding the two boatmen. I chose the front seat to absorb the full experience.

The calm waters at the start our our 10.5km route was deceptive of what lies ahead. The 16-horse power engine roared behind us as our boat launched like a torpedo over the water. Cutting through the olive-hued river, we passed by the verdant foliages growing by the banks. A curtain of falls flowing can be seen early in our ride followed by a series of wild rapids that kept us awake in excitement. I marveled how our boatmen easily communicates by simple hand gestures. They sure are used to this already. Me, I enjoyed the ride.

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