Adventure at the Ulot River in Paranas, Samar

Right after my trip to Kalinga, I had to travel back to Leyte because I had been invited to be the principal celebrant of the Vigil Mass for the fiesta of the Holy Child Parish in Capoocan, Leyte, on June 5. Since I had no commitments the following day, my good friend Mark invited me to join him for a day of adventure at the Ulot River in Paranas, Samar. Ronnie, our other friend who was supposed to come along, could no longer make it. Since it would only be Mark and me, I invited two of my former altar servers from Palo to join us. It turned out to be an excellent decision, and the four of us were all set for a memorable road trip.

We left early on Saturday morning for the two-hour drive to the famous Ulot River. Since we had skipped breakfast before leaving, we stopped at one of the roadside eateries at Buray Junction, where the road turns right toward Taft, Eastern Samar. A hearty breakfast was just what we needed before the day's adventure.

From Buray Junction, it was another 16 kilometers to the Ulot River jump-off point. We arrived at around nine in the morning, only to discover that all six torpedo boats operating that day had already departed with earlier groups. There was nothing to do but wait. Almost two hours passed before our turn finally came, but the anticipation only made us more eager to experience what everyone had been talking about.

The Ulot River is the longest river in Samar and flows through the Samar Island Natural Park, one of the country's most important protected forests. It is famous not only for its pristine surroundings but also for the TORPEDO Extreme Boat Adventure, one of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Eastern Visayas.

The long, narrow torpedo boats are specially designed to cut through the river and navigate its swift currents. Interestingly, TORPEDO is also the name of the local association that manages the adventure. It stands for Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization—quite a lengthy name, but one that reflects the group's commitment to protecting the river while providing a sustainable livelihood for the local community.

Once our boat set off, the long wait was quickly forgotten. For almost two hours, we cruised both downstream and upstream, with dense forests lining both sides of the river. The scenery was serene and largely untouched, broken only by the roar of the engine and the splash of water as our boat sped through the current. Our boatman expertly navigated the twists and turns of the river, giving us just enough speed to make the ride both exciting and safe.

The highlight of the adventure came at Deni's Point, where the river divides into several small waterfalls. Visitors are invited to jump into the rushing water and simply let the current carry them downstream.

Standing on the rock and looking at the rushing water below, I hesitated at first. The current looked strong enough to make anyone think twice. But then I reminded myself that we were all wearing life vests and that countless visitors had done the same before us. With that reassurance, I finally took the plunge.

For the next few moments, I was completely at the mercy of the current. The rushing water swept me downstream as I laughed and tried to keep myself afloat. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and unlike anything I had ever experienced. I enjoyed it so much that I climbed back up and did it all over again. Without a doubt, it became the most unforgettable part of the trip.

The TORPEDO Extreme Boat Adventure costs ₱2,325 per boat for the approximately two-hour ride. Since each boat can accommodate up to five passengers, the cost comes to only about ₱465 per person, making it a surprisingly affordable adventure.

Looking back, the two-hour wait that morning became only a small footnote in what turned out to be a wonderful day. More than the thrilling boat ride, what I treasure most is sharing the experience with my good friend Mark and two young men who had once served at the altar. It was one of those simple road trips that became a collection of laughter, friendship, and memories that will be retold for years to come.

If you ever find yourself in Samar and are looking for something beyond the usual tourist destinations, I highly recommend the Ulot River. It offers not only breathtaking scenery and an adrenaline-filled adventure, but also the chance to create memories with friends that will last long after the river's current has carried you downstream.

In some parts of the river, the water was too shallow for the boat to pass. The boatmen had to lift and maneuver it over the rocks before we could continue our journey.

At Deni's Point where we plunged down the gushing river to float downstream.