Ulot River Torpedo Ride

The Ulot is the longest river in Samar, running out of the Samar Island Natural Park through forest and rock, and the boats used on it are called torpedoes - long, narrow wooden craft with a small engine, developed by local men to move rattan and timber down the rapids. When the extractive trade was curtailed to protect the park, the boatmen were organised into a tourism association and now run visitors instead, two or three at a time, up and down a stretch of rapids at Tenani in Paranas. The ride is fast, wet and closer to the water than any raft, and the skill of the crews - one steering at the stern, one at the bow reading the rock - is the whole safety margin. The trip stops at a pool where swimming and cliff jumping are possible. It is a genuine example of a livelihood converted rather than replaced, which is the reason the association exists.

What to look for

• The torpedo boats - narrow wooden craft built for the rapids.
• The crews - bowman and steersman working the rock.
• The Ulot rapids - the fast stretch through the gorge.
• The swim stop - the pool at the top of the run.

When to go

December to May, when water levels are manageable. High water after rain closes the run entirely - the association makes that call.

Practical notes

You will get thoroughly wet and the ride is genuinely fast. Life jackets and helmets are required. Boats take two or three passengers, so groups split across several. High water cancels trips without notice.

Nearby

Catbalogan and Samar's caving country are north; Basey, Sohoton and Tacloban are south.