The placid Bato River |
An island facing the
mighty Pacific Ocean. A destination oft heard but seldom visited. A
place where the resilience of the people is mixed with warmth and smiles. A gem beautifully molded by the harsh and wailing winds fronting east of the Philippines. A place
I call my home.
Welcome to our province
– Catanduanes!
This island province is
one of the six provinces in the Bicol Region. Its capital town, Virac, is the
center of commerce and the jump-off point to the other 10 municipalities in the
island. The other municipalities are: Bato, Baras, Gigmoto, San Miguel, Panganiban (Payo),
Bagamanoc, Caramoran, Viga, Pandan and San Andres.
If you want an off-the-beaten track type of vacation, Catanduanes is definitely a great choice. One of the things to consider when planning a trip there is the weather. With its geographic location in the Pacific, the weather in the island can be unforgiving especially from October to early January (which may cause delays or cancellation of flights or ferry boats). February until June is the best time to visit as the season becomes dry and there is a huge chance of a clear blue sky. If you're up to surfing, the most ideal time to chase the waves of Puraran is starting the fourth quarter of the year.
Okay, so before
heading to our province, here are some words/phrases that will be
useful while going around or talking to the locals.
Magayon – Beautiful
Para tabi- Pull over
please
Dios mabalos - Thank
you
Tigpila tabi ini? –How
much is this?
Dios mayad na aldaw –
Good day
Cruising along Bato River |
There are
a lot of activities that could be done on your visit to Catanduanes. Here are
some:
Visita
Iglesia – Catandunganons are predominantly Catholic, and it's no surprise
that in almost every corner in almost every village, there is a small chapel.
It is a province where patron saints' days or fiestas are celebrated big time – a
time for “balikbayans” from Manila and abroad go home to attend
the festivities. We really love fiestas.
If you're planning a trip, church-hopping is something not to be missed.
Foremost in the list is the historical and beautiful church in the town of Bato
(St. John the Baptist Church). Close to Bato Church, you can also visit the Batalay Church
(also known as Batalay Shrine) – said to be the place where the first cross in
Catanduanes was planted. History has it that this is where Agustinian priest
Fray Diego de Herrera died. On the same spot, a spring sprouted which is
believed by the locals to have healing powers.
Bato Church |
At Barangay Batong Paloway, a few kilometers from the town proper of San Andres, is where the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, beautifully etched on a stone, is displayed. The miraculous image on the stone is believed to have increased as time passed by and as of today, one can see it with bare eyes unlike before where devotees have had to use magnifying glass when viewing it.
The miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows in Batong Paloway, San Andres |
Other
churches that can be visited in island are: Virac Cathedral, Our Lady of
Assumption, Saint Andrew Church in San Andres, and Saint James the Great
Parish.
Virac Cathedral |
Surf – The town of Baras, about 26 kilometers away from Virac, is fast becoming the face of tourism in Catanduanes. It is the location of the “majestic waves,” a surfing spot known locally as Puraran Beach. To get there, take one and a half hours jeep or bus ride going to Baras (P45 fare). From the town proper, you may opt to hire a tricycle going to Puraran beach (P150/tricycle). Once in Puraran, head up to the beach and pay P10 for entrance. Cottages are available for a day and overnight rent near the beach. For a certain fee, there are also surfing lessons available for beginners.
Contact: Puraran Surf Beach Resort
Brgy.
Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes
(+63)
919-678-5895, info@puraransurf.com
Puraran's Majectic Waves Photo Credit: Puraran Surf Beach Resort |
Waterfalls
– Catanduanes is home to three vibrant cascades. Take a refreshing dip and
enjoy a weekend picnic at Maribina Falls in Bato, and Dororian Falls and
Nahulugan Falls in Gigmoto.
Maribina Falls, Bato |
Beaches- A
great Catanduanes experience will never be complete without spending a day
lounging in its golden and cream sand beaches. For those wanting to catch a good
sunset with a nice view of Mayon Volcano (on a clear day), visit the beaches in
Marilima, Balite, Mamangal, Kosta Alcantara, Amenia. These beaches are about
one hour tricycle ride from Virac town proper. The other popular beaches are
Twin Rock Beach Resort in Igang, Virac and Puraran Surf Beach Resort in
Puraran, Baras.
Mamangal Beach, Virac |
Marilima Beach, Virac |
Puraran Beach, Baras Photo Credit: Puraran Surf Beach Resort |
If you decide to go
north, you can hire a motorized boat going to Palumbanes
Island, 45-minutes boat ride from Caramoran. You can ask the boatman to drop you
off at Bitaog Beach, a pristine white sand beach hidden in that island.
Bitaog Beach, Palumbanes Island, Caramoran |
And there's another beautiful beach off the coast of Barangay Bote in Bato. This place is achingly beautiful and serene. :)
Bote Beach, Bato Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan |
Bote, Bato Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan |
Bote Beach, Bato Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan |
How to get there:
The fastest way to get
there is by taking a commercial flight via Cebu Pacific. The flight from Manila
to Virac takes only about 55 minutes. Cebu Pacific is flying to Virac four
times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)
Another option, though
an arduous one, is by taking a 12-hr bus ride from Manila to Tabaco, Albay.
From Tabaco City Port, you can take a ferry boat going to either Virac (4
hours travel time) and San Andres (3 hours travel time).
San Andres Port |
RORO Schedule from Tabaco, Albay to Virac or San Andres, Catanduanes (vice versa)
Point of Origin to Destination
|
ETD
|
ETA
|
Fare
|
Tabaco Port to Virac Port
|
6:30 am
|
10:30 am
|
Aircon - P320.00
Non-Aircon - P240.00 |
Virac Port to Tabaco Port
|
1:00 pm
|
5:00 pm
|
Aircon - P320.00
Non-Aircon - P240.00 |
Tabaco Port to San Andres Port
|
7:00 am
|
10:00 am
|
Aircon - P290.00
Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00 |
1:00 pm
|
4:00 pm
|
Aircon - P290.00
Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00 |
|
San Andres Port to Tabaco Port
|
8:00 am
|
11:00 am
|
Aircon - P290.00
Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00 |
1:00 pm
|
4:00 pm
|
Aircon - P290.00
Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00 |
Where to stay:
Catanduanes
Midtown Inn
Address:
San Jose, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27
Website:www.catmidinn.com
Email: info@catmidinn.com
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27
Website:www.catmidinn.com
Email: info@catmidinn.com
Marem
Pension House
Address:
Sta. Cruz, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-18-21
Email: snlandig.eudoramail.com
Contact No.: (052) 811-18-21
Email: snlandig.eudoramail.com
Kemji
Resort and Restaurant
Address:
San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com
Rakdell
Inn
Address:
San Pedro, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-08-81
Contact No.: (052) 811-08-81
Twin Rock Beach Resort
Address: Igang,
Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: 639-19-473-78-22/639-21-664-02-45
Contact No.: 639-19-473-78-22/639-21-664-02-45
Majestic
Beach Resort
Address:
Puraran Baras
Contact No.: 639-15-741-62-77
Contact No.: 639-15-741-62-77
Puraran Surf Beach Resort
Address:
Puraran, Baras
Contact No.: 0915 721 8262
Contact No.: 0915 721 8262
Where to
eat
Sea
Breeze- Enjoy a smorgasbord of seafood and Filipino dishes on a relaxing set up
near the sea. This place is ideal for those wanting a sumptuous dinner.
Address:
Salvacion, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: Landline (+6352) 811 06-64
Contact No.: Landline (+6352) 811 06-64
Blossoms
Restaurant - A quaint restaurant ideal both for small talks and group meetings.
Address:
Rizal Avenue, Virac, Catanduanes
Virac Food
Hauz
Address:
Rizal Avenue, Virac, Catanduanes
Di's Diner
Address:
San Roque, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27
Kemji
Resort and Restaurant
Address:
San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com
WOW! This is what I'm waiting for so long... :D
ReplyDeleteYes!!!! :D
Deleteano kamo Cha?! for soooooo loooong?! hehehe! =D
Deleteang ganda naman dyan! =D
parang may kulang sa where to stay. hindi ba kasama ang Gurrobat's residence?! *wink*wink* =D
DeleteMaj, pwede ang Gurrobat's residence basta ikaw. :) Taralets!
Deleteyehey! tenks Cha! =D
DeleteKahit sa garden lang ako. :-)
DeleteAy sus! Siyempre ikaw din Momo, welcome sa bahay! :)
Deleteang arteh mo momo!hahaha! =)))))
DeleteHahaha! Paawa effect lang. :-)
DeleteWOW Catanduanes! =D
ReplyDeleteWow! I will be there someday. :-) Fiesta!
ReplyDeleteFIESTA! =D
DeleteYey! lezgow na, Ja and Anchi! Welcome kayo sa aming munting tahanan. :D
DeleteAnchi, pwede mo nang mapractice yung mga tinuro ko sayong words with rolling L. :)
DeletePerfect ko na yung salo, duwa, tulo and lukso. :-)
DeleteNice..thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Rachel! Thanks for dropping by! :)
DeleteYour hometown is so charming! sana makabisita din dyan this summer......:)lapit na rin pala yan sa Caramoan islands.
ReplyDeleteHi Brian! I'm sure you'll enjoy Catanduanes! And yes, malapit lang kami sa Caramoan. In fact the fastest way to get there is by taking a boat from Codon, San Andres, Catanduanes to Caramoan. Have fun! :)
DeleteHello, Che. This is Led from Manila. I'll be visiting Catanduanes on the 15th to 18th of November 2013 and your post is a very helpful reference. I have queries though which I emailed to the tourism office but have not responded yet so I guess you could help provide me info instead. May I know your email?
ReplyDeleteHi Led, pls email me at cgurrobat@gmail.com. :)
ReplyDeleteWow..ang ganda! Excited nko sa May.. ate che at ate cha, tour nyo kmi ha..hehe...
ReplyDeleteWow..ang ganda! Excited nko sa May.. ate che at ate cha, tour nyo kmi ha..hehe...
ReplyDeleteI shall return.... to my mother homeland..para mamasyal sa mga lugar na yan..
ReplyDeleteI came back after 40 years of absence in Catanduanes,I stayed 2 nights in friends house.Two days was short but was able to go visit my high school friends,relatives,cemetery and church ,Naki fiesta pa ako .Happy days.Dai ko na halos mamidbid ang mga calle.Parang sumikip ang banwa..Babalik rin ako somedays sana n medyo mahaba ang bakasyon ko.
DeleteAnong beach yung pinuntahan natin dati che? -je
ReplyDeleteThe roots of our family is from this beautiful Island of Catanduanes.My Mom was born and raise in Viga Catanduanes and My Dad was also born and raise in Baras Catanduanes
ReplyDeleteHi guys, tanong ko lang po. May Car Rental Company po sa Virac? I need for at least 3 days. thanks
ReplyDeleteHi! Hindi ko po sigurado kung meron. You may ask from the Tourism officer in Catanduanes. :)
DeleteI would also like to see the Nahulugan Falls. It is actually the tallest and largest (by water volume) waterfalls in Catanduanes Island.
ReplyDeleteInformative! Will be in the province on Nov 8-11. :) Sana walang bagyo. Thanks for the notes, Che!
ReplyDeletehi...my friend and i will go there next week..and we are worried to waste much time s transpo...do u recommend habal habal?how much usually ang charge nila?u think my willing to tour us for 3 days?or is it too expensive? thanks for the info!
ReplyDeletehi...my friend and i will go there next week..and we are worried to waste much time s transpo...do u recommend habal habal?how much usually ang charge nila?u think my willing to tour us for 3 days?or is it too expensive? thanks for the info!
ReplyDelete