Welcome to Catanduanes
Situated in the eastern part of Luzon, the island province lies on the Pacific coast and detached from the Bicol peninsula, the isolation is the primary reason why this slice of paradise has remained concealed from the influx of tourists.
The rugged and diverse landscape of the province is a dazzling stretch of tamed powdery sand, lush forests, and rich marine life, making Catanduanes a dream hideaway for those who want to commune with nature in its purest form.
Topping its long list of tourist draws is Puraran Beach in Baras, home of the so called “Majestic waves,” known internationally for its breathtaking, long barrel type of surfs. Offshore waves are in the best shape from September to November that will surely make for a surfer’s adrenaline rush.
Due to its long coastline, every corner of the province is a virtual beach front, each one with a unique character that will charm the beach bums at heart. These are Amenia in San Andres, Toytoy in Caraoran, Marilima in Suboc in Viga, Balite, Mamangal the iconic Twin Rocks in Virac. Frolic in their fine, powdery sands and panoramic view of Mayon Volcano’s perfect cone, and couple it with snorkeling, skin diving, and water sports in crystal clear waters for that complete beach experience.
For classy accommodation, there is Kosta Alcantara, Johnny’s Place and Catanduanes Island Resort, which can provide you a relaxing countryside sojourn modest 18-hole golf course for those who want to perfect their swing in the heartland of Mother Nature.
The mountainous terrain and lush vegetation of Catanduanes has gifted the province with a string of enchanting waterfalls, among them Nahulugan, Maribina, Solong and Balongbong whose cascading waters provide relaxing sound and rejuvenate tired muscles. Meanwhile, spelunkers can explore the mystic caves of Buyo and Vargas Cave in Virac, and the historic Luyang Cave in San Andres where natives were choked to deathe by Moro pirates in the 17th century.
Nearby is the shrine of Batalay, where the first cross was planted in Catanduanes and was built over the grave Agustinian priest Diego de Herrera in 1576. A well, believed to have water with healing powers, can be found here. Another religious site woth seeing is the Shrine of Batong Paluay in San Andres, which contains the image of the Our Lady of Sorrows colorfully imprinted in a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size over the years.
