Catanduanes is a pearly island in the Pacific is virtually untouched, unspoiled and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches backed by jungle-covered mountains and crowned with jewel-like islets. Catanduanes Island offers a totally laid-back rural charm, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that’s always relaxed. The island province is ready and poised to take on the future.
There are several legends that explain the origin of the name of “Catanduanes.” One legend states that Catanduanes comes from the word tandu, a native click beetle that was once abundant throughout the island. “Katanduan” was the reference made of this island that means a place where tandu abound. When the Spaniards came, it was Hispanized to Catanduanes (notice the phonological similarity, except for the additional es in the Spanish version that was probably added to become a pluralist). Another story says that it comes from the word samdong, a tree that abounds this paradise island to which the people would call kasamdongan, meaning a place of samdong.
Just like the former legend, the word was Hispanized. The phonological error traces to the Spaniards’ difficulty to pronounce certain words, particularly those ending in ng; hence, from kasamdonganand katandungan, it gradually metamorphosed to Catanduanes. Still some historians point that katandungan is a Malay word that means “a place of refuge in time of danger,” for indeed, this island has always been the refuge of mariners during stormy weather. In Catanduanes, it’s easy to keep in touch with the rest of the world. The mod cons of communication are all available for you. If you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the frantic pace of urban life – Catanduanes is the perfect hideaway. Catanduanes is a place where you could go back to simplicity and revel in the absence of man-made preoccupation and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines! Truly, a Wealth of Wonder in this side of the Pacific.
Catanduanes Island Resorts and Hotels
Getting to Catanduanes Island Bicol Philippines By Air Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Catanduanes and vice versa three times a week with a flying time of less than an hour (45-55 minutes).
By Land Numerous bus lines operate air-conditioned coaches from Manila to Tabaco, Albay with trips running from 9 to 10 hours. From the seaport of Tabaco, hop on either at MV Calixta III, MV Calixta II, MV Penafrancia or MV Star Ferry to reach the island of Catanduanes via Virac or San Andres seaport. Another option is to take RSL bus from Manila to Catanduanes which has ticketing station at Cubao (infront of Ali Mall) and pick-up station at Alabang (near Metropolis) or Ermita (Ground Floor, Trade Center, Padre Faura St.) RSL Executive and ordinary bus departs Cubao to Catanduanes at 5:30 PM. From Tabaco, both buses board MV Calixta II which docks at San Andres port. The bus ferries its passengers to the capital town of Virac.
Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. It is composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel. There are 315 barangays all over the province and one Congressional district. It is indeed Bicol’s best-kept secret. It is the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.” The perfect time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August when the weather turns dry. It is coolest and rainiest from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May. Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters against a backdrop of luxuriant grassy mountains, and a totally laid-back rural charm and crowned with jewel-like island. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. The local folks have always chosen a relaxed rural village life. They seem to be disinterested in rush development or any hurriedly rush into the modern world. As a result, the tourism industry is still in its early stages. But if you are interested in outdoor quest, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the hysterical rate of urban life, Catanduanes is the ideal hideaway. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity and party in the absence of man-made anxieties and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say. Major Industries in Catanduanes Island includes abaca and lasa that flourished in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, beautify the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes. In terms of the language or dialect, Bicol is the native tongue but with various tones and distinctions, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood. You will be dazzled by the provinces' rugged and various landscapes, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. You will never really expect such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines!
What is known in Catanduanes? Puraran A promising surfing site in the town of Baras. It is the home of the well-known “Majestic” waves with its awesome long-barrel-type surf. Offshore waves are in their utmost shape during the months of August to September. The surfing area also shows a marvelous view of mountains and bays. Photo fanatics could get great view of the sunrise in this area. For holiday seekers, this is a place for total relaxation, be in touch with nature, and simply, innovation and peacefulness. Note that this is one of the wettest provinces of the country. Best April-June. Worst Nov-January. Read more
Marilima Beach The beach is bordered by coconut trees and the back of the resort leans against the hill, giving it an air somewhat of the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand and its pristine azure waters never falls to lure to visitor to take dip. The unspoiled beach is bordered by gleaming white sands. Its clean and natural luster is recommended for picnickers and swimmers or even for spear fishing. It faces the mainland Bicol where one could take a full view of the breathtaking elegant silhouette of Mayon Volcano and its neighbor, Bulusan Volcano, in the distance. At sunset, soft clouds which sometimes drapes the volcanoes evoke the fragility of a Japanese etching. At low tide , the sand is laid bare for miles as the water recedes; you have to walked quite far out to swim, at high tide, however, the waves completely covered the shore. Visitors sometimes come to rent the huts on the beach for a couple of hours. It is possible to explore the surrounding countryside on foot, with tricycle of by a car belonging to the resort. You can also hire a Banca to discover the rocky and the other bays rimmed with turquoise waters.
Balite Beach Conveniently located in the capital town in Virac, it has a narrow opening that provides a challenging point of entry and is hidden in the midst of tickets. The whole stretch of the beach continues to beguile visitors with its unspoiled beauty – an asset which the locals within the area are guarding zealously. The sprawling beach is covered with cool and shady trees and blessed with fine white sand, both in the shorelines and in the swimming area. Ideal for snorkeling and spear fishing because of the well-developed coral formations. The beaches are with creamy white sand and blue waters. Provides an alternative area for recreation, fun, relaxation and picnics.
Amenia Beach One can easily lose oneself and drift away while leisurely walking along the stretch of its powdery-white sands and dabbling in its undeniably tamed waters. The entire stretch of the shoreline beckons visitors to take a dip in its pristine waters and wave combed sands. The well-manicured landscape by itself is so inviting for a relaxed, laidback retreat.
Pinukpok Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.
Feel the cool, damp air as you go inside this silent witness and tomb to the slaughtered natives who fled from the Moro pirates during the 17th century. The natives wanted refuge inside Luyang but the intruders traced them. The Moros uprooted sili (red pepper) plants abundant near the cave, added dried leaves, stuffed them in the cave entrance, and set the cave burning, suffocating the unfortunate natives. To calm down their troubled souls, a mini-grotto and altar were built inside. In memory of this massacre, a “Requiem Mass” is said every April 28 of the year.
The traveler could go on the town in the sight of the corridors of majestic and huge stalactite and stalagmite pillars and rock formations. Plus hanging from the ceilings and walls of the cave are numerous bats that rein the whole length of the cave. Read more Batong Paluay The locals tell that the image of the mystical face of Our Lady of Sorrows has been found in a flooded stream near the barangay of Batong Paluay. The image was engraved on a piece of stone that has gradually increased in size. At present, one can sight the image with bare eyes, unlike before, when one has to use a magnifying lens. Its storage area has already been changed three times to accommodate the increasing size of the miraculous Mother Mary. Bato Church This marvelously situated construction greets everyone upon entrance to the town of Bato. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire island. Despite the tests of time, wars, and destruction of natural calamities, it was able to retain its old glory of massive structure of mortar and coral stones. It took 53 years, from 1830 to 1883, to build this Church under six different parish administrators. JAPANESE TUNNEL (Catanduanes Radar Station)
This is the former radar site of the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II. Pagasa weather station located at Buenavista, Bato, Catanduanes. More Pictures
Twin Rocks Splash in waters of incredible clarity beneath which lie sanctuaries of rich and colorful marine life. Its underwater coral formations offer an added adventure for spear fishing and snorkeling. Scuba diving, either as a fun-filled introduction or a recreational dive, is a very promising activity in this resort. Read more
Virac Cathedral The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located at the hearth of the capital town of Virac where one can be amazed at the stained glass windows.
DENR Earth hour Bantay Kalikasan Born to be wild WOW Philippines Magayon Festival Catanduanes Province