This island province is part of Bicol region. It has beautiful beaches, historic attractions and stunning views. It is also a famous surfing destination because of its location.
Read my travel guide budget itinerary for Catanduanes.
Guide to Catanduanes
Catanduanes is also known as the "Land of the Howling Wind" because of the typhoons and winds that batter it during rainy season. However, don't let this deter you from visiting this beautiful province. Rainy season is perfect for surfing regardless of your experience and skill level. There are beaches where you can have a relaxing morning or afternoon just chilling and forgetting your worries. There are spectacular views that will make your jaw drop as well.
Include these things to do and attractions in Catanduaunes in your itinerary.
Things to Do in Catanduanes
Catanduanes has plenty to offer tourists, here are some of the things to do on the island.
Virac
Virac is your jump-off point to Catanduanes' attractions. You can use this as your base to visit nearby beaches for a whole day trip. You can hire a motorcycle taxi or tricycle for the day for around P500-P1000. Mamangal Beach and Marilima Beach are good places to sunbathe, swim or just walk around the shore.
Places of interest:
- Virac Cathedral
- Mamangal Beach (P10 entrance fee)
- Marilima Beach
- Twin Rock Beach Resort (P50 entrance fee)
- Batag Beach
- Balite Beach
There are some noteworthy attractions in Bato which is near Virac. Bato Church is a relic of the past, Sakahon Beach has cream-tinged sand and the lighthouse provides beautiful overlooking views.
Places of interest:
- Bato Church
- Sakahon Beach
- Bote Lighthouse
- Maribina Falls (P20 entrance fee)
- Cagraray Falls
Baras is home to the famous Puraran Beach where visitors can go surfing regardless of their skill level. The ideal months to go surfing are from July to October. Balacay and Binurong Point provides tourists with spectacular views of the cliffs.
- Puraran Beach
- Binurong Point (P20 entrance fee, P150 guide fee and P10 parking)
- Balacay Point
How to go: Vans travel to Baras from Virac for P100, jeeps for P45.
Other places of interest in Catanduanes include:
Getting Around Catanduanes
There are jeeps, vans and tricycles that go to other towns in Catanduanes fare varies from around P35 to P100 depending on the vehicle you board and how far you are going. You can also charter a motorcycle taxi or tricycle to take you around, the price range for this is P500 to P1500 for the whole day, but depends on your itinerary. Alternatively, you can rent a car for P2500 (starting price) a day. Renting a car is an ideal option for large groups who want to travel comfortably. You can also rent a motorcycle for around P650 a day.
How to Go to Catanduanes
The island province is an accessible destination.
By Airplane
The most convenient way to reach Catanduanes is to book a flight from Manila. Cebu Pacific operates the route between Manila and the province's capital, Virac. Get a good, low price by booking a ticket months before your scheduled trip.
By Bus and Ferry
It is possible to travel by land and ferry to Catanduanes. This is an option for those who want to save money because they were unable to book promo tickets. The bus stations in Cubao, Alabang or Pasay are possible jump-off points to Tabaco. There are direct buses to Tabaco for around P840 one way. The trip can take up to 12 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a bus bound for Legazpi City and just catch another van or jeep to Tabaco.
Once in Tabaco, get on a pedicab and go to Tabaco Port. At the port, you can board a ferry to Virac Port for P240 non-aircon and P320 aircon. You can also board the ferry bound for San Andres Port for P220 non-aircon and P290 aircon. I suggest just take the ferry to Virac since there are more commercial establishments there and it is a transportation hub for the island.
Where to Stay in Catanduanes
You have some options for accommodation while in Catanduanes. Most places to stay are in Virac the capital.
Budget for Catanduanes
Here is a sample budget for your trip.
*Everything's in Philippine Peso.
1500 - Food and drinks
2625 - 3 nights twin room at Midtown Inn (price shared with at least one other person)
100 - Entrance fees
160 - Binurong Point guide and parking fee
1000 - Motorcycle taxi or tricycle payment during trip (shared with at least one other person)
150 - Use of public transportation to different towns and back to Virac
400 - Surfing instructor fee and board rental
5935 - Estimated total for 4 days and 3 nights
*The amount varies depending on your spending habits (accommodation, transportation, food and drinks, and places you visit).
Itinerary for Catanduanes
Here's a sample itinerary for your planned trip to Catanduanes. You can add or remove places depending on your budget, pace and interest to visit some attractions.
Day 1
Flight to Catanduanes
Check in accommodation
Explore Virac and nearby areas: Virac Cathedral, Twin Rock Beach Resort,
Marilima Beach, Mamangal Beach and Batag Beach
Link to some beaches in Catanduanes:Explore Catanduanes Beaches
Day 2
Depart for Baras
Surfing, swimming and hanging out at Puraran Beach
Binurong Point
Balacay Point
*You can spend the night in a beach resort in Baras or go as a day trip from Virac
Day 3
Bote Lighthouse
Sakahon Beach
Maribina Falls
Bato Church
Link for Bato:Things to Do in Bato Catanduanes
Day 4
Check out accommodation
Depart for Manila or other destination
This is just a rough itinerary for a 4 days and 3 nights trip to Catanduanes.
It is possible to go island hopping to Caramoan from Catanduanes. Here's a link for this: