Benj Tupas

Benj Tupas

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ

Philippines

Catanduanes Travel Guide

Hi there! ๐Ÿ‘‹ Iโ€™m Benj Tupas and welcome to another Philippines Travel Guide where I write DIY and budget-friendly guides on how to travel to all 82 provinces of the Philippines!

For todayโ€™s guide, letโ€™s explore Catanduanes province!

If you have any questions, you may message me on Facebook. ๐Ÿ˜


OOTD:


Photography and Tour Essentials:


Gadgets:


๐Ÿ›–

Hotels: Agoda and Booking

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Activities: Klook (Promo Code: BENJKLOOK)


Monetize Your Travels with Happy.com.ph

Summary

The island, once known as the "Land of the Howling Winds" due to frequent typhoons, is now being rebranded as the "Happy Island."

You might have also heard the famous line: "This is not Batanes. This is Catanduanes!" This refers to Binurong Point, a strong competitor to Batanes.

We will travel this island from south to the middle part.

Here's the Strategy Map ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ you can access on Google Maps.


Day 1: Tour to Puraran

โœˆ๏ธ

Flight to Virac, Catanduanes

โ˜•๏ธ

Breakfast at 1B3G Eatery

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Mamangal Beach

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Batag Beach

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Face of Jesus

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Twin Rock Beach Resort

โ›ช

Bato Church and Bridge

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Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

๐Ÿฆž

Seafood Dinner at Majestic Puraran Restaurant


Day 2: The Highlight

๐Ÿž๏ธ

Binurong Point

โ˜•๏ธ

Breakfast at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

๐Ÿ’ฆ

Nahulugan Falls

๐Ÿ’ฆ

Bahaw Falls

๐Ÿž๏ธ

Balacay Point

๐Ÿ๏ธ

Chill at Puraran Beach

๐Ÿฆž

Seafood Dinner at Majestic Puraran Restaurant


Day 3: Tour Back to Virac

๐Ÿ„

Surf at Puraran Beach Resort

โ˜•๏ธ

Breakfast at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

๐Ÿ—ผ

Bote Lighthouse

๐Ÿ๏ธ

Sacahon Beach

๐ŸŒณ

Batalay Mangrove Eco Park

๐Ÿฅ„

Choicel Pares Mami House

๐Ÿ’ฆ

Maribina Falls

๐Ÿ›–

Happy Island Inn

๐Ÿฅ„

Sea Breeze

๐Ÿšถ

Virac Town Center


Day 4: Go Home

โ˜•๏ธ

Eat Breakfast at Happy Island Inn

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Buy Pasalubong at the Catanduanes Pasalubong Shop

โœˆ๏ธ

Fly Back to Metro Manila


To Consider:

๐Ÿ’ฆ

Sea Side Waterfalls

๐ŸŒŠ

Poseidon Beach Cove, Crocodile, and Turtle Island - requires island hopping for P1,800 from Sacahon Beach


Tourist destinations in Catanduanes are not commute-friendly so you need to hire a tour guide. I highly recommend Kuya Onyong! Great personality, expert navigator, and skilled mobile photographer.

Contact Details:

๐Ÿ“ž

09958437413

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Facebook: Catanduanes Onyong Tour

Rates per day:

๐Ÿ’ต

P1,000 for 1 pax

๐Ÿ’ต

P1,500 for 2 to 3 pax



โœˆ๏ธ P5,335 - Flight with Cebu Pacific

๐Ÿ›– P1,500 - Majestic Puraran Beach Resort - P3,000 for 2

๐Ÿ›– P1,100 - Happy Island Inn - P2,200 for 2

Day 1: P1,505

P750 - Tour (Divided by 2)

P65 - Breakfast

P10 - Mamangal Beach

P30 - Face of Jesus

P70 - Twin Rock

P80 - Lunch

P500 - Dinner (Divided by 2)

Day 2: P1,635

P750 - Tour (Divided by 2)

P70 - Binurong Point Environmental and Entrance Fees

P125 - Binurong Point Guide (Divided by 2)

P10 - Nahulugan Falls

P30 - Snack

P25 - Bahaw Falls

P500 - Dinner (Divided by 2)

P125 - Smoothie

Day 3: P1,780

P400 - Surf

P750 - Tour (Divided by 2)

P155 - Bote Lighthouse

P75 - lunch

P25 - Tricycle

P350 - Dinner

P25 - Tricycle

Day 4: P230

P180 - breakfast

P25 - Tricycle

P25 - Tricycle


OOTD:


Photography and Tour Essentials:


Gadgets:


๐Ÿ›–

Hotels: Agoda and Booking

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Activities: Klook (Promo Code: BENJKLOOK)


Monetize Your Travels with Happy.com.ph

Day 1

โœˆ๏ธ

08:15AM - Flight to Virac, Catanduanes

- There's only 1 flight daily to and from Virac, Catanduanes

- The round-trip flights costed P5,335

- The flight will only take 1 hour and 10 minutes


โœˆ๏ธ

09:45AM - Virac Airport

- It's a small but very decent airport

- You can easily navigate to get your luggage and exit.

After getting your luggage, go to the tricycle area and meet Kuya Onyong.


โ˜•๏ธ

09:50AM - Breakfast at 1B 3G Eatery

- Just a few blocks from the airport

- Sample order: hotdog, egg, fried rice, and coffee for only P65

- The food in Catanduanes is very cheap


๐Ÿ๏ธ

10:30AM - Mamangal Beach

๐ŸŒ‹

A beach in Catanduanes with a stunning view of Mayon Volcano!

๐ŸŒฆ๏ธ

It was a little gloomy and Mayon Volcano was a bit shy during this trip. Just imagine the view of the perfect cone if it was sunny.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Entrance fee: P10


๐Ÿ๏ธ

11:30AM - Batag Beach

If you've been to Boracay, this looks like the Keyhole Rock.

No entrance fee to access the public beach but you may also access this resort for a day tour fee of P250.


๐Ÿ—ฟ

12:30PM - Face of Jesus Rock Formation

The rock formation was naturally carved by nature over the years until it resembled the profile of Jesus Christ

- The exact name of the place is Tampad Beach in Brgy. Talisoy.

- Entrance Fee: P30


๐Ÿ›–

01:30PM - Twin Rock Beach Resort

Experience Siargaoโ€™s Magpupungko Rock Pools and the jump board of Sugba Lagoon in one place.

For only P70, you can access their swimming pool, beach, and the rock pools

There are rock formations in the middle of the beach that are identical in shape. One is just bigger than the other.

My favorite activity is the unli jump on the rock pools

Drone shots of the rock pools

They also have a function room, cottages, and rooms


๐Ÿ›–

03:00PM - Lunch at the Port

- Just eat on the way at a kariderya at the port to save time since Puraran is still far.

- You'll have decent food trips in Puraran and Sea Breeze here in Virac when you get home from Puraran. (See dinner of Day 3)

- Sample order: nilagang baboy with rice for only P80

- You'll go back to Virac and you can take a photo at the "Happy Island Catanduanes" sign after lunch.

- Buy a big bottle of mineral water at a nearby drugstore for the next couple of days.


โ›ช

03:30PM - Bato Church

- The oldest church in the province that has stood the test of time, enduring powerful typhoons and earthquakes!

- Compared to most churches, thereโ€™s something unique about the texture of the walls as it was constructed using mortar and coral limestones.

Beautifully situated beside the river and offering a picturesque view of the bridge


๐Ÿ›–

04:20PM - Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

A beach front resort with surfer friendly waves

Surfing lessons are available for P400 per hour with Kuya Onyong. (See more on Day 3)

They offer aircon rooms for P1,500 (good for 2 pax) or solo non-aircon room for P850


Room Inclusions and Resort Amenities:

- Comfortable bed with clean sheets and towels that smell really good

- Toiletries

- Table and chair

- Private bathroom

Free breakfast and coffee

Hammocks and swings just outside of the rooms

Beach volleyball you can play with friends

Beautiful rock formations and relaxing waves

Chill with friendly dogs

Beautiful sunset, bonfire every night, and tasty yet affordable restaurant by the beach (more on this later).


๐Ÿฆž

Seafood Dinner at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

- Boddle fight for only P1,000. Good for 3 pax.

- Eat dinner, ready your tour essentials, and sleep early for the highlight of Catanduanes.

- You'll need to wake-up at 03:00AM to catch the sunrise.


OOTD:


Photography and Tour Essentials:


Gadgets:


๐Ÿ›–

Hotels: Agoda and Booking

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Activities: Klook (Promo Code: BENJKLOOK)


Monetize Your Travels with Happy.com.ph

Day 2

โฐ

03:30AM - Wake-up to Catch the Sunrise

From Majestic Puraran Beach Resort, Kuya Onyong will pick you up and drive you to the jump-off of Binurong Point.


๐ŸŒ„

4:00AM - Register and Start the Trek

- It will only take 20 to 30 minutes of trek depending on your speed

- Don't forget to appreciate the beautiful sunrise while hiking

Fees:

- Entrance: P40

- Environmental: P30

- Guide: P250

- Digong, a local dog, might be there when you visit

- He will guide you to reach Binurong Point and he will guard your things

Binurong Point's front and back view from afar. The frontview looks like a hand from afar.

Top View

Point 1 and 2

Photoshoots at Point 1 and 2

Photoshoots at Point 3

Go down after 2 to 3 hours as the sun gets hotter by the hour

Thanks ate Asun for being a nice guide. Unfortunately, you can't hire her directly because all guides at Binurong Point are on rotation.


โ˜•๏ธ

09:00AM - Breakfast at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

- Go back to Majestic Puraran Beach Resort for your free breakfast

- You can choose between silogs and pancakes

- Don't forget to charge your gadgets before you order and eat


๐Ÿ’ฆ

10:30AM - Nahulugan Falls

The place is very well maintained with CR and cottages. You wonโ€™t find trash everywhere!

Entrance fee:

- P10 for adults

- P5 for children

The water is so cold yet very relaxing.


๐Ÿฅ„

12:00AM - Snack

- There aren't many restaurants or karinderias in this area, so I decided to just eat snacks and splurge on dinner later.

- P15 per hotcake


๐Ÿ’ฆ

01:30PM - Bahaw Falls

This place showcases a beautiful falls and very clear water

- Entrance and Environment Fee: P25

- They have cottages if you want to stay longer and brought food

Here's a sky view of Bahaw Falls. It's facing a beach.

Just check how clear the water is! ๐Ÿคฏ


Since we've been exploring since 03:30AM, I've decided to stay longer in Bahaw Falls to relax and skip Balacay Point.

Balacay Point is also a beautiful place to visit if you still have the energy.


๐Ÿ๏ธ

04:00PM - Chill at Puraran Beach

At this point, you are already up for more than 12 hours. Perfect time to relax at the beach.


๐Ÿฆž

06:00PM - Seafood Dinner at Majestic Puraran Restaurant

- Another set of budol fight dinner for P1,000 good for 2 to 3 pax.

- You can choose a set of lobster ๐Ÿฆž, octopus ๐Ÿ™, and snail ๐ŸŒ

- It was my first time a whole octopus and snail ๐Ÿคฎ

- Never again! ๐Ÿ˜†


๐Ÿงณ

08:00PM - Bonfire and Pack Your Bags

- Order a smoothie for P120 and watch the daily bonfire

- I would highly suggest to pack your bags and ready your tour essentials for tomorrow.


OOTD:


Photography and Tour Essentials:


Gadgets:


๐Ÿ›–

Hotels: Agoda and Booking

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Activities: Klook (Promo Code: BENJKLOOK)


Monetize Your Travels with Happy.com.ph

Day 3

โฐ

05:30AM - Wake-up Early to Catch the Waves and Sunrise


๐Ÿ„

06:00AM - Surfing at Puraran Beach Resort

Kuya Onyong is also a surf instructor. He will go to Puraran and teach you how to surf for only P400 including the board and 1 hour session.

Me starting to become a pro! ๐Ÿ˜†


โ˜•๏ธ

07:30AM - Breakfast at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

- Eat a heavy breakfast for last day tour

- Pack your things and check out at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort


๐Ÿ๏ธ

10:00AM - Bote Lighthouse and Sacahon Beach

Bote Lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Sacahon Beach

The water of Sacahon Beach is super clear! This is where you'll register and the jump off of the hike.

It will take around 30 minutes to reach the summit

View from the Lighthouse

Mandatory Fees:

- Environmental: P10

- Entrance: P35

- Mandatory Guide: P220

You can also rent a kubo for P350 to P650


๐ŸŒณ

12:00PM - Batalay Mangrove Eco Park

- Catanduanes, known as "The Land of the Howling Winds" due to frequent typhoons, built a natural defense

- The mangroves help absorb the impact of waves to protect the coastline.

To explore the mangrove eco park, you need to hire a local bangka or balsa for P100 per head or P200 if solo. Itโ€™s not accessible by foot as it is surrounded by the river.


โ›ช

01:0PM - Bato Church

- The oldest church in the province that has stood the test of time, enduring powerful typhoons and earthquakes!

- Compared to most churches, thereโ€™s something unique about the texture of the walls as it was constructed using mortar and coral limestones.

Beautifully situated beside the river and offering a picturesque view of the bridge


๐Ÿฅ„

02:00PM - Choicel Pares Mami House

- A karinderya along the way to Virac

- P75 - Pares with rice (P100 for unli)


๐Ÿ’ฆ

03:00PM - Maribina Falls

End the day in this beautiful place just near Virac town!

Entrance is only P40 and no hiking required


๐Ÿ’ฆ

04:30PM - Happy Island Inn

Aesthetic and beach front botique hotel with an overlooking view of Mayon Volcano

Hotel and Room Amenities:

๐ŸŒ‹

Overlooking view of Mayon Volcano

๐ŸŒŠ

Beach front

๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ

43โ€ to 50โ€ Smart TV for Netflix & chill ๐Ÿ˜†

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ’ป

Table for dining and wifi for working

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿณ

Own mini kitchen (water dispenser, ref, utensils)

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Aesthetic and comfortable bed

โ„๏ธ

With aircon and electric fan

๐Ÿšฝ

Private bathroom with complete bath kit

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hot and cold shower

๐Ÿ๏ธ

Eat breakfast with a view

โ˜•

P180 - breakfast meals with coffee

โœ…

Itโ€™s good that breakfast is optional especially on days with tours that require you to wake up very early so your money wonโ€™t go to waste

๐Ÿ›ต

You can rent their Fazzio scooter for P800 per day

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

They also have a souvenir shop at the lobby where you can buy Catanduanes shirts, keychains, mugs, etc.


Room Rates:

P2,000 - Solo Room

P2,200 - Couple Room (2 pax)

P3,600 - Couple Room (4 pax)


๐Ÿ’ฆ

07:00PM - Dinner at Sea Breeze

A popular restaurant in front of the port

You can ride a tricycle for P25 from Happy Island Inn.

They have an aquarium where you can choose your sea food.

Sample order:

- P260 - Sizzling Mixed Seafood

- P260 - Blue Marlin

- P120 - Lemonade Pitcher

- P320 - Bicol Express

- P295 - Mango Tapioca

- P40 - Rice

Total: P1,415

Food this much was good for 4 so assume that youโ€™ll only spend around P350 each.

You can check their menu on their Facebook page.

You also have the option to eat inside for the aircon or outside for the view


๐Ÿšถ

08:00PM - Walk at Virac Town Center

It's only a 10-minute walk from Sea Breeze. The town center is a cheaper place to eat dinner because of their food stalls.

This place has a Go Kart track

You can play at the perya area: toss coin, toss volleyball, and bingo.


๐Ÿ›ต

Ride a Tricle Back to Happy Island Inn

- The fare is P25

- Pack your things


OOTD:


Photography and Tour Essentials:


Gadgets:


๐Ÿ›–

Hotels: Agoda and Booking

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Activities: Klook (Promo Code: BENJKLOOK)


Monetize Your Travels with Happy.com.ph

Day 4

โ˜€๏ธ

05:30AM - Wake Up and Pack Your Things


โ˜•๏ธ

07:00AM - Eat Breakfast at Happy Island Inn

- Filipino breakfast with egg and coffee for P180

- Options: hotdog, longganisa, tocino, luncheon meat, corned beef, ham, bacon, beef tapa, nuggets, samosa, and fried fish

Enjoy the view of the beach while eating


๐Ÿ›๏ธ

08:00AM - Buy Pasalubong at the Catanduanes Pasalubong Shop

Ride a tricycle from Happy Island Inn for P25

Best Sellers

- Food: Pili Nuts

- Non-food: Products made of Abaca


โœˆ๏ธ

Fly Back to Metro Manila

Ride a tricycle from the pasalubong shop for P25

There are small pasalubong shops at the aiport, prayer area, kids area, and even conference room.

Make sure to sit on a window seat so you'll see Mayon Volcano from the sky


OOTD:


Photography and Tour Essentials:


Gadgets:


๐Ÿ›–

Hotels: Agoda and Booking

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ

Activities: Klook (Promo Code: BENJKLOOK)


Monetize Your Travels with Happy.com.ph

Thanks for reaching this far!

๐Ÿ‘‹

Say hi on Facebook if you have any questions about the guide

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ

Travel dates: July 10 to 13, 2024