Catanduanes Travel Guide
Hi there! ๐ Iโm 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 todayโs guide, letโs explore Catanduanes province!
If you have any questions, you may message me on Facebook. ๐
My 25 Best Travel Essentials
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 ๐บ๏ธ you can access on Google Maps.
Day 1: Tour to Puraran
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Flight to Virac, Catanduanes
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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
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Bato Church and Bridge
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Majestic Puraran Beach Resort
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Seafood Dinner at Majestic Puraran Restaurant
Day 2: The Highlight
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Binurong Point
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Breakfast at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort
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Nahulugan Falls
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Bahaw Falls
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Balacay Point
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Chill at Puraran Beach
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Seafood Dinner at Majestic Puraran Restaurant
Day 3: Tour Back to Virac
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Surf at Puraran Beach Resort
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Breakfast at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort
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Bote Lighthouse
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Sacahon Beach
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Batalay Mangrove Eco Park
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Choicel Pares Mami House
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Maribina Falls
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Happy Island Inn
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Sea Breeze
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Virac Town Center
Day 4: Go Home
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Eat Breakfast at Happy Island Inn
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Buy Pasalubong at the Catanduanes Pasalubong Shop
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Fly Back to Metro Manila
To Consider:
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Sea Side Waterfalls
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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:
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09958437413
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Facebook: Catanduanes Onyong Tour
Rates per day:
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P1,000 for 1 pax
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P1,500 for 2 to 3 pax
๐ต Expenses Breakdown: P13,085
โ๏ธ P5,335 - Flight with Cebu Pacific
๐ P1,500 - Majestic Puraran Beach Resort - P3,000 for 2
๐ 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
My 25 Best Travel Essentials
Day 1
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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
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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.
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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
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10:30AM - Mamangal Beach
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A beach in Catanduanes with a stunning view of Mayon Volcano!
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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.
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Entrance fee: P10
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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.
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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
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01:30PM - Twin Rock Beach Resort
Experience Siargaoโs 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
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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.
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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, thereโs 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
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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).
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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.
My 25 Best Travel Essentials
Day 2
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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.
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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.
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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
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10:30AM - Nahulugan Falls
The place is very well maintained with CR and cottages. You wonโt find trash everywhere!
Entrance fee:
- P10 for adults
- P5 for children
The water is so cold yet very relaxing.
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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
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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! ๐คฏ
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.
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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.
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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 ๐ฆ, octopus ๐, and snail ๐
- It was my first time a whole octopus and snail ๐คฎ
- Never again! ๐
๐งณ
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.
My 25 Best Travel Essentials
Day 3
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05:30AM - Wake-up Early to Catch the Waves and Sunrise
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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! ๐
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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
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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
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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. Itโs not accessible by foot as it is surrounded by the river.
โช
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, thereโs 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
๐ฅ
02:00PM - Choicel Pares Mami House
- A karinderya along the way to Virac
- P75 - Pares with rice (P100 for unli)
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03:00PM - Maribina Falls
End the day in this beautiful place just near Virac town!
Entrance is only P40 and no hiking required
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04:30PM - Happy Island Inn
Aesthetic and beach front botique hotel with an overlooking view of Mayon Volcano
Hotel and Room Amenities:
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Overlooking view of Mayon Volcano
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Beach front
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43โ to 50โ Smart TV for Netflix & chill ๐
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Table for dining and wifi for working
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Own mini kitchen (water dispenser, ref, utensils)
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Aesthetic and comfortable bed
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With aircon and electric fan
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Private bathroom with complete bath kit
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hot and cold shower
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Eat breakfast with a view
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P180 - breakfast meals with coffee
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Itโs good that breakfast is optional especially on days with tours that require you to wake up very early so your money wonโt go to waste
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You can rent their Fazzio scooter for P800 per day
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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)
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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 youโll 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
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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.
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Ride a Tricle Back to Happy Island Inn
- The fare is P25
- Pack your things
My 25 Best Travel Essentials
Day 4
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05:30AM - Wake Up and Pack Your Things
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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
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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
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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
My 25 Best Travel Essentials
Thanks for reaching this far!
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Say hi on Facebook if you have any questions about the guide
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Travel dates: July 10 to 13, 2024