Soak in the beauty that will leave you smiling and singing inside cars and boats. Such is the experience Catanduanes has to offer — a simple town that’s home to beautiful beaches, rock formations, rolling hills, and summer memories you’ll dare not forget. Read on to find out everything you need to know after packing your bags towards this amazingly undiscovered destination.
A less than hour flight from Manila via , the place gave us a warm welcome. It was all blue and green – the kind and shade that puts you on vacation mode in a jiffy.
Watch the Catanduanes Webisode:
For a few days, it’s nice to be able to be consumed by the pleasures of the island. Starting it off from the warm welcome at Midtown Inn, you know you’re in for a treat.
Located in the town proper, it’s accessible to several grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. Of course, the inviting beds were just enough to keep us in a few more minutes before we headed out for our adventure.
Exploring Virac: Days out in the sun
A few minutes drive away from Virac town proper, you’ll arrive at the starting point for a tourist trip favorite! A day of exploration via sea at Carorian, Bato, Catanduanes. A multi-stop island boat ride that will take you to: Patag Island, Poseidon’s Rock and Lagoon, Japanese Kaidan and Sea Side Waterfalls.
First stop? The beautiful charcoal island with naturally-cut walls. Patag Island.
A few hours aboard the boat is definitely not bad with this view. This is the Sea Side Waterfalls.
Bag by Outdoor Products Philippines
Luggage by Delsey Philippines
Jump right into these natural pools that’s just begging you to swim the first second you see it. Splashing waves and cool clear waters perfect for that fresh summer dip!
Next we have the Japanese Kaidan, a place for cliff jumping with its man-made built staircase on one of the rocks facing the sea.
The last stop is called Poseidon, a place that will leave you breathless.
The waves, the sea, those beautiful rocks? This view definitely made its name’s sake proud!
Binurong Point
Catanduanes’ Batanes has its own charm.
After around 20-30 minutes hike, you’ll be greeted with a view of rolling hills and the ocean.
This place makes you want to sing and dance, right?
The sunlight hits the water and hills perfectly, yes?
Puraran Surf Beach Resort
Although there are several other places famous for surfing, surfers in this area paddle here to get their fix.
Shaka up here for PhP 350! (PhP 200 for board rental and PhP 150 for the instructor)
Another great thing about Catanduanes is that, there’s plenty of places to explore. Here’s some of the interesting sites we visited:
Doppler Radar
Catanduanes is known as the typhoon belt of the Philippines which is why one of the three most advanced radars is located here. The other two are in Samar and Ilocos.
The other side of the Doppler Radar that shows the wide landscape of the different islets of Catanduanes.
Bato Church
An intricately designed church that will make you feel like you’re taken back in time! Did you know that this is the oldest church in the area? It was built in the 1830s.
Maribina Falls
Who would’ve thought there’s a hidden gem right here? A local favorite, Maribina Falls was packed with people going for short jumps and a quick swim. The place is complete with cottages for rent; perfect for afternoon picnics with friends and family.
Balacay Point
A signature road side view point right in the heart of Catanduanes that’s will capture your heart in a glance.
Yes, this is what the point looks like from above. Stunning!
Batag Beach
Cap off the day with a beautiful sunset view from here.
Batag Beach by Midtown Inn is the first exclusive resort in Catanduanes composed of seven rooms and one family room.
Rates per night are at PhP 2500 for the regular rooms and PhP 6000 for the family room (good for four), without food. Extra person charge is at PhP 500 – PhP 800 respectively.
So while you’re enjoying the different sites and wonders of Catanduanes, let us take you on a culinary adventure while we’re at it too! So when hunger strikes:
Before, in-between, and after days out in the sun, a feast is in order.
Smokies Grill
Look at that spread. You definitely wouldn’t mind getting your hands dirty with good food. Smokies Grill knows how to throw a boodle fight!
Sandy Blossoms Restaurant
For lunch, a must-visit place is Sandy Blossoms Restaurant – a homey place that serves comfort food.
What’s on the table? Paella Negra, Salisbury Steak, and Halo-Halo.
Of course, dessert must not be forgotten. Here’s some carrot cake, chocolate cake, taro shake, coffee, and tea — perfect to end the meal or maybe even for an afternoon break.
Puraran Surf Beach Resort
Eating with a view like this? Yes please.
Puraran Surf Beach Resort offers an impressive menu will make you want to forget your diet for a while.
Just look at those Blue Marlin, Lobsters, and Kupapha (a kind of lobster)
Seabreeze Restaurant
Enjoy the naturally cool night breeze back in town, while enjoying freshly grilled eats in kubos! Seabreeze Restaurant serves up some good ol classic Filipino comfort food. Ihaw, anyone?
Pinusidong Tangigue, Grilled Blue Marlin, Calamares, Lumpiang Sariwa? YES, PLEASE!
From breakfast to dinner, these places got your cravings in check. Can we hear a “burp burp!”
So now that the beauty of Catanduanes is yours to discover, here’s our “things to bring” for that trip!
What’s in our bags?
- Outdoor Products Philippines Backpack | #Everyday Weekend
- Summer Shorts from Billabong at Grind Philippines
- A cute pair of sunnies
- Your phone (of course!)
- An inflatable chair – Plop Supply
- Summer dresses from H&M Philippines
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Sunblock
Luggage from Delsey Philippines
Days out in the sun are spent well here – a place that will leave you with nothing but fond memories of beautiful scenery and maybe a couple of good songs that will take you right back to Catanduanes. All you have to do now is book that flight via Cebu Pacific to experience the place yourself.
Check out #DMTravelSeriesxCebuPacific on facebook and instagram for more of our travel adventures! 📹🏖
Words by: Gladys Sto Tomas | Photos by: Mars Guisala, Waltz Siy & Lucky Alabado
WATCH OUR DISCOVER CATANDUANES TRAVEL FILM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDP3KV54taU
Special thanks to our official airline partner: CEBU PACIFIC
Our Major Sponsors: DELSEY PHILIPPINES, OUTDOOR PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, GRIND PHILIPPINES
Our Minor Sponsors: H&M Philippines
Our Official Magazine and Media Partner: TRAVEL NOW MAGAZINE & ONE MEGA
Our Local Sponsors: Catanduanes Midtown Inn, Katandungan Travel and Tours, Tropang Turismo Catanduanes, Seabreeze Restaurant, SandysBlossoms Restaurant, Gene and Edzen de los Santos, Casey Llave, and Pat Apil.
How to reach Balacay Point via DIY trip?