An island province in the Bicol region, southeast of Luzon. It is separated from the mainland by the Maqueda Channel on the west and Lagonoy Gulf on the south. With a population of 187,000.
The whole island is virtually a single mountain mass, with low mountains rising almost directly from the western shore. A narrow depression runs in the midsection of the island. Its limited plains along the coast face the Pacific Ocean.
Catanduanes is exposed to frequent typhoons as rain falls throughout the year, it has no dry season, an even more adventure to visit this marvelous island with plenty of attractions it has to offer.
Getting there.
Only an hours flight from Manila with the option of air carriers which fly daily to Catanduanes or you can choose the scenic route by bus with marvelous scenery an option worth considering, numerous bus lines operate air-conditioned coaches from Manila to Tabaco, Albay with trips running from 9 to 10 hours. Another option is to take RSL bus from Manila to Catanduanes which has ticketing station at and pick-up stations at Alabang or Ermita.
Things to see and do, tho there are plenty I’ve only listed some here.
Toytoy Beach
Located in Caramoran, the well-developed coral formations underwater makes it ideal for snorkeling and spear fishing.
Nahulugan Falls
The cascading waterfalls is surrounded by a lush of vegetation and forest, unspoiled brims around the site, an ideal place for picnic activities, hiking and mountain climbing. Located in San Pedro, Gigmoto
Balongbong Mini-Hydro Damsite and Forebay
Developed by First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO), together with National Electrification Administration (NEA) which owned the power turbines being powered by a large waterfalls. Located at Guinobatan, Sipi Sibacungan, Bato, ideal for hiking, camping and botanical field trips.
Radar Station
Located at Buenavista, Bato, this weather radar station has state of the art equipment. From the roof deck, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is simply breathtaking.
Luyang Cave
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. You get to see bats hanging from the ceilings and walls that rein the whole length of the cave.
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 storagearea 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 to build the Bato church from 1830 to 1883.
JAPANESE TUNNEL.
This is the former radar site of the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II
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, snorkeling and Scuba diving.
Virac Cathedral.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located at the hearth of the capital town of Virac with its beautiful the stained glass windows.
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