by Our Catanduanes trip was a long overdue trip that finally made it out of the GC! Lol. But on a more serious note, I have been longing to visit Catanduanes “The Land of the Howling Winds” and explore its untouched beaches, waterfalls and Spanish-colonial Churches. (Catanduanes DIY Itinerary)
And when I finally got there, all I could say was Catanduanes does not disappoint! My only regret was I only stayed there for a few days when it should’ve been 2 weeks! So I guess a comeback in the near future is in line. But for now, let me take you to one of the best underrated destinations I’ve been to in the Philippines.
Table of Contents
About Catanduanes
The underrated Catanduanes is situated on the East coast of mainland Bicol. As a result, its location has earned it the name of the Land of the Howling Winds, where the landfall of typhoon usually takes place.
Catandueños speak two dialects (1) Northern Catanduanes bikol and (2) Southern Catanduanes Bikol. Moreover, Catandueños understands mainland Bicol language, but the mainland Bicol dwellers only understands a few words in mainland Bicol.
Food – as part of the Bicol region, dishes known in Catanduanes are usually spicy mixed with gata or coconut milk. Example of foods cooked with gata are: (1) ginataang manok, (2) ginataang pagi and (3) ginataang pugita. Another must try in Catanduanes is pansit bato in the municipality of Bato. Moreover, if you wish to try exotic food, you should try adobong karakol — a snail species. As per the local I spoke with, it is usually cooked in households and not served in restaurants.
Source of living – abaca, coconut oil and fishing.
How to Get to Catanduanes?
The island province of Catanduanes can be accessed via (1) plane ride or via (2) ferry. If you are coming from Manila, the best option is to book a flight to Virac, Catanduanes. But if you’re coming from Albay, you can ride a ferry from Tobaco Port to San Andres Port in Catanduanes.
Option 1: Via Plane From Manila
From Manila, you can take a flight bound to Virac Airport (VRC). Check for flights below and you can use my Klook discount code to get a discount upon check out!
- FIND CHEAP FLIGHT ON KLOOK
- KLOOK DISCOUNT CODE: JOANSFOOTPRINTSKLOOK
Option 2: Via Ferry From Tobaco Port in Albay
Additionally, if you are coming from mainland Bicol, go to Tobaco Port in Albay and there are ferries that goes to San Andres Port in Catanduanes. We booked our ferry tickets with Regina Lines for Php322.00/pax ordinary, Php420.00/pax with aircondition.
Where to Stay in Catanduanes?
A word of advise, if you are staying in Catanduanes for more than 2 days it would be best to get an accommodation in Baras. Accommodations around Virac are expensive and you probably wouldn’t want to be in the middle of the provincial capital if you are to explore the beautiful beaches and sceneries of Catanduanes.
I highly recommend staying around Puraran Beach. For instance, it will give you easy access to Puraran Beach anytime you want to try surfing or just chill.
For budget travelers, I highly recommend Tita Ay’s Surfers Inn. I booked it via Booking.com and got it for only PHP450.00/night and good for 2 pax.
How to Get Around Catanduanes?
To get around Catanduanes, you can either ride a bus, jeepney, van or tricycle. If you are planning to rent a motorbike to explore the island province, let me be the first to tell you that motorbike rentals are not yet a common thing here. However, there are still a few motorbike rentals around Virac, if you go to other municipalities they do not offer that kind of service.
Insider tip: we were able to rent a motorbike at Tita Ay’s Surfers Resort in Baras where we also stayed for 2 nights. She was the only one who had a motorbike rental around the area. Renting a motorbike will save you up from commuting expenses plus it’s more convenient because buses are way too slow and not very often. Moreover, if you don’t know how to drive one, you can pay for a habal tour guide to tour you around.
Places to Visit in Catanduanes
If you are planning to stay in Catanduanes for 2-3 days, here are some of the places you can visit around the municipality of Virac.
Trek to Binurong Point
Binurong Point is probably the most popular destination in Catanduanes. Dubbed as the “Little Batanes” in the East, Binurong Point is located in Brgy. Guinsaanan, Baras, Catanduanes. To get to this breathtaking rolling hills and cliffs, there will be a 20-30 minutes trek. The trek is fairly easy and it doesn’t require major hiking skills.
Furthermore, to better experience Binurong Point, the best time to go here is at dawn. Watching the sun rises, adding a subtle orange color to the green grass and rolling hills. The earliest time you can start trekking is at 4:30AM.
Trivia: While trekking to Binurong Point, our local tour guide gave us a bit of information about their place. Binurong Point earned its name from the local fishermen who goes here to process the fish into buro (a pickled Filipino dish). Hence the name Binurong Point.
Similarly, Barangay Guinsaanan earned its name from the locals who loves sauteed food (ginisa or guinisa).
Balacay Point
Another breathtaking view you should not miss in Baras, Catanduanes is Balacay Point. There is no entrance fee and no trekking needed. When we came here, there was a concrete road where tourist can bring their cars and/or motorbike up to the top of Balacay Point. Although some tourists charter a tricycle from Puraran Beach and opt to trek it for 15-20 minutes.
The best time to experience Balacay Point is before sunset. Balacay Point offers a magnificent view of the Pacific horizon, Puraran beach on the right and Balacay Island on the left.
Swim at Sakahon Beach
Sakahon Beach is the place you want to go if you want to go swimming. The waves are just chill compared to Puraran Beach where the waves are for surfing. The entrance fee to the beach is Php25.00/person. Sakahon Beach is also the entry point if you want to trek Bote Lighthouse.
Trek to Bote Lighthouse
The Bote Lighthouse offers a 360 degree view of the Bato municipality. To get here, there will be a short 30 minutes trek to the Lighthouse. Although the wind is strong at the top of the Lighthouse, the view does not disappoint!
Moreover, if you wish to trek Bote Lighthouse, tourists are required to hire a local guide for PHP220.00/group. The trek will start from Sakahon Beach.
Bato Church & Marker
Nestled in the heart of Bato, this magnificent piece of architectural artistry boasts off a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Its intricate details are testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Filipino artisans of that era. There is nothing more satisfying than visiting old pieces of historical sites in a province.
Visit Maribina Falls
Maribina Falls is very accessible and there is no need for a hike or trek. As a result, the waterfalls can be really crowded during weekends due to its accessibility. The entrance fee to the falls is PHP30.00/pax and the environmental fee is PHP10.00/pax.
Surf at Puraran Beach
Puraran Beach is the best place to stay for 2-3 days in Catanduanes. Not only it is home to the surfing spot in the province but it will also give you a proximity advantage to tourist destinations like Binurong Point, Balacay Point, Bato Church, Bote Lighthouse, Sakahon Beach and more.
Puraran beach is one of the most laidback surfing beach I’ve been to in the Philippines. Surf spots I’ve been to are usually crowded. Furthermore, if you wish to surf the rate is PHP500.00/hour. There are surfing lessons and instructors you can find around the beach.
Sidetrip at Caramoan Islands
If you have more time to spend in Catanduanes, you might want to consider a day trip to Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur. If you are interested, you can book this tour on Klook and use my code JOANSFOOTPRINSKLOOK to get a discount.
Sample Catanduanes DIY Itinerary & Budget
This itinerary is assuming that you are traveling with a companion to split the costs. Our entry airport was Virac airport in Catanduanes. So after our 3 days trip in Catanduanes, we rode a ferry from San Andres Port to Tabaco Port in Albay to continue our Bicol backpacking trip.
Day 1: Baras + Puraran Beach Surfing
| DAY 1 (MNL-VRC) | ACTIVITY | PRICE |
| 6:20AM | Flight from Manila to Virac via Cebu Pacific | |
| 7:30AM | Ride a tricycle from Virac airport to van terminal | Php100.00 good for 2 |
| 8:00AM | Ride a van from terminal to Baras/Puraran Beach | Php150.00/pax |
| 10:00AM | Breakfast and early check in at Tita Ay’s Surfers Inn, rest | Breakfast PHP100.00/pax; PHP900.00 for 2 nights and for 2 pax |
| 2:00PM | Explore Puraran beach, surfing lessons (optional) | Free entrance Puraran beach, Surfing lessons (optional) Php500.00 |
| 7:00PM | Dinner, socials, rest | PHP100.00/pax |
Day 2: Exploring Bato & Baras
| DAY 2: BATO | ACTIVITY | PRICE |
| 5:30AM | Wake up time, prepare, rent motorbike at Tita Ay’s | Motorbike rental Php500.00/day; Gas PHP100.00 |
| 6:30AM | Breakfast | PHP100.00/pax |
| 7:00AM | Visit Bato Church & Bato Marker | FREE |
| 8:30AM | Try pansit bato food | PHP15.00/serving |
| 9:30-11:00AM | Visit Maribina Falls | PHP30.00 entrance fee; PHP10.00 environmental fee |
| 11:30AM | Lunch | PHP100.00/pax |
| 12:30PM | Explore Sakahon Beach | PHP25.00 entrance fee |
| 2:00PM | Trek to Bote Lighthouse | Guide fee PHP220.00 |
| 5:00PM | Sunset at Balacay Point | FREE |
| 7:00PM | Dinner, socials, rest | PHP100.00/pax |
Day 3: Binurong Point Sunrise
| DAY 3: BINURONG POINT | ACTIVITY | PRICE |
| 3:30AM | Wake up time, prepare, rent motorbike at Tita Ay’s | Motorbike rental Php500.00/day; Gas PHP100.00 |
| 4:30AM | Start trek to Binurong Point (25 minutes trek) | Php40.00/pax entrance fee, Php30.00/pax environmental fee, Php250.00 tour guide good for 1-4 pax |
| 5:00AM | Sunrise at Binurong Point | |
| 7:30AM | Trek back | |
| 8:30AM | Breakfast and early check out | PHP100.00/pax |
| 9:00AM | Ride a bus from Puraran to Virac | Php55.00/pax |
| 10:30AM | From Virac, ride a tricycle to San Andres Port | Php300.00 tricycle good for 2 |
| 11:00AM | Lunch outside the port, buy ticket (Regina Lines) | Php322.00/pax ordinary, Php420.00/pax with aircon |
| 1:00PM | Depart from San Andres Port to Tabaco Port Albay |
Note: if in case your exit is at Virac airport, just ride a bus passing through Baras highway to Virac. The fare is Php55.00 for an ordinary bus and travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Then from Virac town proper, ride a tricycle to Virac airport, fare is Php100.00/way.
Budget Breakdown (Catanduanes DIY Itinerary)
Prepare to shell out PHP2,290.00 PER PERSON excluding flights and ferry fare to Albay. If you follow the itinerary I provided above, you will get the same budget breakdown. Expect the budget to go up if (1) you choose a different accommodation and if (2) you choose to travel with an arranged tour instead of DIY way.
Recommended Catanduanes Tours On Klook For Solo Travelers
Good news! If you are traveling solo and if you don’t know how to drive a motorbike, Klook got you! You can also use my discount code JOANSFOOTPRINTSKLOOK to get a discount upon check out!
KLOOK DISCOUNT CODE: JOANSFOOTPRINTSKLOOK
RECOMMENDED TOURS:
- BINURONG POINT & PURARAN SURB BEACH DAY TRIP
- CARAMOAN ISLAND HOPPING FROM CATANDUANES
- CATANDUANES PANDAN DAY TOUR
Tips From Joan’s Footprints
- No signal reception in most areas. But in Virac, there is strong signal reception.
- Public transportation like buses doesn’t have an hourly trip. Make sure to ask the hotel receptionist about the updated schedule of buses/vans.
- I highly recommended staying in Baras Puraran Beach. You’ll get everyday access to the beach.
| Help me improve my article about Catanduanes DIY Itinerary & Budget! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. Drone shots by yours truly. Contact Us for paid promotions and link insertions. For proposals: email me at jpiann4@gmail.com Follow me on Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok @joansfootprints for more travel-related videos! |
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