The rugged and diverse landscape of the province is a dazzling stretch of tamed powdery sand, lush forests, and a rich marine life, making Catanduanes a dream hideaway for those who want to commune with nature in its purest form.
Here's a list of must visit places in Catanduanes province.
PURARAN BEACH
Puraran, Baras
Clean and peach-colored beach, Puraran is invigorating to those who want to bask in the glory of the sea, sand and sky. This is the most famous beach in Catanduanes and placed the province in the surfing map of the world, listed as one of the top surfing locations. It also boasts of a magnificent view of mountains and coves. The place, apart from excluding modern comforts, also means less urban chaos and more peace and serenity.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Poblacion, Bato
The magnificently situated edifice stands proudly by the scenic Bato
River and greets everyone upon entrance to the town of Bato. It is the only
remaining structure of its kind in the entire island. The church is of interest
not only as a mid-colonization Filipino-Spanish architecture, but as a
historical landmark. It was built under the polo system of forced labor for a
total of 53 years under six different parish administrators. Started in 1830
and finished in 1883, Bato Church has withstood wars, calamities and ravages of
time. This massive structure of mortar and coral stones was able to retain its
old glory.
Holy Cross of Batalay Shrine
Batalay, Bato
The shrine is the site where the first Catholic Cross was planted in
Catanduanes and was built over the burial place of Augustinian priest Fray
Diego de Herrera in 1576 who died in Batalay, Bato. Legend says that a spring
water sprouted near the cross, believed to have healing powers. It is a common
belief that the cross presently enshrined in the Batalay Chapel is still the
original cross planted more than 420 years ago. Batalay has been the center of
annual religious pilgrimages from people of different places. The Holy Cross of
Batalay is a Diocesan shrine with the right to hold a liturgical celebration on
the last Friday of April every year.
Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine
Batong Paloway, San Andres
The thumbnail sized river stone bearing the mystical face of the Virgin
Mary found in a river bank is believed to have grown in size over the years. At
present, one can view the image with the bare eyes unlike before, when one had
to use a magnifying lens. The image has drawn many devotees throughout the
years and a mass is being heard every Friday afternoon as devotees flock the
chapel regularly to pray the rosary and novenas. Every Lenten week celebration
people on Holy Thursday walk from Virac and as far as Batalay, Bato ona
penitentiary pilgrimage to visit and pray to the Lady of Sorrows.
Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
Concepcion, Virac
Located at the heart of the capital town of Virac, the cathedral that
has been super-imposed over the old parish church is adorned with stained glass
windows and a roof dome is being added on top of the altar.
Museo de Catanduanes
3/F Old Capitol Building
Santa Elena, Virac
Experience a glimpse of the historical development of the province in
its own one and only culture and heritage center, a showcase of CAtanduanes
history and rich repository of its genetic culture.
Luyang Cave Park
Lictin, San Andres
Feel the cool damp air inside this mute witness to and tomb of the
massacre natives who fled from the Moro pirates during the 17th
century. To appease their troubled souls, a mini grotto and altar was built
inside in memory of this massacre. A “Requiem Mass” is said on April 28 of
every year. The adventurer could revel in the sight of the corridors of
majestic and colossal stalactites and stalagmites pillars and rock formations.
Hanging from the ceilings and waalls of the cave are countless bats who reigns
the whole length of the cave. From a distance is Mt. Cagmasosco, one of the
highest mountain peaks in the province.
PAG-ASA WEATHER RADAR STATION
Buenavista, Bato
The latest state of the art Doppler radar station that sits on top of a
mountain is expected to mitigate the impact of devastating typhoons in the
country as the state weather agency. PAG-ASA, predicts incoming typhoons. It
will also provide accurate weather forecasts from PAG-ASA and thus creating a
system that will better warn the officials of the national and local disaster
risk reduction and management offices and the people, about possible typhoons
and readier than ever to respond to these threats and help the people recover
from potential damages.
AMENIA BEACH RESORT
Palawig, San Andres
Reeling with the textures of the sun, sea and sand, one can easily lose
oneself and be drifted away while
leisurely walking along the stretch of its powdery-white sands and dabbling in
its undeniably tamed waters. A place to enjoy the vantage view of the beautiful
sunset and where one could take a full view of the breathtaking perfect
silhouette of Mayon Volcano and its neighbor, Bulusan Volcano, in the distance.
PASA TIEMPO BEACH RESORT
Yocti, San Andres
The place boasts of gleaming cream sand best for picnics and swimming.
Its underwater coral formations offer an added adventure for spear fishing and
snorkeling. Scuba diving, either as a fun-filled introduction or a recreational
dive, is a very promising activity in this resort.
TWIN ROCK BEACH RESORT
Igang, Virac
Where the aquamarine vastness is punctuated by two rocks jutting out of
the Pacific Ocean, where the underwater coral formations are ideal for
snorkeling, this resort is one of the best in the entire islan. It’s
mysteriously comforting calm and safe refuge to visiting tourists, whether
foreign or domestic, are warm assurances of a wholesome and relaxing
experience. Experience the adrenaline rush with its own zip-line, a 40 foot
climbing wall, a wipeout like obstacle course, canopy walk and ATV rides. The resort
also offers diving packages.
BALITE BEACH
Balite, Virac
The sprawling beach is covered with cool and shady trees and blessed
with fine creamy sand, both in the shorelines and in the swimming area. The
clear water is ideal for snorkeling and spear fishing because of the
well-developed coral formations. The beach is an ideal place for family and
office outings and weekend picnics.
LORAN RUINS
Panay Island, Bagamanoc
At the tip of Panay Island, in the barangay of Quigaray in the
municipality of Bagamanoc, is the famous LORAN Beach. LORAN stands for Long
Range Aid to Navigation, a former American naval base built around the early
1950s as an outpost to monitor movements in the Pacific Ocean. Abandoned in
1972, the camp was then used by local coastguards in 1980 and was again
abandoned. The beach is a short walk from the drop off point, reachable by
banca 30 to 40 minutes from the shoreline of the town of Bagamanoc. It has
white sand that lead to a stairway up a hill where the structures are located.
From atop, the marvelous view of the Pacific’s turquoise waters crashing
against the shoreline is more than enough to compensate for the long journey.
MARIBINA FALLS
Marinawa-Binanuahan, Bato
Maribina Falls is the most popular and widely publicized among the
numerous waterfalls in Catanduanes. Gushing with breath-taking rapids of
crystal-clear waters, the cascading three-layer falls is located amid rustic surroundings and lush green
vegetation. There are ideal picnic grounds near the waterfalls and sheds are
available for day visitors.
NAHULUGAN FALLS
San Pedro, Gigmoto
The cascades of this falls boast of a tall drop where its waters
beautifully cascade on three tiers, creating spectacular sprays where bathers
can soothe their tired muscles. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and forest
where locals have made place into a natural picnic ground.
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