Located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, Catanduanes Island is a major surfers paradise. Its clean white sand is very inviting but the sea can get rough sometimes. Puraran Beach is known for its large waves. The surfing season at Puraran Beach, Catanduanes is October.

The island is bounded by the Maqueda Channel in the west, the Pacific Ocean on the north and east, and Lagonoy Gulf and Cabugao Bay on the south. You can find other white sandy beaches like Pamangal beach and Igang beach at San Andre’s town. This province records plentiful rainfall, so the best time to visit these beaches is from April to June. The general landscape of the island is hilly to mountainous, becoming more pronounced towards the central portion. Less than 10 percent of the land area has slope gradient under 8 percent, mostly fractured and narrow strips of plains dispersed near the coastal areas where most of the inhabitants are settled. Catanduanes Island, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise” is for those who like nature at its best.

It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters against a backdrop of luxuriant grassy mountains, and a totally laid-back rural charm and crowned with jewel-like island. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. The local folks have always chosen a relaxed rural village life. They seem to be disinterested in rush development or any hurriedly rush into the modern world. As a result, the tourism industry is still in its early stages.

But if you are interested in outdoor quest, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the hysterical rate of urban life, Catanduanes Island is the ideal hideaway. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity and party in the absence of man-made anxieties and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. In terms of the language or dialect, Bicol is the native tongue but with various tones and distinctions, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood. Getting to Catanduanes Island from Manila is not hard, in fact you can reach Catanduanes from plane, ferry or road transport from Manila, the country’s international gateway, and it really depends on how long you have available time.

How to get to Catanduanes Island By Air

Travel time from Manila to Catanduanes is one hour and 15 minutes with domestic route By Asian Spirit with direct flights daily. The airport on Catanduanes is in the capital Virac.

How to get to Catanduanes Island By Land And Water

Take the bus in Cubao or Pasay, Metro Manila terminals and jump off at Tabaco Port. Philtranco Bus covers the 580 kms from Manila to Tabaco Port. The trip is a long one; it will take you all of twelve (12) hours. Once in Tabaco Point you have three ferries to choose from to get yourself to Catanduanes. Ride either MV Eugenia, Star Ferry, or MV Regina Shipping Lines. Travel time is 3 to 3 ½ hours for MV Eugenia or Star Ferry, which dock straight at Virac Seaport. MV Regina takes only 2 ½ hours to reach San Andres Seaport on catanduanes from Tobacco Port. From San Andres to Virac you can either jump on a Jeepney or take a trike, whatever your fancy. To get to the capital town of Virac, passenger jeepneys are available at the seaport Minimal fare of 15.00 pesos. Tricycles are also available for rent at about 100 pesos.

Lately, Regina Shipping Lines introduced its bus services to passengers going to Manila Fare: only 430.00 pesos, inclusive of the fare in the ferry. TAWTRASCO offers its roll-on-roll-off service to its couch passengers in the ferry. Bus station is in front of Ali Mall, Cubao.

Catanduanes Island Pictures

Catanduanes Island Resorts

Catanduanes Island Hotels