Catanduanes is probably Bicol’s best-kept secret. Unspoiled and unexplored, this pearly island in the Pacific has a long strip of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters set against a backdrop of lush verdant mountains and a laid back rural charm.
Located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf, Catanduanes is being dubbed as “An Eco-Adventure Paradise.” It’s a showcase of the best nature has to offer. Majestic surfs Catanduanes is the first landmass of the archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, which is directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus the monicker “The Land of the Howling Winds.”
It is a rather out-of-the-way island, but when the surf is happening, it is worth the attempt to get there, according to die¬hard surfers. Catanduanes is even considered one of the best surfing destinations in the world.
The best-known wave on the island is called “Majestics,” located off the beautiful Baras Beach in the village of Puraran, which is in the middle of nowhere and almost two-and-a-half hours from the capital of Virac. Surfers have been raving about its breathtaking long-barrel type surf. Off-shore waves are in their greatest shape between the months of July to November. The surfing area also boasts of a magnificent view of the mountains and coves.
There are no luxurious accommodations, only cottages with the basic facilities. Puting Baybay and Majestic are the only resorts here. While there, try to sample the seafood dishes which the kind lady owner can whip up for you. The grilled lobsters and steamed crabs are simple dishes but are oh-so heavenly!
A lesser known surf spot is Moning. The whole island is quite breathtaking with mountains touching powdery white sand beaches. So even if you don’t surf, it is pretty much easy to lose yourself here as well. Likewise, photo enthusiasts can get a great view of the sunrise in this part of the island.
Total escape
The general landscape of Catanduanes is hilly to mountainous. The secluded Solong Falls challenge trekkers for a refreshing dip. It has several cascading waters flowing into natural pools. The highest has an elevation of 100 meters. Cottages are available for picnickers for a minimal fee.
Upon entrance to the town of Bato, a few minutes from Solong Falls, visitors will be greeted by this magnificent edifice, the Bato Church, which was built in the late 1800g. This massive structure of mortar and coral stones was able to stand the tests of time, wars and ravages of calamities. It is the only remaining structure of its kind on the entire island. The first cross in catanduanes can be found here.
Believed to be miraculous is the image of the mystical face of our Lady of Sorrows that was found in a flooded stream near Barangay Batong Paluay. According to the locals, the image was etched on a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size. At present, one can view the image with bare eyes unlike before, when one had to use a magnifying lens. Its repository has been replaced three times to accommodate the increasing size of the miraculous stone.
Meanwhile, Luyang Cave was where the natives sought refuge when they tried to escape from the Moro pirates. A mute witness to the massacre of the natives in the 17th century, the Moros said to have uprooted “sili” (red pepper) plants growing near the cave, added dried leaves, stuffed them in the cave entrance and set the cave on fire, suffocating the hapless natives. To appease their troubled souls, a mini-grotto and altar were built inside.
The cave also boasts of massive stalactites and stalagmites, and other rock formations. And hanging from the ceilings and walls of the cave are countless bats that inhabit the whole length of the cave.
Buy abaca
Major industries in the province include abaca and lasa, which are made into souvenir products such as bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others. Lately, the abaca fiber is also being used as material for clothes designed and created by the locals.
To go around the island, one may take a bus, jeepney and tricycle. Catanduanes can be reached via Asian Spirit, or take a bus in Cubao or Pasav terminal then board a ferry at Tabaco Port.
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