Catanduanes, an island nestled at the mighty Pacific Ocean is rarely explored by travelers because of the frequent ravaging of typhoons. Dubbed as the "Land of the Howling Winds," this island will surely captivate you with its bounteous natural attractions and eco-adventures. Experience Catanduanes here and now in our list of the top 10 reasons to visit Catanduanes, Philippines.
1. Enjoy the island's exotic and pristine white sand beaches. The beaches of the island of Catanduanes are the perfect escape from the busy life in the city. It has much to offer to both adventurous and lazy beach bums. You can just relax at the white long sun-kissed shores of Twin Rock Beach Resort, sip some fresh buko juice straight from the tree or get some buzz while skim boarding at Mamangal Beach or do the hang ten tricks while surfing at Puraran Majsestic Beach. These are just a few of our island gems.
1. Enjoy the island's exotic and pristine white sand beaches. The beaches of the island of Catanduanes are the perfect escape from the busy life in the city. It has much to offer to both adventurous and lazy beach bums. You can just relax at the white long sun-kissed shores of Twin Rock Beach Resort, sip some fresh buko juice straight from the tree or get some buzz while skim boarding at Mamangal Beach or do the hang ten tricks while surfing at Puraran Majsestic Beach. These are just a few of our island gems.
2. Soak up its incredible natural waterfalls. Looking for a cooler place to combat the hot weather while in the island? Why not try swimming in the cold cascading waterfalls of Maribina? Jump off at the top, fly with the water and enjoy the natural water slide of Nahulugan Falls. It is only in Catanduanes where you fall in love with the breathtaking sight of nature.
3. Explore old historic churches. The modern life in the island didn't obliterate the old colonial charm of its historical churches. If you visit Catanduanes, you still have the chance to experience churches built in Spanish era and now considered as a historical landmark like Batalay Shrine. Standing tall is the St. John the Baptish Parish, also known as Bato Church, built in 1883 and is one of the oldest churches in the island. Don't miss the miraculous Batong Paloay and take a look at the image of the mystical face of Our Lady of Sorrows etched on a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size.
4. Be awed with majestic attractions. Popular for nature lovers and mountain hikers is the Mount Cagmasoso which is the highest mountain peak in the island that offers a spectacular view from the top. Treat your eyes too with the breathtaking panoramic view of Soboc Cove as its whole stretch continues to captivate local and foreign visitors with its idyllic allurement.
5. Do some street dancing at Catandungan Festival. Cantandungan Festival is one of the reasons why visitors jump off to the island. Come and join as the whole island celebrates its foundation day every month of October. Entangle with hundreds of locals and foreign visitors bustling in the streets of Virac as they anticipate the arrival of the marching bands and the street dancers performing Padayao sa Tinampo with their colorful costumes and graceful dance steps. Among the featured special events during Catanduangan Festival are surfing competition in Puraran, crowning of the next Binibining Catandungan and the most anticipated One Town One Product trade fairs.
6. Try colorful celebrations of town fiestas. Catanduanes is the home of the happiest people as the Catandunganons never forget to be thankful for their own patron saints and bountiful harvest by celebrating their town’s festival. Aside from Catandungan Festival, each town celebrates their own festival that reflects the vibrant culture of the island. Celebrate Dinahit Festival in Pandan every summer and experience colorful jubilation of “Pandanons”love for of its history and culture. Other festivals to cool one's heels are Manok-manok Festival in Bagamanoc and Paray Festival in the town of Viga.
6. Try colorful celebrations of town fiestas. Catanduanes is the home of the happiest people as the Catandunganons never forget to be thankful for their own patron saints and bountiful harvest by celebrating their town’s festival. Aside from Catandungan Festival, each town celebrates their own festival that reflects the vibrant culture of the island. Celebrate Dinahit Festival in Pandan every summer and experience colorful jubilation of “Pandanons”love for of its history and culture. Other festivals to cool one's heels are Manok-manok Festival in Bagamanoc and Paray Festival in the town of Viga.
7. Experience traditional celebration of Holy Week. Travel in any part of Catanduanes during the Season of Lent and you will be amazed to see that the celebration of Holy Week is still open-and-shut. One to anticipate is the staging of Kalbaryo, a reenactment of the passion of Christ. Hitch on the long procession and ing chants from the Bible as they commemorate the life of Jesus.
8. Taste local delectable foods. Get served with distinct cuisines from the island that adds up comfort and joy while you stay. Catanduanes is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood and more delicious dishes of its own like the Pinangat. This dish of taro leaves cooked in rich coconut milk is an everyday staple in the province. Find sumptuous spreads from the renowned restaurants in the island like the Blossoms Restaurants or the Cafe de Au. Serving a blend of culture and flavour, Sea Breeze will let you have a full sensorial experience of dining in a cottage near the splashing waves of the sea which every Catandunganon love to do.
9. Witness Kagharong and Christmas Cheers. Dine, shop and be entertained as Catanduanes celebrates the yuletide festivity through Christmas Cheers. This cultural tradition gathers locals at Plaza Rizal to enjoy shows staged by local artists and talents, children, friends and fellow residents. During yuletide season, Catandunganons also celebrate Kagharong, a folk-religious activity portaying the plight of Joseph and Mary in their search for a place where Jesus will be borned.
10. Fall in love with beautiful faces. Almost every local of Catanduanes is blessed with a beautiful face and an amorous smile that signifies the hospitable welcome to any visitor. People who have experienced being with Catandunganons find them very friendly and sweet. These are common traits you can find to the locals of the island. We will assure you that it is worth to travel to Catanduanes just to see the warm smiles of Catandunganons.