Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf.
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. TAWTRASCO offers its roll-on-roll-off service to its couch passengers in the ferry (Bus station is in front of Ali Mall, Cubao).
Bus ride from Manila is a long 12 hour ride - airconditioned.
Composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel. There are 315 barangays all over the province and one Congressional district. It is indeed Bicol’s best-kept secret.
It is the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.” The perfect time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August when the weather turns dry. It is coolest and rainiest from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May.
Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. 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. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. 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.
Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. 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. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. 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 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.
Major industries in Catanduanes Island include abaca and lasa that flourished in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, beautify the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.
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.
You will be dazzled by the provinces' rugged and various landscapes, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. You will never really expect such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines.
Major industries in Catanduanes Island include abaca and lasa that flourished in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, beautify the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.
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.
You will be dazzled by the provinces' rugged and various landscapes, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. You will never really expect such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CATANDUANES ISLAND
Weather can be very bad in Catanduanes because it is the the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to "kiss" the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones! For this reason, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.”The best time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August - dry. Coolest and most rain from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May.
GETTING THERE
BY AIR:
Travel time from Manila to Catanduanes is one hour and 15 minutes with domestic route and Asian Spirit has direct flights daily. The airport at the capital, Virac., is very small but also very efficient. You may see some Westerners with surfing boards during the nice months.
BY LAND:
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. TAWTRASCO offers its roll-on-roll-off service to its couch passengers in the ferry (Bus station is in front of Ali Mall, Cubao).
Bus ride from Manila is a long 12 hour ride - airconditioned.
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. The ferries are small and some people are scared of them, but we braved it and I did not feel seasick at all and the weather was good. 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 and just get to the capital town of Virac via passenger jeepneys or tricycles for rent.
Ride either MV Eugenia, Star Ferry, or MV Regina Shipping Lines. The ferries are small and some people are scared of them, but we braved it and I did not feel seasick at all and the weather was good. 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 and just get to the capital town of Virac via passenger jeepneys or tricycles for rent.
No comments:
Post a Comment