Catanduanes is an island province in the Philippines lies off the east coasts of Luzon’s Bicol Region surrounded with astounding tourist spots. Coined as the “Happy Island“, tourists surely feel that way after exploring its trending places to visit. The major draws of tourism in the province are its highlands that offers breath-taking scenery, surfing destinations, pristine beaches, lagoons, islands and rock formations. It is considered as eco-tourism hub in Luzon with a laid-back environment that offers unspoiled natural attractions.
The province of Catanduanes is bordered by Philippine Sea (north and east), Lagonoy Gulf (south) and Maqueda Channel (west). The town of Virac is it’s capital municipality. Over 260,000 total residents of the province call themselves “Catandunganon” and speak in Bicolano, Filipino and English languages.
Though the province is frequented by typhoons all year round that why it’s dubbed as “The Island of Howling Winds“, the tourism office reported that the tourism industry keeps on growing and receiving positive feedback from its visitors. If you want to explore and experience the undeniable beautiful tourist spots in Catanduanes, check the list below.
Top 10 Tourist Spots in Catanduanes
1. Binurong Point
Photo courtesy of emmalyn araojo
Binurong Point is one of the best tourist spots in Catanduanes, recognized as its most visited sightseeing destination. It is a highland composed of rolling green hills and steep rocky cliffs on the west coasts of the island province overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The breath-taking scenery at the top often compared by many visitors who have been to Batanes or Ireland to almost have the same look and feel. The extraordinary view leaves visitors in great awe and happiness worth remembering that’s why bring along a camera. The top can be reached though a 20-30 minutes trek from the jump-off point.
Binurong Point is located in Barangay Guinsaanan, Baras, Catanduanes.
2. Puraran Beach
Photo courtesy of Kim Angelo
Puraran Beach is a famous surfing destination in Catanduanes. The beach features a wide and considerable stretch of cream-colored sand, interesting rock formations and a serene background of jungle-covered rolling hills. It is situated on eastern edge of the island facing the Pacific Ocean that’s why it has strong and big waves perfect for surfing. The “Majestic Wave” is the name of its signature surfing wave and according to locals, waves can reach up to 6 feet especially during typhoon season. The humble beach resorts can provide surfing instructors to interested visitors who want to try surfing.
Puraran Beach is located in Barangay Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes.
3. Balacay Point
Photo courtesy of ma_jennyrose_garcia
Balacay Point, commonly known as “Benticayan Point“, is one of the known tourist spots in Catanduanes. It is also a highland and a sightseeing destination just like Binurong Point composed of rolling green hills and steep cliffs though this one has higher elevation and smaller area. It is vantage point that offers fascinating view of green hills with cows, nearby island, Pacific Ocean and Puraran Beach. Reaching Balacay Point is much faster and easier than Binurong Point because the government had established a paved road leading to the top where cars, motorcycles even bicycles can pass.
Balacay Point is located in Barangay Benticayan, Baras, Catanduanes.
4. Twin Rock Beach Resort
Photo courtesy of Twin Rock Beach Resort
Twin Rock Beach Resort is one of the popular and developed beach resort in the island. The resort is perched on a beautiful cove with cream and fine sand shoreline arrayed with trees and nipa huts which is being surrounded by rolling hills covered with verdant greenery. The Twin Rock Beach, also known as “Igang Beach“, is a semi-circular beach with 2 iconic big rocks nearby, hence the name was derived. The best things to do includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, wall climbing and rappelling. Visitors may also enjoy walking in the beach and exploring the seaside rock formations.
Twin Rock Beach Resort is located in Barangay Igang, Virac, Catanduanes.
5. Patag Island
Photo courtesy of Yoj Maliñana
Patag Island, also known as “Cagraray Island“, is one of the best tourist spots in Catanduanes. The island is composed of some white sand, a clear water lagoon, rock formations and massive flat boulders at its center with some growing plants. The island is prominently composed of flat boulders on different unorganized elevations and sizes. “Patag” in local dialect means “flat“, hence the name of the island was derived. Visitors can carefully climb near the rock cliffs for a panoramic view of the sea and mainland. Physically fit adventure seekers may enjoy swimming near the low rocks or do cliff jumping.
Patag Island is located in Barangay Cagraray, Bato Catanduanes.
6. Tuwad-Tuwadan Blue Lagoon
Photo courtesy of Tinadee
Tuwad-Tuwadan Blue Lagoon is a remarkable tourist destination of the province. It is a hidden blue lagoon interestingly situated on a jagged cliff down the sea surrounded with boulders and rock formations. The lagoon is about 12 feet deep and has blue-green color and clear waters that even the rocks at the bottom can be seen. Visitors can enjoy swimming or cliff jumping. To reach the site, visitors can comfortably aboard a fishing boat or trek adventure passing through rough roads, up and down the hills and challenging cliffs. “Tuwad-tuwadan” in local dialect means “stumble and fall” and it’s surely is.
Tuwad-Tuwadan Blue Lagoon is located in Barangay Balagñonan, Pandan, Catanduanes.
7. Maribina Falls
Photo courtesy of Joanne Atienza
Maribina Falls is one of the favorite tourist spots in Catanduanes among the local families and tourists. Of all the explored waterfalls in the province, this one is the most famous and most accessible where the local government made paved pathways and stairs leading to the falls. The 20-foot high waterfalls has a clean and refreshing plunge pool and rapids which extraordinarily lies on huge boulder. There are few cottages near the site but most picnickers make the boulders and high rocks nearby as picnic grounds. Visitors can enjoy swimming (a lifesaver would be nice) or do stone jumping down the plunge pool.
Maribina Falls is located in Bato, Catanduanes.
8. Saint John the Baptist Church
Photo courtesy of Edhel Detablan
Saint John the Baptist Church, commonly referred to as “Bato Church“, is one of the historical sites in Catanduanes. It is the oldest church in the province built on 1830 and was finished on 1883, it took 53 years to complete. This massive Roman Catholic Church whose patron saint is Saint John the Baptist was made out of mortars and coral limestone to withstand strong storms that yearly hit the province. The facade and walls are well-preserved though the inside was already renovated. It is a beautiful old church situated in a serene environment that visitors of the province should not miss.
Saint John the Baptist Church is located in Bato, Catanduanes.
9. Luyang Cave
Photo courtesy of Princess Ila
Luyang Cave is one of the known tourist spots in Catanduanes. It doesn’t have that much stalactite and stalagmite formations but the underground world is worth visiting. Concrete stairs and pathways were built inside. The cave is a home of many bats and visitors sensitive to sticky smell may consider bringing a mask. It has a dark history where once villagers hiding from Moro Pirates were trapped, suffocated and died inside the cave on a tragic event (read more). It’s a very accessible cave perched below a curve public road and the area was developed as a park well-shaded with verdant trees around.
Luyang Cave is located in Bato, Catanduanes.
10. Mamangal Beach
Photo courtesy of Edward Bermido
Mamangal Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches that can be found in Catanduanes. This is a favorite weekend destination among local families and tourists especially during summer. The beach features a very long stretch fine golden-sand shoreline, crystal clear sea water and interesting seaside rock formations. It is arrayed with verdant trees providing cool atmosphere and beside/under them were the well-shaded cottages. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, skim boarding and beach volleyball among other activities. This is a perfect beach for most types of travelers.
Mamangal Beach is located in Barangay Balite, Virac, Catanduanes.
