Do you ever come home from a trip and immediately think…
“I NEED to go back!”
Well… that’s exactly how I felt the instant the boat left Catanduanes’ shore.
Catanduanes is one of the BEST lesser-known destinations in the Philippines.
It has the same small island charm as Siquijor, the chill surf vibe of Siargao, the rolling hills and ocean views of Batanes, and…
get this…
ALL with very little crowd!
That’s why if you’re dreaming of visiting Catanduanes, this complete guide is for you!
In it I’ll go over:
- Catanduanes travel facts
- How to get here (not the most convenient place to visit)
- How to get around Catanduanes
- A Catanduanes travel map
- Where to stay in Catanduanes
- Catanduanes tourist spots
Let’s get right into it!
Catanduanes Travel Facts – 4 Things You Should Know About The Happy Island
Before getting into the meat and bones of this Catanduanes travel guide, let me get you excited with some travel facts!
#1 Catanduanes is a Backpacker’s Dream
Think of Siargao or Siquijor before they became uber-popular…
That’s precisely what Catanduanes feels like!
For backpackers, this is a dream destination where people know what travelers are (they won’t gawk at you like they’ve never seen visitors before), but tourists and establishments are fewer, so you still get a very authentic experience (especially if you stay in Puraran, but more on that later).
It’s also known enough that you can find other intrepid travelers here—but not too many that it becomes annoying! 😂
#2 Catanduanes is Jam-Packed With Tourist Spots
You know what’s funny?
The small islands of the Philippines always seem to have a gazillion tourist spots to visit (think Siquijor and Camiguin).
Catanduanes is no different.
From the breathtaking views of Binurong Point to the powdery white sand beaches that seem to be taken straight out of a Microsoft Windows wallpaper, Catanduanes has it all!
I’ll get into these spots in this article, but whether you’re a slow-travelling backpacker, or a person short on time, Catanduanes is a great place to visit.
#3 Catanduanes is a Chill Surf Zone
Here’s a secret:
I’m not the biggest fan of surfing.
But Catanduanes is one of those places where the surf culture is so strong, you’re lured into trying it again (even though you know you’re gonna fall 100x 😂).
If you’re a surfer and looking for a less-crowded surf zone, this is it (think Siargao before the crowds!)
There are several surf areas around the island, but probably the best one is Puraran Beach (again, I’ll get to the deets below!), where you get smaller waves for beginners and those BIG waves that pros love to go on.
#4 Catanduanes is Arguably My Favorite Province!
Last but not least!
I’ve been to ⅓ of the provinces in the Philippines so far, and Catanduanes has a STRONG case to be my favorite.
It’s beautiful, unique, and well-developed for tourists, but still off-the-beaten path. It’s also SO memorable, that I’m dreaming of going back as I write this 😂.
But alright…
Enough talking, let’s get to the details of visiting Catanduanes.
How to Get to Catanduanes
To get to Catanduanes, you can take a direct flight from Manila to Virac – or take a ferry from Tabaco City in Albay.
Getting to Catanduanes isn’t the easiest thing to do.
Not only that, but it’s quite out-of-the-way of all the popular tourist spots in the Philippines as well.
That said, there are generally two ways you can get to Catanduanes:
Getting to Catanduanes Option #1: Flight From Manila
The fastest way to get to Catanduanes is by flying into Virac City from Manila. Cebu Pacific has daily flights for this route, and the travel time is about an hour.
This flight can get a little bit expensive, so keep your eyes open for Cebu Pacific promos and piso sales!
Getting to Catanduanes Option #2: Boat From Tabaco City
The other option is to make your way to Tabaco City and take the ferry to either Virac or San Andres in Catanduanes.
- From Manila: There are direct busses from Manila (Cubao, PITX, Alabang, etc) to Virac, Catanduanes (check schedules or book here!). These buses board the ferry from Tabaco City, so you just have to sit back and relax the whole way.
- You can also ride from Manila to Tabaco and just book the ferry yourself. There are buses going directly to Tabaco from Cubao and PITX. Finally, if you want to visit Legazpi first to see Mayon Volcano (which I highly recommend doing), there are also direct buses from Manila to Legazpi (check schedules and book here!)
- From Cebu: The easiest way to get to Catanduanes from Cebu is to fly into Legazpi (Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines), take either a van or a jeepney to Tabaco City, and then ride a tricycle to Tabaco Port.
From Tabaco Port, you can ride a Regina Shipping ferry to San Andres (4x a day), or a Cardinal Shipping Lines ferry directly to Virac (2x a day).
Here are the current schedules (keep in mind that these are subject to change!).
| Tabaco to Catanduanes (last updated Oct. 23, 2024) | |
| Company (Port): | Time: |
| Cardinal Shipping (to Virac) | 5:30 AM |
| Regina Shipping (to San Andres) | 6:00 AM |
| Regina Shipping (to San Andres) | 8:00 AM |
| Regina Shipping (to San Andres) | 10:30 AM |
| Regina Shipping (to San Andres) | 1:00 PM |
| Cardinal Shipping (to Virac) | 1:00 PM |
| Catanduanes to Tabaco (last updated Oct. 23, 2024) | |
| Company (Port): | Time: |
| Regina Shipping (from San Andres) | 6:00 AM |
| Cardinal Shipping (from Virac) | 7:00 AM |
| Regina Shipping (from San Andres) | 8:00 AM |
| Regina Shipping (from San Andres) | 1:00 PM |
| Cardinal Shipping (from Virac) | 1:00 PM |
| Regina Shipping (from San Andres) | 2:00 PM |
Also, both Regina Shipping and Cardinal Shipping Lines currently don’t do online bookings (unless it’s for a vehicle, in that case, message their Facebook pages!).
Travel time to San Andres takes around 3-4 hours, while Tabaco to Virac takes about 4-5 hours depending on sea conditions.
How to Get Around Catanduanes
Virac is a city.
As such, there’s no shortage of public transportation options!
Short Distances
For short distances, tricycles can take you anywhere in the city. You can even strike a deal with a driver to take you to the popular tourist spots in the Virac area (more on this soon).
In more rural areas, all you have to do is approach someone with a motorbike, and you can easily strike a deal with them to bring you where you want to go!
Catanduanes Island Express Bus
Probably the most convenient way to go long distances in Catanduanes is by hopping on a Catanduanes Island Express bus. They have trips to the east side of the island (to Puraran, Baras, and Gigomoto), as well as the west (Pandan).
They also regularly update their schedules on their Facebook page. So go check it out there!
The Catanduanes Island Express terminal doesn’t show up on Google Maps, but it’s right beside the Bicol Isarog Transport System in Virac, so you can just pin that instead.
Other Long Distance Options
Other than that, jeepneys and vans heading east are stationed right outside Virac Port. I’m not sure if they have an official schedule, but they should leave once the ride fills up.
Meanwhile, buses, vans, and jeepneys heading west (to San Andres, or even Pandan) are usually stationed outside Virac Town Center, close to the public market.
Renting a Motorbike
Finally, if that all seems too hassle for you, you can always rent a motorbike! You can find a few motorbike rental places in Virac on Facebook. Prices are roughly php500/day.
When I visited Catanduanes, I actually rented a motorbike in mainland Albay from Legazpi Motorbike Rental.
I explored mainland Bicol for a couple of days before heading to Catanduanes. So instead of returning the rental bike I used there and renting another, I asked the owner if I could just ship it instead, and he was cool with it! Hooray!
But anyway…
Having a motorbike is the most convenient way to explore Catanduanes. Yes, there are many transport options, but why haggle with a driver to take you to all the spots when you can drive there yourself?
Catanduanes Travel Map
Fun Catanduanes travel map coming soon! For now, here’s what you need to know about how the island is divided!
For travelers, you can split Catanduanes into 3 regions: Virac and the south, Puraran and the east, and Pandan and the west.
Virac and the South – Most Touristic Zone
This area has the airport, it has the seaports, and it has the only bustling city on the island. Virac plus the whole southern third of the island is what I would describe as the most “touristic zone.”
There are a bunch of tourist spots in this area, and you can easily visit them all with a one-day tricycle tour. No, this isn’t where you’ll find Catanduanes’ most famous spots (like Binurong Point). But this area has beaches, waterfalls, a lighthouse, and so much more worth seeing.
I’ll get more into the tourist spots in a bit.
There are also a BUNCH of inns, hotels, and resorts in this area, so finding a place to stay is super easy for all budgets!
Puraran and the East
My favorite zone!
Not only does the east side of Catanduanes have the most stunning spots, but it’s also a backpacker zone for those who want something less touristic.
The East side is where you’ll find those New Zealand-esque rolling hills, the most amazing Windows-wallpaper-looking beach, and the most chilled-out surf zone like it’s Siargao before Siargao became Siargao (if I’m making sense).
There aren’t as many hotels in this area as in Virac, but there are a few options by Puraran Beach. I’ll get more into where to stay in a bit, but just know that if you’re a slow traveler, Puraran is the place to be!
Pandan and the West
Quick confession:
I wasn’t able to visit Pandan and the West!
But from what people have told me, this is the off-the-beaten-path side of the island.
It has some stunning spots and so few tourists compared to the other two zones (since it takes more than two hours to get to Pandan from Virac or Puraran).
If you have extra time in Catanduanes, why not visit this lesser-known side of the island? I’ve heard it’s just as beautiful (if not more) than the rest of Catanduanes.
Where to Stay in Catanduanes
I personally recommend staying in the Puraran area. I spent five days in the area and I honestly did not want to leave.
Virac is also the heart of the island, so getting around from Virac is easy. Also, if you’re not much of a backpacker type, the hotels here might be better suited for you!
That said, here are some recommendations:
Where to Stay in Virac
Happy Island Inn is probably the most popular place to stay in Virac. I personally didn’t stay here, but most people I know who visited the island stayed here, and said it was lovely!
It might be on the pricier side for backpackers. But if you’re willing to spend more for a great stay, this seems to be the most popular option.
Other hotels I’ve seen while visiting Virac were E-Crown Hotel, which is probably the fanciest-looking place in town, and MidTown Inn, which is a nice mid-price hotel that’s smack-dab in the center of town.
When I was in Virac, I stayed in Renell’s Travelers Inn for 2 nights, which was okay. It’s right behind Virac Town Center, and there was a big construction project while I was there, so it was noisy. It was okay for php450/night though.
As always, if you want to book online, you can always search for more options using Agoda!
Where to Stay in Puraran
If you don’t mind staying at hostels, Titaay’s Surf Haus is the place to be!
They have a dorm room for only php300/night, and the community surrounding this place is absolutely lovely.
Right outside your doorstep, you get the stunning Puraran Beach.
And the community around here is lovely. Some people staying in the nearby hotel even hang out in Titaay’s Surf Haus because that’s where the good vibes are at!
If you’re looking for something a little less rugged, there’s also Puraran Surf Resort right beside Titaay’s.
This resort is right on Puraran Beach, so you can sip coffee at their cafe while enjoying the view of the waves crashing into the powdery white sand.
What to Do In Catanduanes – 6 Tourist Spots You NEED To Check Out
Now for the fun part!
Catanduanes is absolutely jam-packed with awesome spots.
Even just driving along the road, you’ll get magnificent views of the Pacific coastline that don’t even have names!
But alright…
Let’s go over some of the most beautiful and popular tourist spots in Catanduanes!
What to do in Catanduanes #1: Visit the Majestic Binurong Point
Location: Baras (Puraran side)
Binurong Point is hands-down the most stunning and famous spot in the entire Catanduanes. It’s where you get these lovely green grassy hills, paired with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. A lot of people say this place is another Batanes.
Getting here is a quick 30 minute, easy hike from the jumpoff area, and it’s best to come here around sunrise.
The area is pretty large, so you can walk around, take in the views, and get a bazillion pictures from all angles! There are also some friendly cows grazing around here.
What to do in Catanduanes #2: Surf and Chill in Puraran Beach
Location: Puraran
Puraran Beach is arguably the best beach I’ve been to so far. And being from the Philippines, that means a LOT.
The sand here is so white and so fine, and it stretches for quite a long way.
Okay… the waves are a bit too strong to swim out comfortably.
But if you’re into surfing, that’s just the thing you want! Puraran Beach is a surfing zone, with areas great for beginners, and other parts great for experts.
Puraran also has a nice backdrop of jagged rocks, and some hills in the distance.
If you ask me, I’d say this place looks like a perfect Windows wallpaper. Don’t you think?
What to do in Catanduanes #3: Climb Bote Lighthouse
Location: Bote (Near Virac)
I’m a sucker for awesome view decks.
And one of the best places to get a 360 view of Catanduanes is in Bote Lighthouse.
Getting to the lighthouse takes a bit of a steep climb. I got it done in about 40 minutes, and beginners might take an hour to get to the top.
But the views you get here are absolutely breathtaking!
Also, right below the lighthouse is Sakahon Beach, which is a really nice ORANGE sand beach (with very little people around!).
What to do in Catanduanes #4: See Mayon from Mamangal Beach
Location: Virac
Did you know that you can see the Mayon Volcano all the way from Catanduanes? When I found this out, I rushed straight to Mamangal Beach to see this beautiful sight.
Aside from the view, Mamangal Beach also has nice sand, refreshing water (that’s not too wavy like Puraran), and (usually) nobody around.
Mamangal isn’t the only beach you can see Mayon Volcano from though. Virac has a bunch of other beaches all right beside one another such as Talisoy Beach—which is famous because it has a rock formation that is said to look like Jesus’ face (it got the nickname “Jesus Christ Beach”)
What to do in Catanduanes #5: Enjoy the Peaceful Balacay Point
Location: Baras (near Puraran)
Here’s the thing about Binurong Point:
Yes, super beautiful, but it’s also super popular.
Even though it’s big enough that it doesn’t get crowded, you usually can’t get it all to yourself unlike our next tourist spot: Balacay Point.
Balacay Point can be the younger sibling of Binurong. It’s not as big, but still has that breathtaking view of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean.
Plus, it’s far less popular, so you can come here during sunset and get it all to yourself!
What to do in Catanduanes #6: Dip in Maribina Falls
Location: Virac
Aside from the viewpoints and the beaches, Catanduanes also has a handful of nice waterfalls.
No, they’re definitely not the most stunning I’ve ever seen, but it’s still a nice change and a nice place to swim.
Probably the most popular waterfall in Catanduanes is Maribina Falls, which is just a short walk away from the highway in Virac.
That said, there are a bunch of these waterfalls sprinkled all over the island.
Another waterfall I visited close to Puraran was Ba-Haw Falls, which is another super refreshing swim!
Conclusion – Ready to Visit Catanduanes?
If Catanduanes wasn’t on your bucket list yet…
Add it…
Now.
Yes, it’s not the easiest place to get to. But I promise you, you’ll never regret it!
Other than that, thank you for reading this guide!
It took a lot of time to put this all together.
And if you still have questions about traveling Catanduanes, leave a comment down below or message me on my Instagram.
Thank you for reading and GO BOOK THAT TICKET TO CATANDUANES!
– Manoling