Captivating Catanduanes

Nestled on the eastern part of Bicol Region is a charming gem of Bicolandia. It’s a small Island of flora and fauna, of mighty waves and mountain ranges, amazing waterfalls, captivating islets, Intriguing caves and beaches, century old churches and warm and friendly people—CATANDUANES.

He is my first love. My beloved province.

Catanduanes is home for all of the wonderful sights and views Mother Nature can offer. My fist love is now making name in tourism industry in the Philippines. During my college days, my classmates will ask me where in the Philippines Catanduanes is located, those days I literally have my small map to show where I came from.

Fast forward to these days, my friends will sent me messages or personally talked to me to bring them to my first love, that makes me more proud of being Catandunganon!

Sand.Sea.Sun

Together with my friends Iyay, Shiela, Cheeco, Cielo and Mina— A true blooded lakwatchero’s/Lakwatchera’s— We are charmed (again!) by the beauty of Catanduanes!

This was actually their second time visiting this charming place (It was last year when they’re here too!)

Upon arriving in Catanduanes, they went staright to Twin Rock Beach resort.

 started the day by trying the zipline! Look all smiles!

 A photo-shoot and a jumpshoot is always a must!

You will never get out of Beaches in this Island! Well, it’s an island after all.

Another equally beautiful beach..

Amenia’s Beach resort is a perfect place for relaxation, It may not have zip line and other water activities like those of Twin Rock, yet it’s equally clean, captivating yet way affordable than the other one.

Fine white sand, big shady tress, relaxing cottages, nice blue sea water and cute little sand bar.

                         Those colourful flags give an added kick to the beauty of the place.

The small town that has lot to offer!

In small sleepy town of BATO, which is a 30minutes tricycle ride from Virac, you can find a perfect place to relax and chill. BATO by the way is my Mother’s hometown, so I also spent some of my childhood days in this town. The places and some older folks are still familiar to me, this after all this is my second hometown. 
                                      

Our plan is to spend the day at our small beach, it’s a family owned beach. In this Beach we spent our family reunions. It’s not for public use; we just let a caretaker to look for it.

                                    
Pebbles and Waves

Compared to the other side of Catanduanes like those beaches of TwinRock, Mamangal and Amenias to name a few that has fine white sand, In this side of the province, the beaches here are home for black sand and pebbles. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, waves here are quite bigger compared to the other beaches with white sand. But if you want your feet be massage by these tiny smooth pebbles, or you’re braved enough to played with the waves, this is a perfect place.

                     

playing with the waves? Yes we did!

Mangroves and Nature

Just a few blocks from our beach is the Batalay Mangrove. The rain didn’t stop us in visiting the place. Those thick green mangroves sprouting from the river was a perfect backdrop for picture perfect profile pic!

 

Home for freshwater fish, eco friendly environment and not to mention the caretaker was so friendly. That’s a bonus there!

All wet from the rain during the Mangroves experience and after playing with the waves in the beach, we are all hungry! We look for an eatery downtown Bato, Lucky us the eatery offer a good taste and affordable food! We even tried their smoothies and shakes!

Grandiose Church and Great Falls

They’re now craving for Waterfalls! Oh yeah, all wet and still want that waterfalls!

Before we go tho the falls, we passed by the century old church of BATO. The grandiose BATO CHURCH

Standing tall and sturdy amidst of numerous typhoon that hit the Island, this church is a living testament that no typhoon can break you if you have a strong faith in God.

BALONGBONG FALLS is still mighty as before.

Due to heavy rain, the spill way overflowed, but that added thrill!

The falls serves a Backdrop. 

During childhood days, we will go here every summer. The massaging effects of the water from the falls sooth our tiring body and recharged us at the end of the day.

Due to strong current coz of the heavy rain, we were not able to have a dip or at least swim. So we just  took photos with the ranging waterfalls as a backdrop.

FOOD and Pasalubong!

Craving for pasta and Delicious food is not a problem in this Island, a must visit are SeaBreeze and Sandy’s Blossoms Resto (well two of my favorite!haha)

Had an early dinner at Sandy’s Blossoms Resto:

Don’t forget the Pasalubong’s! had a quick visit to Catanduanes Bazaar for t’hsirts, KeyChains and other local pasalubong are purchased at Gabud Native shop.

We ended the day by having a sumptuous meal of seafood’s, soup and pizza in one of my favorite resto in town, SEABREZZE. You get the picture by its name; it’s near the sea, well actually just beside the seaport/pier. So you can actually feel the sea breeze.

This island paradise has a lot more to offer, and those wonderful places are next in our list,till next time my lil Paraiso. 

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There’s more in Catanduanes that you can visit. You can check GoCATANDUANES website for a well detailed Catanduanes tips.   

Adding my friend travel video about this travel, click here: CATANDUANES is LOVE

All the Love,

Yannah