About Catanduanes
Backpacking in Catanduanes is an adventure that blends pristine nature, rich culture, and serene island vibes. Known as the “Land of the Howling Winds,” this province offers breathtaking coastlines, lush rolling hills, and hidden waterfalls waiting to be explored. Whether you’re surfing the waves of Puraran Beach, hiking to Binurong Point, or wandering through sleepy fishing villages, Catanduanes promises a unique travel experience perfect for nature lovers and wanderers alike.
Catanduanes Tourist Spots
During our backpacking in Bicol, our Catanduanes tour was quite hard because it's an island province. Also dubbed as "The Happy Island," the province hides a few spectacular and breathtaking tourist spots and destinations that can make you "happy" and stunned. Lately, the province is getting more attention on social media sites because of stunning photos of its rolling hills, amazing beaches, and other attractions.
Puraran Surf Beach Resort
Our first destination was Puraran Surf Beach Resort. We arrived here around 1:50 PM, and we were stunned by the landscape and the sand by the beach (photo above). Settled our accommodation and headed to our room. We got a clean fan room with a queen-sized bed for only 450 pesos. Toilets and baths are common. Rested. Showered. Changed outfit. Tin washed her used clothes using Surf powder, and I went to the beach for photo ops.
Puraran Beach has a long stretch of fine white sand shoreline, though there are parts with pebbles and stone. Since the area faces the Pacific Ocean, the waves are strong and higher than normal, perfect for surfing. By the beach, there are rock formations that are perfect as a backdrop for photo ops. The area is surrounded by hardwood trees and coconuts, while the sea breeze is cool and refreshing. There are cottages and a kubo for rent, and other services such as surfboards for rent and surfers as instructors.
Binurong Point
Our Catanduanes itinerary was full of excitement, so after a few minutes of rest, we contacted Kuya Arthur at 3 PM to visit our next destination. The stunning Binurong Point was a 30 to 40-minute trip passing on a concrete highway, but the road to the jump-off was off-road. Settled the entrance fee and met Ate Ason, our guide. The next part was 40 minutes to an hour of trekking that is composed of uphill and downhill terrain, passing by the private lots with trees, coconuts, bananas, abaca, and other plants. At 4 PM, we saw stunning views.
Based on the reviews, Binurong Point is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the province. Others call it the "Batanes of the East" because of its features similar to the rolling hills of Batanes. This spot has points 1, 2, and 3 - all can be accessed by the tourist. Wherever you are, the artistic rock formation by the cliff and the big picture of nature's beauty can be witnessed. Plus, the sound of the waves hitting the rock formations was relaxing. What to expect? The whole area is open, and nothing can block the UV Rays. It was around 5 PM when we left.
We planned to proceed to Balacay Point, but it was already 5:30 PM, so the plan was aborted. Instead, we checked the items at the souvenir shops by the jump-off. Headed back to the arch. Had dinner at the carinderia with a view of the golden sunset. Then, Kuya Arthur brought us back to the resort. Settled the fee. Headed to the room. Showered. Changed outfit. Then, had an ice-cold beer. Rested.
The next day was the challenging part. #AMAZINGRACE ang peg. We had our breakfast at the carinderia when we found that the buses from Virac, Tabaco, and Legaspi City to Manila, ordinary to deluxe, for the next 3 days, were fully booked, so we panicked! We planned to have a Virac tour for that day, but the plan was cancelled.
When the decision was made, we hurriedly went back to the room. Packed up. Tidy up. Checked out and proceeded to the highway. Rode in a van and alighted at the terminal beside Virac Port. We immediately proceeded to the ticketing office and fell in line, thinking that we'd get tickets, but we were wrong - they stopped issuing tickets as ordered by the Coast Guard to avoid overloading.
We need to be in Manila in 48 hours. So, at that moment, our first goal was to leave the island. Second goal, once we arrive in Tabaco City, we'll find a way to travel to Manila, sabi nga ng BDO, "We find ways!"
Ferry from Virac to Tabaco Port - negative. Another option was a ferry from San Andres Port to Tabaco Port. It was 12:10 PM when we rode a tricycle to San Andres Port, but we were making habol the last trip at 1 PM. Imagine the pressure we felt while traveling. Fortunately, we secured ferry tickets and sailed happily - first goal - DONE!
Second goal - to travel back to Manila. Upon arrival at Tabaco Port, we rode a padyak to the Tabaco City Bus Terminal and ran to the ticketing office. Hundreds of passengers were already lining up and waiting for the ticketing officer to issue tickets. As mentioned, buses to Manila were fully booked. That time, we depended on the dispatcher's word: "may mga buses pang parating ng alas dyes." 10 PM came, and no bus came. We still depended on the dispatcher's word: "makakasakay kayo lahat, diko hahayaang di kayo makasakay within 24 hours." Crossing our fingers and crossing our legs while sitting on the ground, kasi nakaka-pagod, and we were sleepy. We were all running back and forth every time buses were coming. Almost midnight when an air-conditioned bus arrived. Same drill, we ran just to get a seat. That ended our struggle. Since it was a special trip, we paid 1,200 pesos from Tabaco to Turbina. Then, rode a bus to Cubao.
Our expenses were uploaded as an image. Read our itinerary from Day 1 to Day 3, or read Day 4.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Puraran Surf Beach Resort. For only 450 pesos, we got a standard fan room, of course with a fan, queen-size bed, with a common toilet and bath. Reservation is possible via BDO fund transfer. You can visit their Facebook page.
How to Get to Catanduanes
In Albay, we bought ferry tickets to San Andres Port. Travel time was within 3-4 hours. In Andres Port, we chartered a tricycle to the terminal beside Virac Port. Travel time: 40 minutes to an hour. Rode a van bound for Gigmoto but alighted by the arch of the beach. Had our lunch at the carinderia beside the gate. We were approached by Kuya Arthur, a trike driver, for a trike tour to the top destinations.
Via air, Cebu Pacific has a direct flight to Virac, while Philippine Airlines has regular trips to Legaspi Airport. Via land, there are bus lines with direct routes from Manila bound for Virac. You can check and book your tickets via the Easybus Ph Facebook page. Or, you can visit www.easybus.ph. Another option is via the Isarog Facebook page.
Summary
From its stunning landscapes to its warm and welcoming locals, Catanduanes is a backpacker’s paradise that leaves lasting memories. Every trail, wave, and sunrise here tells a story of untouched beauty and island charm, making it a destination worth returning to again and again.
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