The whole strip of Catanduanes is virtually untouched, unspoiled, and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches backed by jungle-covered mountains and crowned with jewel-like islets. It offers a totally laid-back rural charm, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed.

Catanduanes is also a budding surfing destination in the Philippines. During the months of August to September, novice and experienced surfer ride the “Majestic” wave and enjoy its white sand beach afterwards.

Demographics

1. Population – 232,757 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 1,492.2 sq. km
3. Capital – Virac
4. Language/Dialect – Bikol, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (0)

Municipalities (11)

• Bagamanoc
• Baras
• Bato
• Caramoran
• Gigmoto
• Pandan
• Panganiban (Payo)
• San Andres (Calolbon)
• San Miguel
• Viga
• Virac

Puraran Island
Home of the world-renowned “Majestic” waves, the island is a promising surfing spot in the town. Offshore waves are in their greatest shape during the months of August to September.

Pinukpok (Abaca fiber)
The indigenous abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” produced and woven by locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its niche in the local and international fashion industry.

Batong Paluay
The face of Our Lady of Sorrows can be seen in this rock formation. At present, one can view the image with bare eyes, unlike before, when one has to use a magnifying lens.

Bato Church
It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire island. It took 53 years, from 1830 to 1883, to build the Church, through six different parish administrators. Despite the tests of time, wars, and ravages of natural calamities, it was able to retain its old glory of massive structure of mortar and coral stones.

Historical

Luyang Cave
Location: Brgy. Lictin, San Andres, Catanduanes
In the 17th century, many native settlers died inside the cave during one of the attacks of pirates. To appease their troubled souls, a mini-grotto and altar were built inside. In memory of this massacre, a “Requiem Mass” is said every April 28 of the year.

Japanese Tunnel and Radar Tower
Location: Brgy. Buenavista, Bato Catanduanes
The radar tower was used as a former radar site of the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II. Now, it has been converted to a weather radar station that has state of the art equipment. From the roof deck, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is simply breathtaking.

Man-made

Balongbong Mini Hydro Damsite and Fore bay
Location: Guinobatan, Sipi Sibacungan, Bato, Catanduanes
The source of power goes into three large turbines which provide the electric power over the whole island province. It was developed by First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO), together with National Electrification Authority (NEA)

Natural

Puraran Island
Location: Barac, Catanduanes
Puraran is the home of the world-renowned “Majestic” waves. Its breathtaking long barrel type surf in is perfect for both the serious surfers and the novice. The island is also endowed with white sand beach.

Twin Rock Beach Resort
Location: Brgy. Igang, Virac, Catanduanes
The area has pockets of white sand beaches sandwiched between coves, where one can explore caves after swimming. Its underwater coral formations offer an added adventure for spear fishing and snorkeling.

Balite Beach
Location: Virac, Catanduanes
The sprawling beach is covered with cool and shady trees and blessed with fine white sands, both in the shorelines and in the swimming area. It provides an alternative area for recreation, fun, relaxation, and picnics

Kosta Alcantara
Location: Brgy. Marilima, Virac, Catanduanes
Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand and its pristine azure waters never fall to lure visitors to take dip. It faces the mainland Bicol where one could take a full view of the breathtaking Mayon Volcano.

Amenia Beach
Location: Brgy. Palawig, Virac Catanduanes
The entire stretch of the shoreline beckons visitors to take a dip in its pristine waters and wave-combed sands. The well-manicured landscape by itself is so inviting for a relaxed, laid-back retreat. Ideal for family and office outings.

Solong Falls Natural Park
Location: San Miguel, Catanduanes
A tastefully conceived park along the breadth of the Solong river channel amidst the surrounding thick forest of giant ferns, trees and a host of indigenous flora is proposed for immediate construction. Solong has several cascading waters flowing into natural pools. With its elevation of 100 meters, it is ideally suited for adventure treks.

Religious

St, John the Baptist Church (Bato Catholic Church)
Location: Camaroan, Catanduanes
Constructed in 1830, this massive structure of mortar and coral stones has withstood the test of time, wars, and ravages of natural calamities. The historical and magnificently situated edifice is the only remaining complete structure of its genre in the entire island.

Holy Cross of Batalay Shrine
Location: Bato, Catanduanes
It is the site of the first cross in Catanduanes. It is believed to be the grave of a missionary of the Miguel Lopez de Legaspi expedition, Fray Diego de Herrera, who, in April 25, 1576, was shipwrecked on the way back to Cebu. The cross marker that miraculously located the friar's skeleton in the 19th century stands in the present-day chapel, encased in narra hardwood--similar to Magellan's Cross.

Batong Paluay
Location: Brgy. Batong Paluay, San Andres
The locals relate that the image of the mystical face of Our Lady of Sorrows has been found in a flooded stream near the barangay of Batong Paluay. The image was etched on a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size. The replica is enshrined in a chapel in San Andres.

Catandungan Festival
Place: Virac, Catanduanes
Date: October 24
Celebration of the province’s founding anniversary, and a tribute to its founder, to continuously remind the people of Catanduanes of the province’s independence from the province of Albay. Among the featured special events are: surfing competition, pantomina street dance, beauty pageant, agricultural and trade fair, sportsfest, guided tours, and photo exhibits.

Dinahit Festival
Place: Pandan, Catanduanes
Date: July 30 - 31
Dinahit is a wind-driven vessel used by their maritime ancestors. The highlight is the dinahit racing (Layag) with different racing categories and styles. Fishermen from the town of Pandan or from the other municipalities of the province participate during the event. Other featured events are street dancing, fashion show, agro-industrial fair, gay contests and indigenous games.