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10 Places to Fall in Love with Catanduanes in 3D2N

Location: Catanduanes Island, Philippines

Catanduanes is second home to my good friend Jessa. We were stoked when she agreed with our idea to visit the island. She even prepared our itinerary and met up with Jef to finalize the plan. Since I was working in Metro Manila, I wasn’t able to attend their meeting. So, I've only recently realized that her nerdy itinerary has exactly 10 best spots that match our short but fun-filled weekend vacation.


Day 1:  May 19 (Friday)

  1. Mamangal Beach, San Andres

  2. Twin Rock Beach Resort, Virac

  3. Virac Town Proper / Night event at Town Center / Sea Breeze Restaurant

 

Day 2: May 20 (Saturday)

  1. Maribina Falls, Bato

  2. Bato Church, Bato

  3. Pag-asa Radar Station, Baras

  4. Nupa Green Lagoon, Gigmoto

  5. Balacay Point, Baras

  6. Puraran Surf Beach Resort, Baras

 

Day 3: May 21(Sunday)

  1. Binurong Point, Baras


The numbers exactly follow our route/directions...

When I think about Catanduanes, I think about resilience. Also, I think about our promise to return and complete the 360 island tour. After all, we’ve only covered a quarter of the island.

I've recently read that in 1982, the first ammonite fossils were discovered by Mr. Sendon in San Andres, Catanduanes. The fossils were well-preserved and aroused interest because ammonites are rare in the Philippines and Cretaceous-age ammonites were previously unknown. 

Ammonites are fossils of extinct animals that became disappeared around the same time as dinosaurs, about 66 million years ago. If I get to return in the island, I'll be on look out in case another one appears on the road (wishful thinking). Before, I wasn't familiar with what ammonites looked like until I visited the National Museum of Natural History.

Since I was coming from Manila, I took a really early flight to Catanduanes.

Flight - Manila to Virac
Cebgo DG6163 - Departed 5:35AM 
💚Mountain Spotting - Mt. Isarog💚

Catanduanes Island from my Cebu Pacific seat...

1. Mamangal Beach, San Andres
💙White Beach with Mayon View💙

2. Twin Rock Beach Resort, Virac
💚Sunset and Rocks💚

We rented tricycles to go/transfer between resorts. We played Uno cards then watched the sunset while having fun with taking groufies. 

3. Sea Breeze Restaurant Dinner
🥘Yummy and breezy🍲

On the first night, we cough-surfed at Jes' brother's home so we can save money. Next day, we ate free breakfast courtesy of Jes' sister-in-law. We then bought food for our lunch at... tadadadan... Jollibee all the way (until succeeding days)! 

Jes' brother drove for us using his in-laws' van (for free!). Full tank gas on us.

4. Maribina Falls, Bato
💧Morning bathe at the falls🜄


5. Bato Church, Bato
⛪ Stone Church 🙏


6. Pag-asa Radar Station, Baras
⛆Quick stop to see the view at the weather bureau 👀

Going to the lagoon was my favorite part of the trip. At the time of our visit, the place was not yet  managed. We followed a trail and Jes' brother gave us instructions on getting there through a walkie-talkie. It was so secluded and truly a hidden paradise.

7. Nupa Green Lagoon, Gigmoto
〜A quick hike for the hiding paradise◯

Nupa Green Lagoon stones and large hermit crabs are common in the beach

Kids dive on the lagoon

8. Balacay Point, Baras
🏖Different shades of Beaches💕
9. Puraran Surf Beach Resort

At Puraran Surf Beach Resort, we booked a room. Jes' brother drove back home and brought us food from Jollibee for breakfast the next day. After a morning swim, we left the resort and headed to our last stop.

10. Binurong Point, Baras
 (Legit scary!) Photo taken by Jessa 💗

Jessa's Planned Itinerary:



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