CATANDUANES is one of the places in the Philippines that seldom exist in my thought. I never had any interest in exploring this silent terrain, even 'google-ing'. It came as a surprise that we just booked a flight in this not-so-interesting-in-my-mind province.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
We've been in Legaspi City on the same year at earlier month, and took a closer encounter with Mayon Volcano. We are convinced then that the cone is indeed almost perfect. But what we witnessed during our flight to Catanduanes in an early morning, this cone is so enchanting that does not require any camera tricks & Photoshop to display a natural beauty.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
Touchdown is Virac, the Province' Capital. Clueless where to go, since even the night before our flight- we were not decided if we will proceed (there was an upcoming typhoon in Luzon on the same day of our flight) or not. We prompted to approach a local trike driver (Kuya Bert) to help us find a reasonable accommodation. Not disappointed, sightseeing was immediately came after we got refreshed from the hotel.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
MARIBINA FALLS in Bato Town- untouched by urbanization, has a simple but inviting amenities. Simply sit down on any rock formation and enjoy a pick-on-the-same-day fresh coconut from a local traders.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
Next stop was LUYANG CAVE in San Andres. Not fond of being in a cave, we did not dare to go more far from the cave's opening. There was an eerie feeling as soon as you enter this site. It is believed that- some Japanese soldiers were not able to surfaced from hiding here during World War II.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
BATO CHURCH is one of the must-see churches in the country. A century-old religious site, it houses a significant work of art from the Spanish era and successfully preserved up to the present generation. Situated in the hillside, any visitor will have a chance to glimpse a local river where livelihood of the local folks came.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
The next morning was the expected highlight of the trip- getting to PURARAN BEACH. Since I am a fanatic of Surfing, this water sport activity is the biggest factor why we proceeded to visit this province. Warned by our tour guide that it would take us a couple of hours to three by boarding his powerful trike (yeah, you read it right), we braved the one of the roughest road in the country- mountain by mountain. But traveling in this kind of countryside would be considered as a privilege- seeing the vast area of the province from the hightops, witnessing the local lifestyle- simple and peaceful and greeted by sincere smiles in every corner of the road.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
Been in the different beaches in Asia Pacific and proudly will tell you that the most beautiful beaches in the world will be found here in the Philippines. PURARAN BEACH proves again this truth. Sand quality is at par with those found in Puka Beach in Boracay Island. No sign of devastation, this beach would give you the tranquility and calmness away from the bustling and noisy cities.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
Invited by its beauty, walking along the shore will make you realized how God gives too much blessings in this land, that this province is not just a simple regular route of the incoming typhoon. Safe to say, PURARAN BEACH can be considered a lover's Island, perfect for a beach wedding and soul-searching.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
And who would be the most attracted and front-runner in this Island? Surfers would definitely be in the list. But the Island's invitation is not limited for them alone. Just pack your simple enthusiasm and interest- the guarantee that you'll fall in love in this place is there.
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| From Majestic CATANDUANES |
Wave quality would not disappoint any surfer- but only for the advanced and for the pro in the league. Wave site would require any surfer to paddle further and lil' bit farther from the shoreline. As expeted, local surfers showcased their mastery in the sport.
Although PURARAN BEACH can be hardly compared to SIARGAO Island in terms of surfing, it's accessibility to reach from Manila gives an edge over the latter.
Moreover, accommodation, foods and airfare are very reasonable.
