Catanduanes is a kidney-shaped island at the easternmost seaboard of the Philippines. A part of the Bicol Region, Catanduanes is separated from the Bicol Peninsula by the Maqueda Bay and Lagonoy Gulf. Its capital is Virac and the province lies to the east of Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel.
Puraran Beach, Catanduanes. Photo by leoburke
Catanduanes is a lush island of mountains and water. Forest cover about 46 percent of the total land area. Surfacing from the mountains are numerous springs, waterfalls and rivers trailing out into the ocean. The island is lined with more than 20 islets and rocks that give it an interesting shoreline. It also provides the choice of deep swells and surfs of the Pacific Ocean in the northeastern tip. On the southern tip, one can view the gentle lolling of the ebb and flow of the waters of Maqueda Channel over cream sand beaches.
Catanduanes is accessible by air through the Virac Airport. Air conditioned buses travel direct from Manila to Virac daily. Other air-conditioned buses can take you from Manila to the Port of Tabaco where a ferry boat can take you across to Virac, Catanduanes.
