Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. It is indeed Bicol’s best-kept secret. It is the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.”
After an hour flight we landed at Virac airport. I just walked from the airport terminal to the town of Virac. Since I have no concrete itinerary I just did what comes to mind. I wander around the quint town. I visited their church, park and Virac town hall. I felt hunger then I ate at one of the eatery. I asked locals on how to get to Puraran. We waited for about an hour to fill the van with passengers bound to Gigmoto and it took also an hour to reach the Puraran Beach Resort.
Puraran Beach Resort is a promising surfing site in the town of Baras. It is the home of the well-known “Majestic” waves with its awesome long-barrel-type surf. Offshore waves are in their utmost shape during the months of August to September. The surfing area also shows a marvelous view of mountains and bays. Photo fanatics could get great view of the sunrise in this area. For holiday seekers, this is a place for total relaxation, be in touch with nature, and simply, innovation and peacefulness.
I’m supposed to stay for a night in Puraran but it’s too pricey that I decided to go back to Virac. The sporadic schedule of jeepney for Virac is a challenge to backpacker like me. I have to take habal-habal to the town of Baras then took a jeepney bound to Virac. I dropped by the town of Bato for the St. John the Baptist church.
St. John the Baptist Church (Bato Church) is a very simple classical structure. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire island. Despite the tests of time, wars, and destruction of natural calamities, it was able to retain its old glory of massive structure of mortar and coral stones. The main portal is topped by a clean semicircular arch grimed by pilasters. The wall is leveled to the side to deviate from absolute flatness. A cornice divides the church into two levels. The bell tower serves as the church's entire second level which is crowned with a dome. The whole church is topped with a large white cross. The absence of a pediment is noticeable.
From Bato church I took a PUV to the town of Virac. I stayed at Marem Pensione House near the Catanduanes provincial capitol.
The following day I travelled all the way to San Andres to catch the ferry to Tabaco Albay.
This is part of my Bicol solo backpacking trip.
