Catanduanes, Island province in Bicol Region, Philippines.
Catanduanes is an island province in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, covered with forested mountains and coastal villages along the beaches. The capital Virac sits on the southern shore, while the northern and eastern sections feature steep cliffs and rocky coves.
This province became an independent administrative unit in 1945, after being part of Ambos Camarines province before that. Virac was named the administrative seat at that time and has remained the political center of the island since then.
The name Catanduanes comes from the local word for the aruma tree, which once grew along the island's shores. Families in the interior still practice traditional handweaving, often using abaca fibers to create everyday items.
Flights from Manila to Virac take about one hour, while ferries from the mainland require several hours and may be cancelled depending on weather. Roads connect most coastal towns, but mountain routes can become slippery during heavy rain.
The island ranks first worldwide in producing abaca fibers, which come from a banana-like plant and are used in textile manufacturing. Many farms lie in the hills, where farmers harvest the long fibers and spread them to dry in the sun.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve
14 kmTugawe Cove Resort
32.5 km
Virac Cathedral
28.3 kmBatalay Shrine
28.2 km
Church of Bato historical marker
25.4 km
Diving Plank
34.9 kmSnorkeling spot
33.4 kmTwin Rock Resort
34.9 kmBatag White Beach
33.9 kmMamangal White Sand Beach
33 kmHitoma Lake
13.6 kmCarorian Adventures
30.3 kmPaday Falls
13.7 kmPebble beach
32.8 kmMaribina WaterFalls
25.9 kmPebble Beach
32.8 kmLahos Island
37.1 kmMarilima Beach
34.2 kmOur Lady of Penafrancia Grotto
24.2 kmLuyang Cave
28.4 kmEmmanuelle Beach Resort
32.9 kmPuraran Beach
22.5 kmBitaog Beach
31.1 kmBartasan Beach
13.1 kmBalacay Point
21.2 kmBinurong Point
25.7 kmBreakwater Viewpoint
28.2 kmNahulugan Falls
14.9 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes