Discover the effortless charm that makes Catanduanes ‘The Happy Island.’ The emerging tourist hot spot stuns with colorful sunsets, crystal waters, and various breathtaking sceneries that will leave you with a big, bright smile.
What to do?
Bato Church
Built over the course of 53 years, from 1830 to 1883, St. John the Baptist Church is the product of the hard labor and love of the locals of Bato town in Catanduanes. Also known as Bato Church, this structure made of mortar and coral stones has withstood many historical upheavals, such as World War II. The church’s tower is home to a bell that once served as an alarm against invading Japanese forces.
Dedicated to namesake Saint John the Baptist, the church is a beacon of penance for the parish, which has produced a record number of priests and others of religious stock for the province. Bato Church stands today as an architectural treasure in the town. The oldest church in the province, it is now under the care of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, which has bestowed in May 2022 a Historical Marker which can be found in front of the church.
At the Bato Church in Catanduanes, visitors engage in religious pilgrimages, quiet prayers, and attending Catholic Mass, while also enjoying heritage photography, exploring its historic coral stone architecture, and taking in the scenic views of the adjacent Bato River.
Baras Coastal Wonders
Discover the best of Baras, Catanduanes, by exploring two of the island’s most spectacular coastal destinations. Binurong Point features sweeping “Little Batanes” landscapes, where vibrant rolling green hills and jagged cliffs meet the roaring Pacific Ocean. Just a short drive away is Puraran Beach, a world-renowned surfing haven that boasts creamy golden sands, stunning rock formations, and the famously powerful “Majestic” waves.
Visitors can kick off their day with a short sunrise trek at Binurong Point to take panoramic landscape photos and marvel at the breathtaking ocean views. For the rest of the adventure, travelers can head down to Puraran Beach to catch world-class waves on a surfboard, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax and unwind along the scenic sandy shoreline.
Cagnipa Rolling Hills
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cagnipa Rolling Hills in Pandan, Catanduanes, where the vibrant stretch of green hills slopes gently toward dramatic cliffs overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Tucked just below these lush slopes is the nearby Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon, a stunning natural tidal pool featuring crystal-clear, deep blue waters framed by jagged rock formations.
Visitors can take a leisurely trek across the grassy ridges to find perfect vantage points for landscape photography, enjoy scenic picnics, or simply relax on the open terrain. For an added thrill, adventurers can hike down to Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon to take a refreshing cliff dive or swim in the pristine waters, perfectly capping off a day of exploring this awe-inspiring coastal destination.
