This island province is part of Bicol region. It has beautiful beaches, historic attractions and stunning views. It is also a famous surfing destination because of its location.



Read my travel guide budget itinerary for Catanduanes.

Catanduanes is not only home to unspoilt beaches, this province off Bicol also has affordable and tasty food.

Catanduanes is slowly gaining popularity for both local and foreign tourists. But few flights, partially paved roads, and unpredictable weather still make Catanduanes a hidden gem with plenty of pristine and unspoilt beaches.


Catanduanes has affordable food but very few choices when it comes to accommodations and it is quite difficult to get to some of the attractions.

After enjoying the beaches of Catanduanes, we ventured to Bato to visit the old Spanish church and the waterfalls.

Catanduanes seemed like an exotic destination, even from someone from the Philippines. The province is separated by a body of water and few airlines have direct flights to it. That did not stop me from booking a flight to this island off the coast of Camarines Sur.


Catanduanes is also known as the 'Land of the Howling Winds' because it is in the path of tropical cyclones brewing in the Pacific Ocean. Catanduanes' direct path to cyclones is both a gift and a curse. It is a gift because the cyclones that hit the province create the perfect waves for surfing enthusiasts not just in the Philippines but also in different parts of the world.

Catanduanes used to be a sub-province of Camarines and later, Albay. Catanduanes became an independent province in 1945. The local dialect is Bicol but it is different from the dialect spoken in Bicol mainland. There are many legends as to how the province got its name. One of the legends describes that the province got its name from the word 'tandu', a native bettle found abundantly on the island. Another legend describes that the island got its name from the word 'samdong' a tree that was once abundant on the island. In both instances, the Spaniards Hispanized the name and ended up calling the island 'Catanduanes'.