“It’s more fun in the Philippines.”
The Department of Tourism has adopted this tagline to attract more tourists, both foreign and local. Visitors who already explored the country’s notable heritage sites and tourist attractions already testified that it really is more fun in the Philippines. Many have already been to the country’s famous beaches and resorts, and rich heritage havens. However, these famous attractions also come with disadvantages – huge crowds, and sadly… pollution.
I was just lucky I got to visit one of the least visited tourist destinations yet to be discovered by many – the island of Catanduanes.
Catanduanes is an island province located in the Bicol region. Based on the 2010 census, the island has a population of 246,300. Just last year, it was included among the 42 provinces in the country listed as “Peaceful and Ready for Development”.
I cannot agree enough.
We visited the island province in November 2014 for work. We were surprised upon arriving at the province because it was very peaceful and quiet. Since I grew up in the metro where pollution, noise and crowd are normal things, the province gave me a different vibe.
What welcomed us was its rich green scenery. It also screams of an unspoiled and untouched magnificent coastline.
We also visited one of its beach resorts called the Twin Rock. If I can remember clearly, the entrance fee was Php70 for adults, and Php50 for children. It was so cheap for the paradise it simply was! You can also get a room accommodation for 4 people for as low as Php1,000! Simply amazing.
If you are fond of or want to try surfing, you can also find a place here where you can do just that. Puraran Beach Resort is popular among surfers due to its huge waves. It can also be seen as a mere place for rest and relaxation, though. Bonus part: the entrance fee is only Php10!
So, if you are looking for a new place to visit, why not try Catanduanes? It will only take you less than an hour via air transport. It has Mon-Wed-Fri-Sun flights. Or you can go there by land via a 12-hour bus ride from Manila to Tabaco in Albay province. Several ferry services in Port of Tabaco also offer connections to San Andres which take about 2½ hours.
It’s more fun in the Philippines! We must take pride in what our country can offer and enjoy it, as well. 2015 is “Visit the Philippines” year, after all.
