
ABOUT
Catanduanes is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the 12th-largest Island in the Philippines. Its capital is Virac. Catanduanes is known as the “Land of the Howling Winds” because most typhoons brewed in the Pacific pass through this easternmost island province of Luzon. But on better days, pack your bags and explore this rugged adventure island.
LOCATION

FAST FACTS
The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
CLIMATE
The climate in this province is without a pronounced dry season, precipitation is distributed fairly well throughout the year becoming wetter in the last quarter into the early months of the first quarter, when tropical disturbances and monsoon winds especially the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) bring in heavy rains. Other months are characterized by short periods of dryer days and fine weather, except in July and August when the dry and gusty southwest monsoon winds intensify.
Given the location of Catanduanes which is within the typhoon belt, it is best to visit the province during summer season (March to May).
The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
CITIES & TOWNS

The Catanduanes province is divided into 11 Municipalities:
- Bagamanoc
- Baras
- Bato
- Caramoran
- Gigmoto
- Pandan
- Panganiban
- San Andres
- San Miguel
- Viga
- Virac
ISLANDS
- Calabagio Island
- Late Island
- Macalanhog Island
- Palumbanes Island
- Panay Island
- Tignob Island
POINTS OF INTEREST
The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Catanduanes province:
- Balacay Point
- Bato Church
- Binurong Point
- Bontahiya Falls
- Bote Lighthouse
- Buyo Caves
- Cagnipa Rolling Hills
- Diocedsan Shrine of the Holy Cross
- Igang Beach
- Luyang Cave Park
- Mamangal Beach
- Maribina Falls
- Museo de Catanduanes
- Nahulugan Falls
- Poseidon’s Rock
- Puraran Beach
- San Miguel River Park
- Soboc Beach
- Toytoy Beach
- Viga Cold Spring
- Virac Town Center
- Youth Center Mall
FESTIVALS
The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Catanduanes throughout the year:
- Catandungan Festival (3rd weekend of October) – Virac
- Abaka Festival (4th week of May) – Virac
FAQs
The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Catanduanes province.
Where in the Philippines is Catanduanes located?
Catanduanes is located on Eastern Luzon.
Is Catanduanes a city or province?
Catanduanes is a province.
What is the Capital of Catanduanes?
The capital of Catanduanes is Virac.
What is Catanduanes famous or known for?
Catanduanes is famous or known for beaches, heritage sites, and location which is within the typhoon belt.
How do I get to Catanduanes?
There are several ways to get to Catanduanes, the most common being from Manila:
- Bus | 14 hours | $19
- Plane | 1.25 hours | $56-$200
RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines
How many islands are in Catanduanes?
There are 6 islands in the province of Catanduanes.
What does Catanduanes mean?
Catanduanes is a hispanized term for the local word “katanduan”, a place where the native beetle called “tandu” thrives in abundance.
How Safe is Traveling in Catanduanes?
Catanduanes is generally safe for locals and tourists.
Is the climate the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate in Catanduanes is considered tropical rainforest. It is located within the typhoon belt so it experiences year-round typhoons.
To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below …
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
GUIDES
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