We pulled over at a forested area along the main highway where the road slightly descends at a bend. The area is cool because of the canopy of trees and after negotiating a flight of steps, got to the park grouds. A breeze blew, rustling branches and leaves as an old lady was busy sweeping the pavement. The cave’s opening contrasted with the rock wall. We walked closer and leaned over. At first we can’t see a thing but as our eyes managed to adapt…Continue Reading “The tragic history of Luyang Cave in Catanduanes”

After the widely successful remote beach list I posted last year, here’s another ten that will surely whet your appetite to travel and discover more of the Philippines. Most of these beaches haven’t been included in other beach lists that you usually find repeated again and again and I’m proud to say that I’ve personally been to all these. These are beautiful with white sand ranging from powdery white to cream colored to a mixture of sand, pebbles and other normal sea debris. Not all…Continue Reading “10 under the radar white sand beaches in the Philippines you haven’t been to”

When it comes to Catanduanes, that island province off mainland Bicol, I can only count with my fingers the tourist spots that I know. But when I did made a visit last week, I was surprised that, except for one, its beautiful white sand beaches, especially in Virac, the capital town, isn’t even included in the official tourism list! Except for Twin Rocks Resort, which is heavily developed, there are even more beach strips that are under the radar. One of these is in Barangay…Continue Reading “Unspoilt, undeveloped beach in Catanduanes”

Catanduanes is one of the under rated provinces in Bicol and in the Philippines in terms of tourism. There are lots of waterfalls like Maribina Falls, surfing in Puraran, caves, religious heritage structures and pristine beaches waiting for the intrepid adventurer. One of the access points to the province, if you’re not the flying type and prefers to take the bus ride from Manila, is via roro boat. There’s a regular roro schedule between the Port of Tabaco in Albay, gateway to the Catanduanes and…Continue Reading “Tabaco – San Andres – Tabaco ferry schedule”

For 333 years, Spain has colonized the Philippines and during that era, several stone churches have been built from Batanes to Mindanao. At present, these heritage churches in the Philippines are still standing, scattered around many islands and remote parts of the country. Most of these churches are difficult to reach. For example, Rizal Church in Cagayan takes 2 hours by jeepney only from Tuguegarao and there’s only one trip per day. For Agutaya, it takes minimum of three hours boat ride from Cuyo, its…Continue Reading “14 remote Spanish era churches you haven’t been to”