1. Traveling to Catanduanes means you have to rent
a tricycle or a motorbike since commuting and waiting for jeepneys will eat up
your time. It will be costly for thrifty people like me, but this is something
you must go for if you really want to make the most out of your trip. Don’t
target vans unless you are in a big group. It was about 3000 pesos per day.
When taking the jeepney to Puraran, you have to patiently wait. In fact, it
took three hours before the jeepney left the station but only one hour to reach Puraran.
30 pesos- jeepney
700 motorbike rent ( Puraran – Baras
(Binurong Point) – Bato –Virac and back to Puraran )
500 motorbike rent (Puraran – Balacay –
Gigmoto – Puraran)
700 motorbike rent (air transfer)
1930/2=1965
1.
2. Book a room through Agoda as they offer big
discounts. We stayed in a Nipa Hut for a more rustic feel. It was worth 1,500.00 for three nights, good
for two.
3. Visit BinurongPoint before the sun rises or sets. Seriously, you have to bring an
umbrella because you won’t find any shade there unless you go back to the
forest. Take 2 or 3 liters of water per person! I drank 3 bottles after
descending. You also have to pay the tour guide; they won’t tell you the price,
but it depends on what your heart feels. Our guide (Richard a.k.a Toto) was
also our photographer, story-teller, and energy-booster; we gave him 300 pesos,
which I think is more than enough. One more thing, don’t wear slippers or
flip-flops. Although it is sunny, there are always muddy parts in the forest.
 |
| the only shady area just before the mystic view |
1. 4. Try lobsters and shrimps! Worth around 250 to
300 pesos. Mango shake was great, if you are lucky to order one.
1. 5. Puraran is a surfing center. Surfing season
starts in October, the best time for expert surfers; but for beginners and
intermediate, March to July is safer.
1. 6. During the low tide, you can walk through the
sea as far as you can. And here is what you’ll see.
2. 7. Don’t expect many souvenir shops. We went to
Virac twice looking for shops, but we only found one. Most of the residents
would recommend Pili nuts as their pasalubong. You can buy different specialties of Pili Nuts
(sweetened, honey-dipped, choco-bar).
Have an awesome journey!!!
