A trip to the Philippines can be exciting. But which island should you visit? How about checking out Catanduanes?
Over seven thousand islands make up the Philippines. Therefore, the country is filled with countless gorgeous beaches. And plenty of surf! However, choosing where to go can be challenging. The tourist island of Boracay may tempt you with the promise of relaxation and water sports. Or perhaps if you’re a history buff you might prefer to explore Cebu. But where should you go if you want a truly unique experience in the country? I’ll tell you, but you have to promise to keep it a secret. Ever heard of Catanduanes? I took my first solo trip to the Majestic Puraran Beach Resort and now I’m counting down the days until I can go back. So have a look at why I love the Philippines so much. Plus, learn how to make your trip even better.
Highlights
Community
Truth be told, I was nervous about my first-ever solo vacation. I’d moved to Korea alone but that had been through a legit government programme. When going to the Philippines I was putting my blind faith in the surf camp to pick me up from the airport and deliver me to my accommodation. Thankfully, I’ve never had a warmer greeting. At the tiny airport, the camp owner was waiting for me with a cute sign. From there I was led to a motorbike-tricycle where the driver shared some chips with me and I settled in for a long, bumpy drive to the camp.
I loved the feeling of community at the camp. Campmates came and went, yet it didn’t take long to feel included. The organisers truly made me feel special with a spirited welcome dinner waiting for me. And during this dinner, it was a great time to talk with locals. I adored passing the food and drink around the table, sitting with people who had been strangers only a few hours ago. And things only got better once karaoke had been set up. The camp gave me a space to laugh with people from all over the world while we rode on motorcycles, hiked to viewpoints, swam in waterfalls, and, most importantly, surfed.
Night sky
The BBC Sky at Night says that we can see around 1,400 stars at night. I didn’t truly believe this fact until I visited the Philippines. It was one of the few times in my life when I realised just how big the universe can be. Living in a busy city, you can get caught up in your life and swamped down by your small issues. Catanduanes is the perfect place to visit if you want your problems and worries to melt away. Just looking up at night sky will remind you of just how small your issues are. Finally, you can take a breath of the warm night air and let go.
Have you ever seen a shooting star? Well, if you’re in desperate need of a wish, the Philippines is the place to go. I saw at least three stars whoosh overhead as I sat on the beach late at night. With little to no light pollution around the camp, you don’t have to wait long to see this spectacular sight. Plus, waiting under the sky is made easier with the great community around you. These evenings were my favourite moments in the Philippines. Now, I’m desperate to return to enjoy even more Filipino skies.
Sea
A surf session at six in the morning is made much easier when the sea is lovely and warm. The sea lapping up the sand of Puraran Beach is some of the most clean and clear water that you can find. With a dynamic reef beneath your feet as you swim, this spot is brilliant for snorkelling. Even my untrained eyes could spot schools of fish weaving under the waves. The water is so temperate that you can grab a drink and sit in the shallows late into the evening. From the sea, you’ll have the best view of the setting sun over the island. And then comes the night. And the night sky. There’s nothing better than the millions of stars reflected in the still water.
Surfing in this bay is also perfect for any skill level. I’m a beginner so I prefer small, cute waves. The structure of Puraran beach accommodates any needs, with a large rock in the sea splitting the water into a beginner section and an advanced area. I tried out both of these surfing spots and enjoyed both, but I did feel a noticeable difference in the power of the waves between these two patches of surf. So if you head to the Catanduanes as a beginner surfer, head to the left of Puraran Beach. Or sit on the beach and watch the pros glide across the water. It’s a spectacle.
Lowlights
Creepy crawlies
This trip really forced me to get in touch with nature. The accommodation was fun and comfortable but I wasn’t the only one sleeping there. I shared my cabin with lots of creepy crawlies. Within the first few moments of being left alone in my living space, a gecko clambered through a small gap in my ceiling. Although, it didn’t stay for long after taking one look at me. Nonetheless, I could hear this little friend at night, clawing away at my wall. If you think this will keep you up at night, I’m afraid to say there’s not much escape from it in Catanduanes.
(Warning: jump scare ahead).
The gecko I could deal with. I even let a big moth happily sleep in my room, so long as it stayed on its side of the mosquito net. But my spider guest who liked to live in my bathroom…we did not get on. He was massive. And fast. This creepy visitor made brushing my teeth at night very challenging. And I was always a little nervous going to shower in the morning when he was nowhere to be seen. This spider would understandably put many people off. So if you’re a little squeamish and don’t like bugs, the Philippines isn’t for you. Or at least you should think about upgrading your accommodation.
Too much free time
Most people go on holiday to relax. I go on holiday to have an adventure. Therefore, I sometimes find it hard to adjust to a calm pace and just do nothing. While I did plenty of activities in the Philippines, I didn’t know what to do with my free time. Between the surfing lessons, yoga classes, hikes and waterfall visits, there were moments when I’d find myself at a loss for what to do. The camp where I stayed was fairly isolated and difficult to leave if you didn’t hire a motorcycle. Sadly, it was difficult to explore alone. Therefore, prepare to amuse yourself from time to time, particularly if you rely on others to guide you.
Bring a book or a sketchpad. Having something to entertain you that doesn’t rely on the internet is an absolute must on the island where Wi-Fi is often a no-show. Luckily, you’ll have the whole beach and sea to enjoy. However, you’ll want to avoid these spots during the hottest time of the day. Be prepared to take lots of long day naps. You’ll probably need them after all the other activities and late nights. Having too much free time isn’t the worst thing to ever happen on a holiday, but I wish I’d been better prepared for these dull moments. Now, I know the untold lowlight of travelling alone.
Splinters and sunburn
This holiday wrecked my body. I couldn’t wait to return home to give my poor legs and feet a break from the harsh conditions I put them through. Maybe I’m weak. Or, more likely, perhaps I should have been better prepared. The surfing and hiking quickly ruined my feet. The coral reef under the sea scratched my skin, making walking painful. The constant splinters caused by running around barefoot all day became a persistent complaint. My skin was raw and blistered after day one. So this is a cautionary tale. Be careful of lying on your surfboard in the middle of the sea under direct sunlight. And wear shoes.
My splinters and sunburn could have been soothed if only I’d brought the right tools with me. First, make sure you have some tweezers in your bag. This will help get rid of any pesky splinters that you might get. Next, the sun in the Philippines (especially if you’re surfing) is strong so bring sunscreen and a hat. Also, make sure to cover up if you plan to stay out when it’s sunny. I ended up surfing fully clothed by the end of the trip because I couldn’t bear getting any more sunburnt. If you’re looking for an adventure-packed holiday in the Philippines, Catanduanes is the perfect place to go. But make sure you’re prepared to look after yourself because your body might not thank you for the trip.
Fun in the Philippines
Do you want to know the most beautiful part of my trip to the Philippines? I’m still connected to the people I met in Catanduanes. The sense of friendship and community was so strong that I frequently talk to numerous people there and I can’t wait to see them again. Plus, I’m eager to see that glorious beach and beautiful night sky again. However, to avoid the lowlights, I’ll be more prepared the next time I visit. So if you’re planning your trip to the Philippines, use this guide to help you get ready so that you can have a holiday of highlights.
Scared of spiders? How about heading to the UAE for your next vacation?
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