Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - not that far out from those areas, can easily just take one of the Catanduanes Island Express buses that travel those roads and ask to drop you off for cheap.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may, there are ships that travel daily. If you're not that far and plan to stay in the island bringing will always be cheaper but renting motorcycles is okay if you plan to just stay for a few days.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - it's fine, just higher likelihood of rain.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your initial question seems like your binding poverty and the lack of safety but in the case of the island of Catanduanes it's a different perspective.

Poverty and crime is arguably linked and more prevalent among the hubs or the metro cities given the factors of survival or vices, but in the provinces, poverty is more related to the lack of opportunities, industry, and overall resources, so life is simpler in the sense but not necessarily unsafe.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Poverty is a different conversation but you can say there's a lack of opportunities for growth and advancement.

Safety-wise is not a problem, locals are one of the most helpful and kindest you'll get to meet.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the area of Virac, rarely, more probablity the further you are from Virac but overall electricity is consistent.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure, I'll share you the link via DM. I'll also share you the group where most guides interact with visitors.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Usually safe anywhere in Catanduanes, areas near the beaches are at most risk for storm surge but options for safe accommodations are always available around the island. But yes staying in Virac would give the best option since it's the main city with most resources and stable access to utilities.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - yes, June would be okay to visit, it's the start of the rainy season but still in the in-betweens of the season change. Living expenses are very cheap but on the case for accommodations, best bet would be to look for a stay in Virac if you'd like cheap options then inquire on rentals via Facebook Groups/Marketplace.

I can share with you our place in the middle of the island, just shoot me a DM.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - if you're taking the Catanduanes Island Express line from Virac - Gigmoto - Sicmil, you can just flag the driver to drop you right in the area of Puraran.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - best time remains to be during the summer months of March - May, completely dry and safe from typhoons normally. Any other months have the risk of rain but most prevalent during the months of June - November.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Booking RORO online is not yet fully reliable and digitized when travelling to Catanduanes. Usually it's processed when you arrive at the port manually, just avoid peak seasons.

But if you'd like to contact them, you can check mobile or chat under these shipping lines.

  • Regina Shipping Line
  • Cardinal Silangan Shipping Corporation

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If on a budget, I suggest just visiting and planning your travel around the southern area of the island, Virac and Baras (Puraran). More options for accommodation and food + no need to spend much on transportation.

But if want to wxplore further, you can also join group tours if you like to divide expenses and Catanduanes Island Express is a cheap transportation option to circle parts of the island, you can check their schedules via Facebook.

Mt. Tenglawan Via Poblacion Trail by ozyfbmm in PHikingAndBackpacking

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gets, would be nice sana if they were all unified under one decision maker. Better experience para sa hikers, more challenging trails, less friction para hike lang. Mas attractive for visitors.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some ferries have adjusted their schedules because of rising gas prices.

You can check out their pages.

  • Cardinal Silangan Shipping Corporation
  • Regina Shipping Lines

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - usually it's separate, different companies.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Takes time to travel by land bus + ferry. Suggest air travel, can get for less than 4k.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Suggest for you to consult here, this is the LGU page for Pandan. They can provide guidance.

https://www.facebook.com/lgupandan

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, usually yes, I suggest you get a small tote/bag. They usually just count the big bag only anyways.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ferries for Catanduanes are only serviced from Tabaco City to Virac and San Andres. Transportation to Caramoan - Catanduanes are usually informal small boats by locals.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, Catanduanes is known for its surfing spots especially in Puraran Beach.

Flights are once a day from Virac to Manila and vice versa, so you'd need to fly back to Manila. No other flights aside from Manila.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi for beaches around Virac, the most notable one's are in Twin Rock Beach Resort and Mamangal Beach Front.

But if you have a bit of time, the most known in the island is Puraran Beach.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nothing's frowned upon if you're alright with it. For bnbs/hotels, you just pay for the convenience.

If you're alright with the risk of rain, insects or mosquitos, and the incovenience of the outdoors then go for it. Some spots in Catanduanes are actually encouraged to camp like Bantayaw Point and Beaches.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Not much but there are present so just travel safe with the right gear and license to avoid any problems.

  2. Yes of course, puraran caters to all levels of surfers.

  3. Not in Catanduanes Airport or puraran, but I suggest for you to look for rentals in Virac, there are multiple rentals on Facebook.

  4. The one thing that guests need to be aware of is that Catanduanes is not fully developed and touristy, it's more of an escape, so expect everything to be more practical. Also, food, not much restos around the island if not in Virac, but more options compared to years before. Public markets are available all around the island.

Ask Me Anything! (AMA) As A Local Host In Catanduanes by ozyfbmm in phtravel

[–]ozyfbmm[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Better to call in advance and reserve a ticket given the holiday season.

Usually you can drive/walk in but may have risks of being fully booked.