Catanduanes Tourist Spots - Puraran Beach, the Surfing Capital of Catanduanes

On our 2nd day in Virac, we were fetched in our hotel by Kuya Chris, the owner/driver of the car we rented for a whole day tour around the island. Our first destination is Puraran beach, a "world renowned surfing site" located in the town of Baras in Catanduanes. Facing the pacific ocean it is home to the so-called Majestic waves.


From the provincial capital in the south, we headed eastwards to the town of Baras where Puraran Beach is located. It only took us one hour to reach the beach. Entrance fee is 10 pesos each.


Stunning landscape of cream/golden sand beach, clean and clear waters, marvelous rock formations and views of mountains and the bay welcomed us. It's quite hot during that time as the sun rose higher but the strong wind blowing from the ocean kept us cool.


We settled in one of the nipa hut cottages along the beach and changed to our swimming attire. We didn't waste any time, we explored the place walking barefoot in it's fine cream sand to take photos.


As we wander around, we climbed the rock formation jutting out just off the shores and observed the strong waves crashing on it. What's interesting about this rock formation is that a mini lagoon is formed inside it during high tide. We joined other tourists swimming at the mini lagoon.



We sat by the beach, savored the serene awesome view and enjoyed a good swim. It was a perfect example of chill, laid back vacation in a beach paradise.






There are 2 resorts in the area (Puting Baybay and Majestic Puraran Beach Resorts) where you can have food and drinks. You may order set meals for 150 pesos with 2 viands and rice. Nipa hut cottage rental along the beach is at Php 150 for the day.



Puraran beach has no high-end, fancy and sophisticated amenities, but there are several cottage style huts available if you want to stay overnight. Accommodations are reasonably priced at around 300 to 500 pesos per night.

[ Click here to search for resorts in Baras Catanduanes ]

We left the beach after having our lunch. I will share to you how I tried to learn riding the waves in Puraran on my next post.


HOW TO GET TO CATANDUANES

By Air: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Zest Air offer direct flights from Manila to Virac, the capital of Catanduanes. Travel time is about an hour.

By Land and Sea: From Manila, take a bus bound for Legaspi City which takes about 10-12 hours. From there, take a jeepeney to Tabaco City port and take a RORO to Virac. Ferry leaves at 6:30 AM in Tobaco City and 1:00 PM from Virac daily. Fare is about Php 220.00 per person.

HOW TO GET TO PURARAN BEACH

By Public Transportation: From Virac, there are jeepneys and buses that regularly ply the Virac-Baras route, fare is around Php 45.00. Transportation is limited, so you have to ask the locals for the schedule of the trips. Upon arriving in Baras town proper, hire a tricycle (around 150 pesos/trip) to get to Puraran. Alternatively, if there is a Gigimoto bus, take it as it passes by Puraran and it will save you the fare for the tricycle ride.

By Rented Vehicle: Due to the scarcity of transportation, I highly suggest that you rent a transportation in exploring the island. I recommend our driver, Kuya Chris Marasigan, you can contact him at 0929-1092780. The whole day tour includes Puraran Beach, PAGASA Weather Radar Station, Bato Church, Maribina Falls and Twin Rocks Resort. One day tour is at 2,500 pesos on his Isuzu Crosswind which could fit around 6-8 persons.

This is part of my Catanduanes-Caramoan trip that happened last March 24-26, 2012 with my friends Billy, Cris and Edmund. Catanduanes is the 57th province on my list and this trip is my 2nd time to visit Camarines Sur. We had an awesome time just hanging around and exploring the stunning sights of this island province in Bicol region. Join us as I continue my journey to visit all 80 provinces in the Philippines!

Catanduanes Eating Out at Sea Breeze Restaurant in Virac Puraran Beach, the Surfing Capital of Catanduanes Riding the Waves of Puraran, my 4th Surfing Experience A Quick Stopover at the Newly-built PAGASA-DOST Weather Radar Station Visiting Bato's Charming Century-old Church The Marvelous Cascades of Maribina Falls An Overnight Stay at Twin Rock Beach Resort Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur Caramoan Island Hopping Adventure and Seeing the Survivors Travel Guide : How to Get to Caramoan Islands via Catanduanes Travel Guide : Catanduanes with Caramoan Islands Side Trip Maps By: Wikipedia