Igang, Catanduanes

Mostly day-trippers

Early in the month of February, we went to one of the two island provinces that comprise the Bicol region (at the lower end of the Philippine island of Luzon) - the island of Catanduanes (the other is the island of Masbate).



Catanduanes is located at the eastern side of the the Philippine archipelago. It is an island accessible by watercraft or ferry from the port of Tabaco in Albay province. It can also be reached by plane in just about over an hour from the Manila domestic airport. It is currently served by two airlines - the Cebu Pacific Air and Zest Air and has two flights daily (morning by CEB, and afternoon by Zest). But Catanduanes is known more as the "entrance door" of typhoons entering the Philippines. It is a usual point of reference in most typhoon bulletins, much like Boronggan, Samar.

The relative isolation (not being part of the main Bicol peninsula), and it's reputation as a storm-frequented area has somehow positively impacted on the state of the many shores and beaches surrounding the island. Many of the beaches have remained pristine and their allure as natural sanctuaries has been enhanced. Of course, from the perspective of tourism revenues, this is not really a desirable condition. But if one looks at it from a long-term and holistic view, it would be a strategic advantage to all island inhabitants (everyone and every living being).

The specific place where we stayed is a place called Twin Rocks Resort located in Igang, at the southern tip of Virac, Catanduanes, some 25 minutes by land from Virac airport.



The resort provides a shuttle service to and from the airport (but there should be a prior confirmation of this service before arrival). Otherwise, a motorized tricycle may also be hired (no standing rate or fee). You can visit their website for other details - http://www.twinrock.com.ph/. The name Twin Rock is in reference to the two rocks located at the right side of the beach. The resort accommodation could be rated 5 if your standard of 10 are the upscale resorts in Boracay. But it has hot and cold water. No in-room ref, a small color TV (with limited number of channels), nice clean and comfortable bed, and the rooms are fitted with air-conditioning. They have rooms to accommodate a large family or for couples. A kitchen generally provides for the dining needs of the guests. Food may be served in the rooms as requested. Otherwise, there's a dinning area with a 180-degree view of the beach complemented by a slight sea breeze (which does not smell like a rotten egg!). Food may be ordered (based on a menu). But if you're looking for food presentation, chef-supervised cooking, you'll not find it there. Suffice it to say that the food served is enough to ward-off hunger. The Twin Rocks Resort is a good place to rest and recharge one's biological batteries. The locals though, use the place for things other than beach-bumming. The resort also provides a place for wedding receptions, small private parties, seminars and the like. For team-building activities, the resort has an obstacle course that's not for the faint-hearted. It includes a heart-stopping rope-bridge crossing to a 50-foot rock located at the far left end of the resort.

So next time you think of beach-outing, make it Igang!

(NEXT: Beyond Igang)