8 Marta » 11 янв 2011, 17:08
когда планировала свою вторую поездку на Филы, тоже рассматривала Катандуанес и провинцию Bicol, но не сложилось (поехали на север ). Если вы хотите почувствовать мощь океана, то можно заехать из Легаспи на Катандуанес и в провинцию Bicol (серфинг,говорят, для продвинутых товарищей; лично там не была). Катандуанес - первый филиппинский остров "на пути" Тихого океана, и именно там образуются, так называемые, Majastatik waves, самые большие и самые опасные волны для серферов(серфовый спот Pururan). Сухой сезон - с марта по октябрь.
Вот более подробная информация про Катандуанес:
Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. It is composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel. There are 315 barangays all over the province and one Congressional district. It is indeed Bicol’s best-kept secret. It is the first land group of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus, the Catanduanes Island has been termed, “The Land of the Howling Winds.” The perfect time to visit Catanduanes is from the months of March to August when the weather turns dry. It is coolest and rainiest from October to the early part of January, hottest from March to May.
Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. It has a long string of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters against a backdrop of luxuriant grassy mountains, and a totally laid-back rural charm and crowned with jewel-like island. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. The local folks have always chosen a relaxed rural village life. They seem to be disinterested in rush development or any hurriedly rush into the modern world. As a result, the tourism industry is still in its early stages. But if you are interested in outdoor quest, an easy lifestyle among warm and friendly people and a general escape from the hysterical rate of urban life, Catanduanes is the ideal hideaway. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity and party in the absence of man-made anxieties and self-made entrapments; a total escape, they say.
Major Industries in Catanduanes Island includes abaca and lasa that flourished in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, beautify the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.
In terms of the language or dialect, Bicol is the native tongue but with various tones and distinctions, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood.
You will be dazzled by the provinces' rugged and various landscapes, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. You will never really expect such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country. Come, experience and enjoy the richness and wonders of nature in Catanduanes Island, Philippines!
What is known in Catanduanes?
Puraran
A promising surfing site in the town of Baras. It is the home of the well-known “Majestic” waves with its awesome long-barrel-type surf. Offshore waves are in their utmost shape during the months of August to September.
The surfing area also shows a marvelous view of mountains and bays. Photo fanatics could get great view of the sunrise in this area. For holiday seekers, this is a place for total relaxation, be in touch with nature, and simply, innovation and peacefulness.
Note that this is one of the wettest provinces of the country. Best April-June. Worst Nov-January
Pinukpok
Lately, the original abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” created and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its position in the local and international fashion industry. This native fabric has shown its usefulness in the globally attractive designs and creations of the people in Catanduanes.
Luyang Cave
Feel the cool, damp air as you go inside this silent witness and tomb to the slaughtered natives who fled from the Moro pirates during the 17th century. The natives wanted refuge inside Luyang but the intruders traced them. The Moros uprooted sili (red pepper) plants abundant near the cave, added dried leaves, stuffed them in the cave entrance, and set the cave burning, suffocating the unfortunate natives. To calm down their troubled souls, a mini-grotto and altar were built inside. In memory of this massacre, a “Requiem Mass” is said every April 28 of the year.
The traveler could go on the town in the sight of the corridors of majestic and huge stalactite and stalagmite pillars and rock formations. Plus hanging from the ceilings and walls of the cave are numerous bats that rein the whole length of the cave.
Batong Paluay
The locals tell that the image of the mystical face of Our Lady of Sorrows has been found in a flooded stream near the barangay of Batong Paluay. The image was engraved on a piece of stone that has gradually increased in size. At present, one can sight the image with bare eyes, unlike before, when one has to use a magnifying lens. Its storage area has already been changed three times to accommodate the increasing size of the miraculous Mother Mary.
Bato Church
This marvelously situated construction greets everyone upon entrance to the town of Bato. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire island. Despite the tests of time, wars, and destruction of natural calamities, it was able to retain its old glory of massive structure of mortar and coral stones. It took 53 years, from 1830 to 1883, to build this Church under six different parish administrators.
JAPANESE TUNNEL
This is the former radar site of the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II
Twin Rocks
Splash in waters of incredible clarity beneath which lie sanctuaries of rich and colorful marine life. Its underwater coral formations offer an added adventure for spear fishing and snorkeling. Scuba diving, either as a fun-filled introduction or a recreational dive, is a very promising activity in this resort.
Virac Cathedral
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located at the hearth of the capital town of Virac where one can be amazed at the stained glass windows.
Бывают такие решения, после принятия которых тараканы в голове апплодируют стоя.
