Traveling 1,800-km with a 125cc engine scooter from Manila to Catanduanes is a challenge but fun and exciting as well.
We are so privileged, once again, to be part in the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism‘s #ExcitingBicol Ride. This is one of our Lifestyle On Wheels’ direction for the MoTourism‘s #SafeRideJourney. After participating in the First Leg (Rizal-Laguna & Cavite-Batangas) and Second Leg (Discovering Bataan), we are ready to visit the Happy Island of Catanduanes.
From Manila to the meet-up point in Shell Turbina is a breeze. Commuter bikes as low as 110cc engine to leisure bikes as large as 1200cc engine came to support the cause, bounce back domestic tourism for the economy.
An early ride to the next rendezvous point showed excitement. Everyone is “ONE” no matter what the brand and displacement of the motorcycle. This is the best character of the riders, camaraderie.
The Suzuki Burgman Street 125
As usual, we prepare for another extraordinary adventure. Riding a 125cc Suzuki Burgman Street 125 and traveling an estimated 1,800-km of the province-wide Abaca Festival of Bicolandia. Packed with a 6-day luggage for 2 and riding it with a BR is arduous. Moreover, its technical specification says it can go 96.20 kmph max and consumes 53.5 km/L from its 5.6L tank. Thank you Cleanfuel, SEC Motosupply, and Elig for keeping our tank full and our journey safe. So let’s go further and find it out.
For a commuter bike, Suzuki Burgman Street 125 shines in this long straight ride for both passenger and rider. Its suspension system is so comfortable. Perfect for a long chill ride. It accelerates enough speed to go along with other bikes. Indeed, its smaller rear wheel serves well on this as it easily moves the entire body and its load with ease.
Quick visit to the key destinations along the way
The 505-km stretch of National Highway in the Southern part of Luzon has a lot to offer. Undoubtedly, traversing Laguna and Quezon province has a scenic view that is mostly unnoticed. But when in Bicol, the majestic Mayon Volcano is worth waiting for its picturesque view to reveal.
Pagsanjan, Laguna 
Mauban, Quezon 
Tagkawayan, Quezon 
Camalig By-pass Road, Albay 
Sumlang Lake, Camalig, Albay 
Cagsawa, Daraga, Albay 
Lava Flow River of Camalig, Albay
In addition, here’s what to visit for a quick spin in the Bicol Region along the way to the Tabaco Port, Tabaco City, Albay, before the RORO ride to Catanduanes.
Camsur Water Sport Complex
- Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur
- 344-km away from Manila | 8-hr and 30-min ride
Known as the world’s most modern, six-point cable ski system designed for wakeboarding, wake-skating and water-skiing. In fact, it was declared as the wakeboarding capital of the Philippines as proclaimed in the House Bill 7867. Making the province of Camarines Sur, being the top destination for water sports in the country.
Here, we converged with the Camsur Riders and together we rode to the next stop point. Visit CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex) FB Page for more details.
Mayon Skyline View Deck
- 7MMC+MQJ, Tabaco City, Albay
- 414-km away from Manila | 10-hrs and 5-min to ride
The closest way to the summit of the Mayon Volcano (2,463 m | 7,943 ft) is to ride the twisties of 2,700 ft. altitude view deck. As you ascend, the climate changes dramatically. Its weather is cool, similar to Tagaytay City. So far, you can clearly see the potentially active Mt. Malinao (1,548 m | 5,079 ft) in Tiwi and the stratovolcano Mt. Masagara (1,328 m | 4,357 ft.) in Ligao City in Albay. And also the fabulous Tabaco Bay, Tabaco, Albay can be seen clearly from afar.
Abaca Festival key municipalities to stop by in Catanduanes
The island of Catanduanes is a 3 to 4 hours RORO ride from the Bicol mainland. Upon reaching the Virac port, you can travel the Island coast to coast in just a day.
But a 2-day stay is not enough visiting each municipality. Consequently, the Abaca Festival in the island is so festive that a few kilometers away from town to another town is worth stopping by. And also, it is desirable to further witness the happy faces of the locals and what the island has to offer.
The Republic Act 11700 recognizes Catanduanes as the Abaca Capital of the Philippines. The Arko Abaca and Dance Presentation in each municipality is one way to showcase the Abaca, a species of banana native, grown as a commercial crop. Likewise, it was often used in many industrial and handicrafts products. Can you name one product made of Abaca?
Handicrafts made from Abaca 
Sundried fibers of Abaca 
Arko made from Abaca 
The fashion made of Abaca
Happy Island it is, the towns of Virac, San Miguel, Bato, Baras, GIgmoto, Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Pandan, San Andres, and Caramoran, indeed have their own way of celebrating the festivity.
San Miguel 
Baras 
San Andres 
Gigmoto 
Pandan
It is good to have a #StopOver to further experience the culture of the katanduans or kasamdongans. And that includes the local food, burp!
Resorts, Hotels, and Food-Stop
Twin Rock Beach Resort
- Virac, Catanduanes
According to gocatanduanes website, this resort is one of the best known and developed resorts in the island. Without a doubt, checkout the stunning view of rock formation and stunning view of the seaside islets of rock. The best part, no entrance fee. Whoah, “sana all”. The food served is superb too. In addition, this resort serves as our “Welcome Party Night” in the island.
Puraran Beach
- Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes
Known to have “majestic waves”, the Puraran Surf Spot is directly facing the Pacific Ocean. It has creamy golden sand, clear waves, and colorful coral reefs. Check-out the food they serve. In short, perfect for a boodle-fight set-up.
Oro Azul Leisure Resort
- Baras, Catanduanes
Its Facebook page posts and reviews indeed says it all. It is indeed one of the resorts in the highland that claims to have an ambiance as if you’re here to be at your second home. Their fresh juice and burger surely is to die for. What’s more delicious, Burger or Fries? Hehehehe.
La Prisa Campsite
- Pandan, Catanduanes
A small chat to its owner reveals that the name, La Prisa, is inspired by the famous Telenovela. This is an overlooking glamorous camping site. In the same way, best for the beautiful sunrise and stargazing at night. The fee for 2-pax tent rental is Php 200.00 and Php 400 for 4-pax tent. Not Bad! Enjoy and order your food at the Cantina and stay in front of a bonfire at night.
Catanduanes Halfway Resort and Hotel
- Pandan, Catanduanes
As reviewed from their website, if you love the sunrise and sunset, this is the place to be. For a start, it has a breathtaking view, a homey room to relax, and an open space to chill.
Hiyop Highlands Paraiso ni Honesto
- Barangay Hiyop, Pandan, Catanduanes
The gocatanduanes website divulges it as a full “mountain-to-sea” ecosystem. Its rugged green stunning landscape compliments the vast deep blue ocean. This is where we get a perfect photography session with Miss Jet Lee and her bike, our Tourism Ambassadress . Of course, this is the best picture-perfect view of sunrise and sunset. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and strike-a-pose for long lasting memoirs.
Luyang Cave
- Barangay Lictin, San Andres, Catanduanes
This cave has an interesting history that serves as one of the episodes of the towns’ rich-culture. Just below the San Andres-Virac highway, it served as a hiding place for locals during the Moro Raid in the early years of the 18th century. Known as the Spanish–Moro conflict battles that lasted over several centuries. It is now preserved as a heritage sight among locals.
Special mentions for your #StopOver visit in Bicol Region includes…
- Virac Boulevard & Virac Plaza, Virac, Catanduanes
- ARDCI Corporate Inn, Virac, Catanduanes
- Proxy by Oriental, Legazpi City, Albay
- Chef Aya’s Garden, Tabaco City, Albay
- Casa Ver Amore, Tabaco City, Albay
To sum up, the Happy Island of Catanduanes gave travelers like us a happy face that we truly treasure visiting the island. To Bicol local riders, Moto-Vloggers, Moto-Media, TPB Motorcycle Ambassadress- Ms. Jet Lee, Philippine Motorcycle Tourism, DOT- Region V, and Tourism Promotions Board, its a privilege riding with you and thank you for making us wear our best smile on our entire trip.
You can also watch how our journey went. Watch-out for the premiere, soon. Check-out the 1st 2-day highlights of the #ExperienceBicol here.
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ARTICLE: ALEX A SOURCE: TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD PRODUCTION: LIFESTYLE ON WHEELS
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