I love places that are less touristy but still have loads to offer. The Mamangal Beach Catanduanes is one of the hardest to reach in Virac yet one of the most beautiful beaches that I have ever laid my eyes on. Located in Mamangal, a small sitio adjacent to Brgy. Balite, it has a wide and long shoreline with a great view.
How To Get To Mamangal Beach Catanduanes
The beach is about 11 kilometres away from downtown. From Virac Town Center in Catanduanes take a tricycle going Mamangal beach. It’ll take about 30-40 mins to get there.
We visited mid-week hence, we enjoyed the place to ourselves. Native huts, cottages may be rented. No restaurants so if you plan to stay the whole day, bring your own food (and booze!). A mini store that sells drinks, junk food, peanuts, candies, cookies is located inside the premises.
The Beach
Mamangal Beach contrast with the powerful waves of Puraran. Both have calm glass-like waters, depending on the season, and are perfect places for lazing on the cream-colored sand, playing beach volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and swimming for hours.
The water depth barely made it to my knees and I was 200 meters from the shore. The water was crystal clear and the shore was lined with shady trees. Best of all , there were only few people in May! We pretty much had the whole stretch of beautiful beige/white sand all to ourselves.
Activities in Mamangal Beach Catanduanes
Swimming, skimboarding, snorkeling, camping overnight, camping, relaxing, picnic
Reminders
- Before heading to Mamangal Beach, withdraw enough cash in Virac because there are no ATMs in the small towns near those beaches.
- Bring food and snacks for lunch and/or merienda, if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach.
- Bring your own gear if you want to go snorkeling or diving
It’s really a haven for beach lovers. The best part is the beach is unexploited. It is pretty much yours except for the few beach goers (at that time there were only five groups/families). If you are planning to go on a fun-filled summer vacation without spending lots of money, this is definitely the perfect place. Catanduanes offers nature in its most unspoiled form.
Location
MAMANGAL BEACH
Address: Brgy. Balite, Virac, Luzon, Philippines
Entrance Fee & Other Charges
Entrance Fee: 10 PHP
Camping Fee: Free to minimal fee
Cottage Rental Fee: 300 PHP (open cottage); 100 PHP (wooden table)
Tricycle Rate: 100 PHP (one way for three person)
More Catanduanes Adventues
Thanks for another beach to explore! I am now saving it to my Google Map 🙂
I like that this place is not well explored and not yet commercialized which makes the place genuinely exciting.