First-time visitors to the quiet province of Catanduanes, Philippines will be deeply entranced at the rich local color. But what is even more striking is the sudden pilgrimage of surfers towards its shoreline, when you consider that not too long ago, these very same beaches were relatively undiscovered and untouched.

It's good that Filipinos caught on the surfing fever, one which caused the well-deserved hype that is the majestic waves of Catanduanes. Just off of the coast of nearby Legazpi City, Catanduanes, Philippines is usually a reluctant detour to other destinations, but when the surf swells to massive heights, people from all over the world gather in front of beaches, waiting for their perfect wave, or simply gasping in awe at the sheer power of Mother Nature. The island wouldn't be known as the 'land of the howling winds' for nothing. The monsoon season brings with it a succession of typhoons; and for the aggressive surfer, this is a blessing, as waves can come in for as high as 15 feet. The Majestics is one of the most well-known waves in Catanduanes, and you can ride it only off of the beautiful shores of Puraran, a surfing spot within the municipality of Baras. The main distinction between this wave and all the others is its exhilarating long-barrel-type surf, which can rise for up to ten feet in the peak seasons between August and October. Although the waves break unpredictably 200m off the shores of Puraran Bay, once they kick in, they unleash one of the quickest, hollowest waves, with a minimum height of six feet - enough to provide a challenge for even the most experienced of surfers.

The sight of deep blue against clear skies is nothing short of impressive. There's no question that Catanduanes, Philippines is one of the premier hotspots for surfers, rivaling those of anywhere else. Every year on the month of October, the town of Puraran hosts an invitational surfing competition for local and foreign enthusiasts, drawing massive crowds and intense surfboarding. Because the waves of Puraran can reach such towering heights, beginning surfers should try calmer swells first, and there are plenty for the novice surfboarder.

Catanduanes directly faces the Pacific Ocean, and if a wave breaks, they first reach the 400-kilometer stretch of shoreline of this island. You can try your hand at surfing at the Coconut Point, Rocky Point, the Twin Rocks in the town of Igang, and Morning Point. Reaching the island from Manila takes about an hour and a half by domestic air travel route, to the capital of Virac. If you want to take the long road, there is a direct bus line which covers the 580-kilometer road stretch from Manila to Tabaco Port; and you can take it from there to Catanduanes by boarding any of three available ferries to Virac Seaport. If you want to get a glimpse of what the rave is all about, take a trip to Catanduanes, Philippines now and experience for yourself the irresistible thrills which can come with a majestic view.