Have you ever explored the beauty of Catanduanes? If not, then maybe it is time to nurture you about the unspoiled and undamaged splendor of the province. Each town has its own share of attraction showcasing the rich natural resources of the province. Gigmoto is one of its proudest towns. A simple description and gallery of this town will surely leave an impression to you without even going to the place.

Gigmoto is an eastern coastal town of Catanduanes with a good harbor.

Isla Gigmoto

Gigmoto got its name due to some incident that happened because of a romantic venture of one from Baras and a beautiful maiden from the town of Viga. Formerly this town was a barrio of Baras. Its situation is between the two municipalities. With several suitors, a brave Baraseño was lucky enough to win her hearth. The name originated from the bicol word “himbot” that means “just in time”. When the brave young man from Baras travel northbound to win the love of the maiden, he was knighted on his way just on time, so he slept in that place. In the morning he proceeded to Viga reaching there almost in the night. After staying for quite a period of time in Viga the brave and proud Barasnon won the hearth of the beauteous Viganon. Then the lovers were bound for Baras. They were nighted at Gigmoto – “just on time” for their first romantic night of being together. Thus they called the place Himbotan meaning so timely.

As years went by Himbotan was changed to Higmoto. Years thereafter, believing that with the “H” Higmoto seemed to be a Japanese word, the “H” was changed to “G” – thus the name GIGMOTO.

Potential Tourist Attractions: Biong Beach, Sioron Beach, Macalanhog Beach, Sicmil Beach, Podlusan Beach, Nahulugan Falls, Dororian Falls, Bangon Falls.

How to get there

By Air: Zest Air and Cebu Pacific fly from Manila going to Virac, Catanduanes.

By Land and Water: Numerous bus lines operate air-conditioned coaches from Manila to Tabaco, Albay. From the seaport of Tabaco, hop on either at MV Calixta 2, 4 and 5 or MV Eugene Elson to reach the island of Catanduanes going to the seaport of San Andres or Virac.

Another way is to take RSL bus from Manila to Catanduanes that has terminals at Alabang near Metropolis or Ermita.

Going around the Island

Tricycle is the primary mode of transport within the capital town of Virac. PUJs and buses ply from Virac to the different municipalities daily on scheduled time. For the more daring and adventurous, the entire province could be reached by motorcycle.

Where to stay

• Terrazas de Ponti Mansions - Real Street, Calatagan Proper, Virac, Catanduanes

• JM Pension House  - Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes

• Villa Tolledo Travel Lodge  - Sta. Elena, Virac, Catanduanes

• Monte Verde Lodge   - Danicop, Virac, Catanduanes

• Nitto Lodge - Cavinitan, Virac, Catanduanes

• Moonwalk Villa Resort - Moonwalk, Virac, Catanduanes