Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon: Hidden Paradise of Catanduanes

Kung hanap mo ay isang lugar na parang straight out of a postcard, let me take you to Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon in Pandan, Catanduanes. Imagine this: crystal-clear waters na kulay emerald, surrounded by dramatic rock formations, at tahimik na vibe na parang ikaw lang ang may-ari ng buong paraiso. Hindi ito kasing kilala ng ibang tourist spots in Bicol, kaya perfect for travelers who want a raw, unspoiled escape.

Ano ang Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon?

Matatagpuan sa Sitio Cagnipa, Pandan, Catanduanes, ang Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon ay isa sa mga pinaka-underrated na natural wonders ng isla. Ang pangalan nito ay medyo nakaka-curious, pero ang mismong lugar ay tunay na nakaka-amaze. Isa itong natural lagoon na napapalibutan ng limestone cliffs at dagat, na para bang hidden pool in the middle of nature.

Kung sanay ka sa crowded beaches, dito ibang experience ang makukuha mo—mas private, mas raw, at mas nakaka-relax. Para siyang secret hideaway na bibihira pa lang napupuntahan ng mga turista.

Mga Pwedeng Gawin sa Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon

Kung akala mo ay simpleng lagoon lang ito, marami ring activities na pwedeng gawin dito:

• Swimming sa emerald waters – Ang tubig ay sobrang linis at inviting, perfect for a refreshing dip after a boat ride.
  
• Cliffside exploring – Pwede kang maglakad at mag-explore sa mga batuhan at limestone formations sa paligid.
  
• Snorkeling – May chance ka ring makakita ng colorful marine life sa lagoon area.
  
• Photo ops – Every corner looks Instagram-worthy, lalo na kapag tumama ang araw sa tubig.
  
• Picnic by the lagoon – Dahil tahimik at hindi matao, magandang spot din ito para mag-bonding with friends or family.
  

Paano Pumunta sa Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon?

Kung curious ka kung how to go to Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon, eto ang guide:

• By Boat (from Pandan town) – Kailangan mong mag-arrange ng boat ride papuntang lagoon. Travel time is around 20–30 minutes mula sa Pandan proper depende sa alon.
  
• From Virac (capital of Catanduanes) – May biyahe ng jeep o van papuntang Pandan, usually 1.5 to 2 hours travel time. Pagdating sa Pandan, pwede ka nang mag-arrange ng bangka papunta sa lagoon.
  
• Private Car Option – Kung may dala kang sasakyan, pwede kang mag-drive papuntang Pandan from Virac. Roads are mostly paved, at mas convenient kung barkada or family trip.
  

Tip: Makipag-ugnayan muna sa local boatmen para siguradong safe at maayos ang biyahe.

Entrance Fees and Hours

Good news—wala pang fixed entrance fee for Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon, pero kailangan mong mag-budget para sa boat rental at possible environmental fees na iniimplement ng LGU or barangay.

• Boat rental: Around ₱1,000–₱1,500 (good for 4–6 pax, roundtrip)
  
• Entrance/environmental fee: Minimal (₱20–₱30, depende sa arrangement)
  
• Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon, para hindi masyado malakas ang alon.
  

Where to Eat Near Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon

• Local Carinderias in Pandan town – May mga simple eateries na nagse-serve ng lutong bahay (10–15 mins from port).
  
• Cagnipa Rolling Hills area eateries – Some locals offer home-cooked meals, perfect kung gusto mo ng authentic Catandunganon food.
  

Where to Stay Near Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon

• Cagnipa Beach Resort – Malapit sa lagoon area, beachfront accommodation.
  
• Pandan Beach Resort – Located in Pandan town proper, 15–20 mins by boat + land travel.
  
• Small inns and homestays in Pandan – Budget-friendly options for backpackers.
  

Other Nearby Attractions

Kung may extra time ka, pwede mong i-combine ang trip sa lagoon with other tourist spots in Bicol, lalo na sa Catanduanes:

• Cagnipa Rolling Hills – Just a few minutes hike from Cagnipa Beach.
  
• Carangyan Beach – White sand beach near Pandan.
  
• Palanas Falls – Inland waterfall in Pandan, around 30 mins by tricycle from town.
  

Tara Na!

Kung gusto mong ma-experience ang isang tahimik, raw, at unspoiled paradise, Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon in Pandan, Catanduanes is worth the trip. Hindi lang siya basta lagoon—it’s a piece of hidden magic na hindi mo makakalimutan once you see it in person.

So kung nagpa-plano ka ng susunod na getaway, isama mo na sa listahan mo ang lagoon na ito. Share this travel guide with your barkada or family, at baka sila na mismo ang magyaya sa’yo sa susunod na Catanduanes adventure!

Special thanks to Jonhel Photography for these amazing shots! If ever you need a photoshoot in Gigmoto and nearby areas in Catandauanes, Jonhel Photography is offering photography services. 

Contact: jonhelphotography@gmail.com 
FB page:  Jonhel Photography
Insta: Jonhel Trinidad