Tourism

Facts & Figures

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Tourism


	things to expect
	Sta. Catalina can rightfully boast of its centuries-old church which was built during the 17th century, it has baroque architecture and antique images of saints and a big "campana"- a 15th century vintage bell made of copper and gold which was brought by the Spaniards in the 15th century. An additional attraction is the “COMEDIA” a cultural heritage which passed through generations. It depicted the lives of Non-Christians and Christians alike during the period. An oral tradition states that there was a year where, for some reason, the residents of Sta. Catalina were not able to perform the COMEDIA. For this, they attribute the seas becoming rough and violent. Fishing for livelihood consequently became difficult. It is said that after that incident, the residents never again would let another year pass without performing the COMEDIA. Agricultural produce, which is the town's One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) offering, is also one of Sta. Catalina's tourist come-ons. And of course, there is Sta. Catalina's powder-soft beach with gentle, rolling sand dunes. Like anywhere else in tropical Philippines, the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, which is generally arid, enjoys two (2) distinct seasons: dry, which extends from November to May and wet, which lasts from June to October. Half of the year (November to May) can be best enjoyed by going the seemingly unending sea coast under a tropical sun! Feel the salt spray on your face and experience an ice-cold beer on a sea side campfire while roasting a fresh fisherman's catch of tuna, mackerel, "siganidae", snappers, "buslogan", "lapu-lapu" (grouper), "sungayan", squid, cuttlefish, and "baraniti".

	getting there and where to stay?
	Please click here for more info related to visiting and staying in Sta. Catalina.

	getting around
	Tricycles. These local taxis are widely available around the province. For just a minimal cost, you can reach nearby destinations or even hire them further as you please. Calesas (horse drawn carriage). These centuries-old horse-drawn carriages are a popular icon in Ilocos Sur. Foreigners and local tourists make it a point to traverse the streets of Vigan, Sta. Catalina and nearby towns through the calesa. Ride on and feel the aura of the past! Rent-a-Van. If you wish to drive on your own in exploring Sta. Catalina and nearby places, there is good list of accredited van or car owners which offer car rental services. The option of hiring a driver (probably the vehicle owner at that) is also available.