This is the oldest Christian church in Catanduanes built in the 1800s. Its stone structure is pretty well preserved. You may reach the place by taking a jeepney or a tricycle from Virac up to Bato. The church is right across the Bato River. You'll see it before you cross the new bridge.
Hired a motorcycle (with driver) to do some sightseeing in the towns of Bato, Virac and San Andres for almost a day duration....Going to, seeing, entering, touching old man made historical structures generates an eerie feeling and some kind of time travel imagination of the past events.. Not fortunate enough to see the interior because the church was closed during the time of my visit.
nice churchWent to mamangal beach, best beach, best sand, best view of mayon, but the accomodation has no mattress, will have to sleep on a bamboo bed. Puraran beach is also good, just farther from the airport. If you want to relax, this is the best place to stay at night. I recommend, go on a day trip early in the morning to mamangal beach, surf at puraran beach in the afternoon, then stay at twin rock resort overnight.I suggest you ask them for the best van/ jeep rental for trips around catanduanes. Never again will we contact Mr. Salvador Tayam, who took adantage of us. Van has no aircon, break pads burned, even asked for extra charge and meal charge during our trip. We just got his number over the internet.
It is a heritage church the outside wall makes me feel I live in the olden times, the mass is very solemn and the view is very refreshing fronting Bato River
From town to Bato Church is P10.00/each for a group and P50.00 for a special trip. What I enjoyed the most is the view of the beach going to Bato Church. The church itself is not something I'm interested in. The paintings on the ceiling. I haven't seen a church in the Philippines that can match those one in Bato Church.
From Virac town you can ride jeepney or Tricycle for only 20 pesos, Trycle if special trip they charge you 100 pesos. Just ask not special trip only 10.00 or what the jeepney. But if you’re from Maribina falls you pay only 10.00 pesos.
A very beautiful old church. We went during the week - no one was on sight but the doors were wide open. We took pictures inside and out - so beautiful. Worth the trip!
Located about 13 kms North-East of the town of Virac, this gem of an old church is definitely a stand-out among the many other old stone churches of the island province. The church opens up to the equally gorgeous Bato River. My visit to this place set me up for some brief moments of prayer and reflection. Indeed, a delightful sight and spiritually-refreshing visit. A must-see for the religious and historically-inclined travel buff!
Let's begin with a TIP: the bell tower which can be accessed through a staircase from the back part of the main structure hides bat (and ofcourse smelly guano) that is perfect for shooting great pictures of the bato river and the age-old church bells! I loved my shots there! The structure is claimed to be made up of corrals and stones (bato in tagalog) but it's not the reason for its nomenclature. The place is bato, catanduanes -so it's bato chuch. It's a catholic church by the way! Tricycle to this place from virac should cost less than 100 pesos (2013 AD) haha!
it has a picturesque view. best for weddings. im fascinated that inside the church you can see bats resting during daytime