bato church

The facade is nice, the interiors is small and looks like other churches. Went there on a Sunday but there was no mass?

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!

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.

I love this old church of Bato. Very convenient from Virac town only 30 mins. by tricycle. fare is p25.

Other nearby place of interest from Virac City is St. John the Baptist Church or Bato Church in the municipality of Bato. The parish and its original wooden church was established in the late 1500s and the presently standing stone church is said to be built in 1830 and was finished50 years later, making it the oldest church in the island. A few minutes away from Bato Church is the Batalay Church (also known as Batalay Shrine) is said to be the place where the first cross in Catanduanes was planted. It is also believed that it’s the same spot where Agustinian priest Fray Diego de Herrera died, later on a spring appear in the area which is believed by the locals to have healing powers.

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

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.

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.

it has a picturesque view. best for weddings. im fascinated that inside the church you can see bats resting during daytime

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!

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.

Overseas visitors to Catanduanes are few and far between. Those that do come here are mostly surfers, lured by breaks along the island's Pacific Ocean coast, and if this island ever has a bigger tourist profile than it currently enjoys, that will be due to its beaches, not its history or culture. But in the Bato Church it does boast one fine stone Spanish-era church. An easy ride from the island's biggest city, Virac, the Bato Church is set above an attractive river and has a solemn old-world look. Having said that, a half an hour is all you will need to see this church, and it is best combined with a visit to the nearby falls.

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.

Nice place to visit! I heard one of the oldest church in the Phils.

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!