Caramoan
Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by Lakwatsero in Destinations, Luzon
In the farthest coast of Camarines Sur is a paradise hidden in an underdeveloped and rural soil, where white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, islands and islets are common scenery. This is Caramoan!
Caramoan, a peninsular town, is a group of islands and islets scattered in the Pacific Ocean, endowed with nature’s beauty and preserved by its seclusion.
Made famous by the hit global reality show franchise “Survivor”, the group of islands is blessed with numerous islands with fine white sand, lagoons, caves, limestone cliffs and rocks, and rich marine life that give new definition to an island experience. But even before the “Survivor” series, there was already Caramoan – beautifully unspoiled and unexploited.
With its natural beauty and rich history, Caramoan stands proud as a real tourism gem of Bicolandia that holds a promise of a perfect tropical island adventure!
Come south! Cam Sur! Caramoan!
How to Get There
Barangay Sabang in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur is the common jump-off point to Caramoan Islands. There are public boats that leave every hour from 6AM to 11AM from Sabang going to Guijalo, Caramoan charging P120 per passenger. However if you miss the last public boat, you can hire a private boat en route to Guijalo. Range varies depending on the size of the boat and your haggling skill. A boat that can accommodate up to 16 persons can be rented from P2500-P3000.
When it is low tide in Sabang, the boats couldn’t get near the shore, but the porters are there to carry passengers on their backs. They charge P10 per passenger.
From Manila
By Air
AirPhil Express, Cebu Pacific and Zest Air fly from Manila to Naga. From there catch a jeep, van or bus going to Sabang in Naga Central Terminal.
Occasionally though (when the weather is good), there are jeepneys from Naga going to Caramoan that charge P250 per passenger, travel time is five hours by land on a very rough road.
By Land
Peñafrancia Tours is the only bus line that goes directly to Sabang from Manila. Fare is P780.00, travel time is 9 to 10 hours.
Meanwhile, RSL Bus, Phitranco, Isarog Bus, Amihan Bus, Raymond Bus and Executive Bus have daily trips from Manila (Cubao/Pasay/Alabang) to Naga. Fare varies from P500 to P700 one-way.
From Naga
Trips direct to Caramoan from Naga are available only during good weather, and catching these trips need some luck as the trips are limited. Naga to Caramoan takes five hours by public jeepney and the fare is at P250 per passenger, while Goa to Caramoan takes four hours at P200 per passenger.
From Naga though, there are jeepneys, vans and buses going to Sabang at Naga Central Terminal, fare is around P60-P100 one-way. Travel time is two hours.
Where to Stay
The town has a lot of hotels and inns to choose from for those tourists who prefer staying indoor. But for more adventurous type, camping in one of the islands is a cheap and fun way of experiencing Caramoan.
Here are the hotels, inns and lodges in the area:
- Rex Tourist Inn
Mobile: +639198821879/+639193089675 - Villa Juliana Inn
Mobile: +639212261395/+639294884928/+639076557984 - La Casa Roa
Landline: (+6354)8113184
Email: dollyrperez@gmail.com - CMC Villa Caramoan
Mobile: +639064205644/+639209030226
Email: cmccaramoan@yahoo.com - BC Hometel Tourist Inn
Mobile: +639274027220/+639218357454
Email: danfhel@gmail.com - Caramoan Kayaks Inn
Mobile: +639219873157/+639204742637 - Gota Village Resort
Landline: (+632)8170831/ (+632)7109086
Mobile: +639283083969
Email: gotavillage@gmail.com, infocamsur@gmail.com - Caramoan Bed and Dine
Mobile: +639204768619/+639204768577/+639158268563 - West Peninsula Villas
Mobile: +639212642538
Email: joy_sancarlos@yahoo.com - River View Vacation Inn
Mobile: +639088655322/+639193955743
Email: riverviewinncaramoan@gmail.com - Golden Hub Tourist Inn
Mobile: +639082626173/+639088948252 - Wow na Wow Tourist Inn
Mobile: +639195999673 - Vista del Mar Caramoan
Mobile: +639198136766/+639202816362 - Hunongan Cove
Mobile:+639283083969
Email: camsurtourism@gmail.com, gotavillage@gmail.com - Breeze & Waves Cottages
Mobile: +639198319497 - Residencia de Salvacion Bed and Bath
- La Playa Camp and Picnic Grounds (Puerto Merced)
Mobile: +639198136766/+639202816362/+639183420823
Activities
- Island and beach hopping around Caramoan Group: Sabitang Laya, Manlawig Sandbar, Cotivas, Lahuy, Gota, Lahus, Matukad, Pitogo, Minalahos, Hunongan, Tinago, Haponan, Basod
- Swimming/Snorkeling (be careful of the jellyfish though)
- Camping – just bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply, there are a lot of islands to choose from (those that aren’t use in Survivor taping)
- Spelunking in Culapnit Cave
- Visit St. Michael Parish, an old red-brick church
- Trek to Mt. Caglago with the 500-steps to the summit and see the 360 degree view of the Caramoan Islands and the gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Mother of Peace
- Explore Naga, visit Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex and Penafrancia Church
- Head south and visit the spots of Albay and Sorsogon
- Head north and explore the islands of Mercedes Group, Calaguas Group and Maculabo or surf in Daet’s Bagasbas Beach
Tips
- The best time to go there is during dry months (November to May)
- If you will go camping, be sure to choose an island not being used by the Survivor
- Survivor rented the island for 25 years starting 2008, meaning, tourists will not be able to explore the island freely up to 2033 if the contract is not extended
Lakwatsero Experience
For the accounts of Lakwatsero’s experience in Caramoan, please click here.
Images
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thepinaysolobackpacker
Jul 18th, 2010
Caramoan owes it’s fame now to Survivor France,sadly because of it’s filming, tourists are deprived of visiting some islands. It seems that the boat rate for island hopping has increased already. Before it’s 1,500 for small boats and 2,500 for bigger boats and you’d get to tour as many islands as you can but now I heard you’d get to tour 3-4 islands only.
anyway,as always, impressive post Angel! Another comprehensive travel guide. keep ‘em coming!
TawidTayo
Jul 14th, 2010
Nice blog, great post.:)