Travel Guide: Caramoan
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.
From Virac
Another alternative, which is unknown to many is to go to Virac, Catanduanes and catch a two hour boat going to Caramoan. This route is easier compared to Naga.
Cebu Pacific and Zest Air have direct flights from Manila to Virac.
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.
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CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…
…is the pioneer and largest travel agency operator based in Caramoan and one of the few companies having beachfront accommodation facilities. Offering the best priced tour packages you may reach them at:
contact no. : 0920-3039621
website : http://www.caramoantours.com or caramoantravel.blogspot.com
Enjoy your tour. Godbless!
CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…
…is the pioneer and largest travel agency operator based in Caramoan and one of the few companies having beachfront accommodation facilities. Offering the best priced tour packages you may reach them at:
contact no. : 0920-3039621
email address : http://www.caramoantours.com
Enjoy your tour. Godbless!
http://www.facebook.com/LahuyIslandResort
Hi!
If you are looking for an affordable Camoan tour packages please visit…
http://www.caramoantours.com
Thank you.
HELLO EVERYBODY
FOR THOSE WHO WANTS TO AVAIL OUR CARAMOAN PROMO PACKAGE TOUR PLEASE VISIT OUR AT.
http://www.caramoantravel.blogspot.com
Thank you.
TO ALL CARAMOAN TOUR INQUIRIES!!!
]
PLEASE SEND YOUR MESSAGE/INQUIRY DIRECTLY TO caramoan@gmail.com OR CONTACT ME AT 0920-3039621.
FOR UPDATES AND PROMO RATES PLEASE VISIT
http://www.caramoantravel.blogspot.com
I WILL REPLY YOUR QUERY DIRECTLY INTO YOUR EMAILS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
BRGY. CAPT. EMILIO VICTOR B. AVILA III (TOTEM)
CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES
Hi!
For those who wants a hassle-free at very affordable tour packages you may contact Caramoan Trvael and Tours Services contact no. 09203039621,.. or visit:
http://www.caramoantravel.blogspot.com
We’ve are constantly monitoring the offered rates in the internet that why we are sure that we offer the best price and best services.
See it yourself.
Thank you
Emilio Victor B. Avila III
for vacationing tourists who wish their visit in caramoan to be hassle-free, I highly recommend that they take the promo tour package of La Casa Roa Hostel. Their amenities and services are a cut above the rest. The hostel is cozy, clean, comfortable, secured and safe, with in-house dining room, bar and souvenir shop. They are well at ease accomodating discriminating guests who demand good value for their money. Being at the town center, it is walking distance from the church and the public market where visitors could soak well the culture and ways of the locals. Other hotels and inns would offer cheaper rates but they are non-comparable with what is provided by La Casa Roa Hostel to their highly satisfied guests. Contact person is the owner himself: Ramon Felipe Perez, mobile no. 0917-596-5881 or landline no. (63)054-811-3184.
5 hours from naga to caramoan?.. i thought 1-2 hours na lang.. hmmm but with the view and beach, I think it’s gonna be worth it.. thanks for the guide!
Jeffz, the five hours is by land from Naga to Caramoan, the road condition is not good and this route is rarely taken. The common route is by boat from Sabang, boat ride takes around two hours, while the ride from Naga to Sabang takes another two hours.
very complete guide to caramoan!!!
thanks
Thanks JoTan!
FOR THOSE WHO WANTED TO VISIT CARAMOAN I HOPE YOU’LL FIND THIS HELPFUL!!!
CARAMOAN TOUR PACKAGE
MORE PLACES MORE ADVENTURE AT LOWEST PRICE!!!
AVAIL OUR PROMO PACKAGE
(pick-up from Guijalo Port)
2 DAYS 1 NIGHTS minimum of 10 persons and up ——P1,500
3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS minimum of 10 persons and up——-P2,500
REGULAR RATE @ 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT(per head)
7-9 PERSONS——–P 1,850
4-6 PERSONS——–P 2,200
3 PERSONS———-p 2,850
2 PERSONS———-P 3,500
1 PERSON ———-negotiable
REGULAR RATE @ 3 DAYS 2 NIGHT(per head)
7-9 PERSONS——–P 2,850
4-6 PERSONS——–P 3,200
3 PERSONS———-P 3,850
2 PERSONS———-P 5,000
1 PERSON ———-negotiable
Set-up such as pick up Manila, Naga City, and CWC-Tour inclusion please contact us !
These package includes a round trip land transfers, chartered/private island hopping boat, entrance fees, tour guide services, different accommodation set up such as hotels,cabanas, lodging houses, tents at camping set-up, or home-stays which offers more privacy and relaxing place than usual hotel settings, its your choice…
Take a cruise around the clusters of beautiful paradise islands, enjoy your swimming on its crystal waters, have a sunbathing on its milky white sands, climb the huge stones of pure solid marbles, discover the coral havens and its diversified ecosystem, explore caves with flashy stalagmite and stalactite crystals, catch a glimpse on the scenic views… see how mother nature can truly unwind all your worries and stress, relax your mind, renew your strength, and invigorates your life!!!
Now get the chance of stepping the shores of Caramoan where amidst of many places around the world it has been the favorite of multiple international survivor films which includes French, Israel, Bulgarians,Serbians, Israel part-II (celebrity edition) and now the Swedes…
MORE PLACES…MORE ADVENTURE!!!
Places to be visited may includes Matukad island, Lajos island, Tinago clave, Tayak Lagoon, Minalgos island/cave,Our Lady of Peace at Mt Caglago-Tabgon, Sabitang laya, Bageing, Cotivas island, Lahuy island clusters of beaches, Bulangbugang underground fresh water cave and others. The said places can be optimized subject to the time of arrival, sea tide,levels, weather conditions, and customers preferences.
Note: The following itinerary may be changed according to customer’s preferred schedule, actual time of arrival, and weather condition (including wind velocities, sea tides/waves, etc).
Regular itinerary of Travel for 3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1
05:30-07:00 Sabang port to Guijalo port
07:30-08:00 Guijalo port to Caramoan town proper
08:00-08:30 check-in to accommodation
08:30-05:30 Lunch / island hopping, swimming, and other adventures
05:30-06:00 back to accommodation/ rest
07:00 Dinner
DAY 2
06:00-07:00 Breakfast
07:00-09:00 To statue of Our Lady of Peace (optional)
09:00-11:30 Island hopping, swimming, and other adventures
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-05:00 Island hopping, swimming, and other adventures
05:00-06:00 back to accommodation
06:00-07:00 Dinner
DAY 3
06:00-06:30 Breakfast
06:30-07:00 Visit to Caramoan Church (Red bricks, constructed during Spanish Era)
07:00-08:30 Shopping for souvenir items
08:30-09:00 To Guijalo port (going home)
Regular itinerary of Travel for 2 Days 1 Nights
Day 1
05:30-07:00 Sabang port to Guijalo port
07:00-08:00 Guijalo port to Caramoan town proper
08:00-08:30 check-in to accommodation
08:30-05:30 Lunch / swimming
Island hopping activities
05:30-06:00 back to Accommodation/ rest
07:00 Dinner
DAY 2
06:00-06:30 Breakfast
06:30-07:00 Visit to Caramoan Church (Red bricks, constructed during Spanish Era)
07:00-08:30 Shopping for souvenir items
08:30-09:00 To Guijalo port (going home)
NOTE: FOODS SERVINGS ARE OPTIONAL. REGULAR RATES FOR 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT AT 3 MEALS IS P300 PER HEAD AND FOR 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS AT 6 MEALS is P600.
FOOD MENU
Foods are subject to change depending on its availability and may be
replaced with equivalent standard.
DAY 1
LUNCH
rice
seafood (either sugpo/crab or fish)
vegetables (Bicol specialties)
dessert/fresh fruit
juice
DINNER
rice
Fried Chicken
vegetables (Bicol specialties)
dessert/fresh fruits
juice
DAY 2
BREAKFAST
tapsilog (longsilog/or tocilog)
hot coffee (or hot chocolate drink)
LUNCH
rice
pork chop
special Laing (or Bicol express)
dessert/fresh fruits
mineral water
DINNER
rice
seafood (either sugpo/crab or fish)
vegetable (Bicol Specialties)
dessert/fresh fruits
juice
DAY 3
BREAKFAST
tapsilog
coffee (or hot chocolate drink)
For further details please contact us:
Barangay Captain EMILIO VICTOR B. AVILA III (TOTEM)
e-mail address caramoan@gmail.com
cel no. 0920-3039621
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!
Nice blog, great post.:)