Caramoan Islands are sensational paradise located in the Northeast of Camarines Sur part of Bicol region in the Philippines. It’s not very famous like Boracay or Palawan but I would assure you that if you will go in this province you will be amazed!
To tell you honestly, Caramoan is the place where I first experience traveling alone. It makes me tremble when I went there but at the same time I’m super excited. Excited, because I don’t know what crazy moment will happen to me and what new things will I discover. I also feel the sense of power of Superman from his kryptonite when I decided to travel because you know, I have to have the guts to try something strange. But after, you know what – I think I’ve got the armor suit of Tony Stark – as I learned to myself that I am not afraid anymore and I want to explore more!
I am a spontaneous person and so my trip going to Caramoan is totally unexpected. Also, I’m a huge fan of Survivor so it’s obvious that it is one of the many reasons why I travel in there. I also heard that Vin Diesel’s Xander Cage movie shot some scenes to awesome beaches in Caramoan so it makes me more thrilled to be in there.
Undoubtedly, I would say that Caramoan is one of my favorite islands, there are many reasons to tell but I will divulge it throughout this writing.
HOW TO GET to CARAMOAN ISLANDS?
There are three ways on how you could get there:
- By driving a car – the longest cut. All you need to invest is 16 hours of driving from Manila to Caramoan. It’s quite a never-ending journey but the reward is worth the wait.
- By riding a bus – There are buses in Metro Manila going to Naga City and from Naga to Sabang Port, you might need to rent a car or take public transportation like Bus or Van near Robinsons. Travel time is within 12 to 14 hours.
- By Airplane – The quickest way. All you need to spend is 1 to 2 hours from Manila going to Naga City Airport and another 3-5 hours going to Sabang Port – in total, travel time is 5 hours.
To save some of my penny and for convenience, I joined a group tour going to Caramoan and Naga City. I spent less than $100 for my 3 days and 2 nights of travel. I would say that it is an awesome deal given the fact that it included my transportation, food for 2 days, accommodation and island tour. I know, questions are now popping in your mind, so how on earth did I do that?
There are plenty of travel groups in social media (be it in twitter, Instagram and facebook) offering a tour in Caramoan, just ask and you will find what suits you. Also, you could do a google search and look for an agency. I would recommend for you to join a group tour to spend less and enjoy more.
–
THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT in CARAMOAN ISLANDS PHILIPPINES
- Gota Beach
- Matukad Islands
- Lahos Island
- Guinahoan Lighthouse
- Bagieng
- Cotivas Island
- Sabitang Laya
- Caramoan Peninsula National Park
- Layahan Falls and Hugsad Falls
- Paniman Beach
–
GOTA BEACH
The main attraction in Caramoan. You will know that you are already at Gota Beach when you see the large rock which they called “the Explorer’s Rock”.
–
–
MATUKAD ISLANDS
I remember a funny story to this place. We thought that the two milkfish (one of Matukad’s famous attractions) are situated at the top of the mountain, so my friends and I climbed up. When we nearly reached the sky, our tour guide told us that it’s not at the peak but the fish is at the bottom of the mountain. We laughed and realized that we risked our lives trekking to the untidy mountain for the intriguing two milkfish but then he said that, we need to climb up to see something wonderful below.
–
LAHOS
You will fall in love to see the white sand and unique rock formation in this place. This is the most popular island for a day trip according to locals. Don’t forget to take your beachfie or selfie when you get in here.
–
–
GUINAHOAN LIGHTHOUSE
This place is very homie and peaceful. The locals are very accommodating and friendly. Best time to go here is between 3 to 6 PM.
–
–
BAGIENG
This place offers two long sandy beaches. According to the locals, Survivor Finland shot their most episodes in here. No wonder this island is totally magnificent!
–
–
Cotivas Island
During low tides, it’s like a dessert of pristine sandbars. The water is crystal clear and I would say that this could be the best place to do ATV Motorcycle.
–
–
Sabitang Laya
Known for its twin beaches. The place has a picturesque shoreline and amazing natural wonders. People would definitely enjoy to visit Sabitang Laya as fun activities can be done in the area such as:
- Snorkeling
- Boating
- Photography
- Walking or Jogging on the white sand
- Swimming
- Ball Games
- Picnic
–
Caramoan Peninsula National Park
If you are looking for an Adventure, this place is for you. Be prepared to discover the staggering caves, limestones formations, waterfalls, islets lake and stunning rivers in the 347-hectare of Caramoan Peninsula National Park.
Situated in the town of Caramoan, the National Park offers unique experience from old structures to natural wonders. When you ask locals here, they proudly would say that Survivor USA has filmed some of their seasons within the park specifically at Tinago Island and Mangrove Forest.
–
Layahan Falls and Hugsad Falls
Not known to Tourists, this is the two famous Falls in Caramoan. Getting to the place requires two hours of trekking and climbing. It is best to visit the falls with the help of locals as this is far from the town and it’s location is quite difficult to find. You’ll definitely enjoy to swim with the fresh waters and the view of the lush forest.
–
Paniman Beach
If you know Kristen Butler, she once said that ” Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully”. Well this is true in most of our days but more truer when you stay here at Paniman Beach. Located near Manlawi Sandbar, the beach is a perfect getaway to wake up with an island view and watch the amiable sunrise and sunset, do an island hopping, enjoy snorkeling, visit gift shops and goof around like locals of Caramoan.
This is the simplest place I visited yet the experience it gave was very relaxing and super worth it.
Caramoan is really a nice place to visit. I might be travelling to new places, but I would not forget this extraordinary experience. One famous Tibetan said “once a year, go some place you’ve never been before”. This is so true, all of us deserve a vacation and I may sound cliché but let us reward ourselves every year by going to incredible and fabulous place like Caramoan Islands.
