It’s Fun in Caramoan Island

Found out about the place from a friend, a native from one of the happy islands, who toured me around their place. Since I loved the adventure, might as pay the joy forward. Below are what I’ve learned from the three-day trip I’ve had recently.

Getting there

Waze is my usual companion in my travels, but a real travel buddy was my tour guide in my latest trip. Since she was in Caramoan that time, she was constantly in communication with her to make sure I do not get “wanderlost” in wanderlust! Sharing how I exactly got there, and more!

1. Manila to Naga City

• Rode a bus from Pasay to Naga City. Travel time was around 10 hours— I took a night trip since I feel like that’s more convenient since I could sleep when it was dark, and arrive first thing in the morning. I highly recommend you do the same.
• If you have enough time to book a flight in advance— since that’s less expensive, or if you have ample time to spend, but a bigger budget for your trip, it’s preferable to get to Naga City by air.
• Eat a heavy meal! Next half of the trip is long, too!

2. Naga City to Caramoan

• At the drop off, which is at the terminal (Central Bus Terminal near SM City Naga), I looked for a bus heading to Caramoan. Was lucky to find one that was bound to leave an hour after I arrived so I had enough time to for breakfast. It was good that I ate because travel time to Caramoan took around 4-6 hours.
• Pack some snacks! If you wouldn’t have enough time by then, bring some biscuits or buy a sandwich— whatever you prefer. Take note, there are just limited stop-over canteens where you can eat at.
• Trivia: Caramoan was then only accessible via sea travel, but because of the construction of Fuentabella Highway, mainland Caramoan is already reachable by land. I personally preferred this means, since I was reserving my excitement for the nautical voyage for island hopping!

Where to Stay at

Immediately headed to my accommodations; I wanted to unload, because my things were quite heavy for the itinerary for the day 1. There are several options you could stay in Caramoan; below are few of the resorts and hotels available:

1. Tugawe Cove Resort (Barangay Colongcogon, Colongcogong, Caramoan)
2. West Peninsula Villas (San Andres, Malabog, Caramoan)
3. La Casa Roa Hostel (Teoxon Street., Brgy. Tawog, Malabog, Caramoan)
4. Daniel’s Place (Paniman, Caramoan)
5. River View Vacation Inn (No. 6 Fernandez Street, Barangay Ili, Malabog, Caramoan)

Where to Go, What to See 

Stayed here for [almost] three days as I timed my travel on a long weekend, but if you’ve got just a shorter period for staying in Caramoan, might as well make the most out of it. I recommend you prioritize visiting these, and you surely would not regret:

1. Matukad Island and Lagoon

• Small, but one of the most popular islands in Caramoan! It is enamored with limestone cliffs, three beaches with white sand, and a lagoon; that’s Matukad! The lagoon is a home to giant milkfish, or bangus. As per the locals, these milkfish just magically appeared there.

2. Pitogo Island

• The perfect spot for kids! With shallow waters seemingly shy to reveal itself to people, it’s somewhere kids could just walk around and see the break of day.

3. Lahos Island

• “Lahos” meaning “to vanish.” From the name itself, this island proves that nothing really stays forever— it disappears during high tide, and says HI, just during daytime. Make sure you visit when it’s low tide, so that you could walk at the shore. Lahos island is located in the middle of two identical rock formations.

4. Mount Caglago

• This is a fun 20-minute trek to Our Lady of Holy Rosary, the Queen of Peace. Didn’t count, but my friend said it’s a 500-step journey. Quite tiring, but worth it. The view of Caramoan peninsula from here was amazing!

Simple Trip Tips

Safety and convenience must be on top your priority! Thinking about future possibilities, take note of below to ensure a worthwhile journey.

1. Plan ahead of time, but watch weather updates often and ASAP.
2. Bring a first-aid kit. Include medicines and vinegar (this one’s for jellyfish sting).
3. Wear a life vest when travelling by boat.
4. Secure and protect your stuff. (I suggest you ziplock you phone!)
5. Take your trash home (may be your hotel room).
6. Don’t bring home sand as souvenir.
7. Don’t forget to bring enough food.

There you go, friends! Hope this helps.

If you like this article, you may be interested in the following:

• Sorsogon Whale Shark Watching
• Pilgrim Tour Around Bicol Churches
• The Ultimate Wakeboarding Experience at CWC
• Top 10 Beaches in Bicol

More Kusina Recipes