Caramoan became popular in the
world when few of the Survivor franchise had their challenges on some of its
islands. This beauty is situated in the far side of Camarines Sur, almost
twelve hours from Manila via land. But the stress you’ll feel because its half
day travel will be replaced with enjoyment – thanks to its beauty. CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY CARAMOAN VLOG
Caramoan Island: Itinerary, Travel Guide, and How to Get Here
We met at Crossing and traveled
almost twelve hours just to witness the world-renounced group of
islands in Bicol region. Arrived in Brgy. Paniman at around 10:40 AM. Bought
and packed our supplies at the market nearby. Had a break. And at around 12:30
PM we left Brgy. Paniman’s mainland and proceeded to the first islet.
We arrived at Minalahos Island, our first destination, at around 12:46 PM. This islet is small and has limited space for visitors but the rock formation are gorgeous. The plants and hanging on the rocks also added a beautiful landscape. Had our photo shoot on the rock formation for thirty minutes and proceeded to our next destination. READ: MINALAHOS ISLAND
Some of the islands are privately owned, developing them to gorgeous resorts. These private resorts are
surrounded by luscious greens and with a stretch of fine white sand beach –
considered as a relaxing paradise.
We arrived at Matukad Island (second destination) around 1:40 PM. This island is special among other islands because
of its long stretch of fine white sand, crystalline water, surrounded by
greeneries and the wind is cool and fresh. Instead of renting an air-conditioned
room at Brgy. Paniman, we camped by the beach of this island. Of course, that’s me
posing with the stretch of beautiful fine white sand beach and rock formation
on the background. READ: MATUKAD ISLAND
We woke up at around 5 AM, and the
dark skies started fading and turned into golden, and then blue. Prepared our
breakfast and setting our minds for our next adventures. After breakfast, while we still own the island, we ascend to the steep, sharp boulders to see the
famous “bangus” in the lagoon.
At the lagoon, there’s a huge
bangus living in the water. According to Ato, our resident historian “kuno,”
this bangus is considered as mystical creature. According to him, there were
two bangus living in the lagoon but someone caught it and that person died. Stories scattered in the area. We
only stayed on top of the rock for thirty minutes then descent and breakcamp for our next destination – Lahos Island.
Our next destination (third) was Lahos island (photo above). This island is one of the prominent among them because of its amazing rock formation, fine white sand beaches and crystal
clear waters. Dried seaweeds were scattered in the area because of typhoon
Marce. It was already tiring so we went back to the mainland for our lunch. READ: LAHOS ISLAND
After, we headed back to the mainland for our breakfast/lunch. Went to the
market and bought fresh sea foods. Foods were prepared by our tour
guide/bangkero. He’s such a great cook. After eating, rested for thirty minutes
and proceeded to our next destination. Delicacies in Bicol? READ: BEST BICOLANO DELICACIES
Manlawi Sandbar (fourth destination) is one of the
“must visit.” This sandbar has an amazing shape, sometimes forming
a heart, that captures the heart of the visitors. However, visiting this sandbar
is very crucial because it literally disappears during the high tide. Our
bangkero knows the accurate time (12NN), so we experienced its goodness for few
minutes. READ: MANLAWI ISLAND
Next was Cotivas Island (fifth destination). This island is just beside the island with the light house owned by the rich and prominent people in country. It also has fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and is surrounded by other islets. According to friends, this is similar to Kalanggaman Island.
Our last destination was Sabitang Laya Island (sixth destination). Same as the other islets, it has a crystal clear waters, and amazing rock formation but has a longer stretch of fine white sand. We stayed there for thirty minutes and headed back to the mainland. READ: SABITANG LAYA
Here we are!
HOW TO GET HERE: We chartered a Toyota Hiace Van. Met at Crossing. Left Metro Manila at 9:30 PM and
arrived at Brgy. Paniman around 10:40AM the next day. Our travel time was almost twelve
hours, which includes rests and slow-moving traffic due to road repairs in some
parts of Quezon and Camarines Sur.