I stepped out of bed early to savor the cool breeze and the fresh morning scent of Caramoan. There was no sunshine photo because the sky was gloomy. A bit dismayed, I took a quiet walk on the peaceful road, amused to see early riser locals and pleased to smell the sweet wafting fragrance of flowers. Oh I just can’t sustain my excitement and happiness looking at the pleasing sights.
Good morning lovely Caramoan!
the long stretch of creamy white sand of Sabitang Laya
I thank the Lord for giving me another wonderful opportunity to explore the hidden beauty of Camarines Sur through a package tour. I will be sharing happy memories with my former colleagues, Sir Alex, Alma, Ana, and Rose.
Another day in paradise with Sir Alex, Rose, Ana, me and Alma… at Lahus Island
Breakfast was served early with fried rice, dried fish with tomatoes, sunny-side-up egg, and coffee. By 7:00 am we were fetched by our tour guide Ryan, clad in official uniform and our service van. We headed to the jump-off point at Paniman Beach. Along the way, we were mesmerized by the picturesque countryside view, from the lush green rice fields, farmlands, and coconut trees. It felt so good to see the unhurried life and simple living of Caramoan.
We were so excited as we reached Paniman Beach which is a beach itself. Though it was not white sand, it fascinated us to see scattered islets from afar. The clear blue sky was so lovely to behold. And so, here we come for the much-awaited Caramoan island hopping adventure! Yehey!
Caramoan Island Hopping
There are two island hopping tours in Caramoan, the short tour (P1,500 to P1,800) which includes our Lady of Peace Grotto, Matukad Island, Lahus Island, and Gota Beach. The long trip (P2,000 to P3,000) includes Sabitang Laya, Cotivas Island, and Manlawi Sandbar. Since we only have one day, we go for the short tour and begged Ryan to include Sabitang Laya. To which he favored our request! Yehey!
the breathtaking view was taken from our Lady of Peace Grotto
It wore me out of the climb but seeing a fascinating view of several islets, islands, and the Tagbon Bay whisked off everything.
The Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary which was said to be the largest Marian in the country looked like it was overlooking and protecting the whole Caramoan Peninsula. Walking around in this peaceful place is worthy of doing so. When we went down, we bought souvenir items in a little store and gave P200 each to the two locals that eventually became our trail guides.
savor the view and the serenity
It was flickering hot and everyone was sweating. There were nipa huts near the docking area. We decided to have an early lunch inside the hut and feasted on rice, laing, fried yellowfin tuna, adobong port, banana, and cold soft drinks.
Sabitang-Laya
Travel time-35 minutes. I was too excited as we were approaching the glistening white sand of Sabitang Laya. It is composed of a long shoreline in Lucsuhin group of islands.
It was sweltering hot as we docked on the shore. It was so strenuous to walk under the blistering sun but the stunning views of the island, the crystal clear water, and starfish made us forget the muddy weather. In fact, I didn’t mind getting myself dark.
one of the beautiful picture-perfect views of Sabitang-Laya
We went to the other side of the island and were amazed to see unique rock and limestone kart formations. It reminded me of Coron in Palawan, only that this was smaller. It was so inviting to do rappelling and rock climbing activities. There were lots of big rock boulders scattered near the shore. At last, I saw the most photographed part of Sabitang Laya which was the big and only rock standing a few distances away from the shore.
Here’s the picture.
the most photographed spot on this island
We exclusively had “our heaven” place to ourselves for an hour. We didn’t swim for we were so excited exploring around and took an endless picture taking. The island was so beautiful and again, almost comparable to Coron in terms of cleanliness and tranquility. Caramoan is the next Palawan for me.
scattered starfish on shallow clear water
Isn’t it wonderful to see an island with no garbage on water and on the sand?
Once you clamber atop a big boulder you could see that the whole island is shaped like a triangle or a big kite. The island is perfect for camping but sad to say, camping is not allowed. What to do, is to swim, snorkel, walk on the shoreline, enjoy the sunset, feel the serenity and take lots and lots of pictures.
Lahus Island
Travel time-25 minutes. Every island has its own irresistible charm. Lahus Island was a stunning sandbar with creamy powdery-sugar sand in between two huge jagged limestones.
the captivating sand bar
The water was very clear and again, we didn’t swim. We were overwhelmed taking pictures and more pictures of all the beautiful things perceived by our eyes. Ryan told us that during high tide the island was covered with water leaving only those rock formations visible to one’s eyes. This is where it got its name, ”lahos” or “laho” which is “vanish” in an English word.
having a great time of our lives… the coconut ball and our jump of joy
We dipped on the clear water and later stayed on the sand for our wonderful jump shot with a coconut ball as our backdrop. Lahus Island is a beautiful island, unexploited, stunning… huh! Beyond compare indeed.
Matukad Island
Travel time-35 minutes. Matukad Island is the most popular and favorite island in Caramoan Peninsula. It is always included on the top list for island hopping. What made this favorite is its fine powdery white sand and the exciting trek going up the lagoon which has an intriguing legend about the milkfish.
the stunning view from the top… another hidden paradise… my favorite island
The story – long ago, there were two milkfish roaming freely on the lagoon, until one of these was speared by a fisherman, took it home for his family, and cooked it. But after eating the fish, they all died, apparently from food poisoning. It became so mysterious to the locals, so from then on, no one has attempted to catch anymore the milkfish left. Afraid that they will experience the same fate that happened to the poor fisherman and his family.
Today, the enchanting milkfish remains a mystery. And I guess, will always be.
the intriguing lagoon of Matukad Island
Like Sabitang Laya and Lahus, Matukad Island has no cottages, no nipa huts, no electricity, no entrance fee. Everything is basic. The visitors were scattered on the sand beside those impressive limestone rock formations. This island is the most crowded with a combination of foreign and Pinoy travelers.
I enjoyed walking barefoot because the sand was so soft, almost comparable to the sand of Boracay. I headed curiously to the long queue of eager souls waiting for their turns to climb the lagoon. Ryan was willing to accompany me but since my buddies did not want to, I let go of the experience. I will try it next time.
the climb to the lagoon of Matukad Island
Instead, Ryan volunteered to take pictures of the lagoon especially the big enchanting milkfish. I was amazed at how fast Ryan did his turn. In few minutes, he went back with his magnificent shots. But he wasn’t able to take a photo of the fish because he can’t come close to the lagoon for there were several people hanging around. Only 16 persons are allowed near the lagoon. So that’s the reason why there was a long waiting because of these people not minding for the others’ turn.
Matukad by the way means to climb or go up.
This time we all immersed in the water and basked in sunshine.
Gota Village Resort
Gota Village Resort is the only island in Caramoan that has the best accommodation for travelers. Though it was above the average budget, your stay on this island will worth the experience.
There are three types of air-conditioned cabanas to choose from. The small – P2,500, Medium – P3,000 and Large – P3,500.00. All of which is made up of our very own Bakay Kubo.
the docking area of Gota Beach
Our contact person had a connection with the owner of Gota, so instead of paying P300 for the entrance fee, we were given the privilege to explore the island for free.
As Ryan told us, there’s no trace of materials or signboards used in filming the Survivor in selected islands. It was being cleaned up thoroughly to regain its unspoiled beauty. Even Gota which was rented exclusively by the cast and crews of the Survivor series has nothing to store for any souvenirs. But we were thankful that we were able to set foot on this island for no one can visit here if there is an ongoing shooting.
At the cave
We headed to the beachfront and strolled around. Gota Beach was a small cove with a short stretch of creamy white sand.
the torch used at night
After the day’s swimming and sightseeing, finally, we decided to have some rest. We sat on benches and feel the serenity and the beauty of this island. There were few people swimming in the water. It was so wonderful to stay still and watch the gentle waves.
at the event center of Gota Beach
A moment later we headed to the small cave just beneath the beachfront. This was the end of our island hopping.
Gota is connected to the mainland. We were fetched by our service van around 4:00 pm. On our way back to the town, I didn’t bother anymore taking my cam for picture taking. I savored the moment looking at the cabanas and to the panoramic scenery as the afternoon sunlight casts vibrant rays to the vast rice fields and several nipa huts.
Caramoan is indeed an unforgettable picture of serenity. I was so thankful to see its charm, seclusion, and its bewitching beauty. Now I know why Survivor keeps coming back to this hidden paradise. Just like them, certainly, I will go back with my family.
And when that time comes, I hope this dazzling paradise is still free from the monster modernization… for my family to appreciate and love nature more… like I did.
In getting there:
Through Bus – Manila to Naga City:
1) Take a bus ride either in Pasay City, Cubao or Alabang bound to Naga City, approximately 8 to 9 hours travel time, bus fare-P700 to P900 depending on bus lines. (Penafrancia Travel and Tours Bus, Philtranco, Amihan Bus, Isarog Bus Lines).
2) From Naga City bus terminal head to Van terminal located between SM Naga and Naga City Bus Terminal and ride an air-conditioned van bound to Sabang Port, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes travel time with a fare of P100.
3) Boat ride from Sabang Port to Guijalo Port started at 5:30 am until 11 am only. Travel time is 1 hour and forty-five minutes or 2 hours depending on climate condition-fare-P120 with an environmental fee of P5.
Be sure to catch a morning ride to Sabang Port or else you will rent a boat exclusively for around P2,000 to P3,000.