How to Get to Caramoan
Caramoan is a first-class municipality part of the province of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region, and approximately 110 km away from Naga City. If you are coming from Manila, there are two ways you can reach Naga City; one is to travel by airplane and the other one via bus ride. If you are tight in budget and decided to take a bus ride en-route Manila to Naga City, expect a long journey of seven to eight hours of road travel. Bus station can be found along the stretched of Edsa in Pasay City, and the big one which is located at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, just at the back of Ali Mall. Bus fare is considerably low price at $10, if you choose the non-air-condition type of bus, and $20 for the air-condition bus. Day trip are also available.If you opted to travel by airplane booking a local flight – Manila to Naga City should be no problem. There are wide-array of Local Airline Companies to choose from that provides daily flights from Manila to Naga City, travel time is forty-five minutes and one-way fare is around $40.
From Naga City, your next step would be to find a public transportation (a jeepney), with route Naga to Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur, which will took about two hours of road travel, or you can negotiate for a taxi ride, but this is costly on your part. From Sabang, San Jose Camarines Sur, you are one ride away to Caramoan, and this can be done by a motorized boat ride which cost about Php120 – Php200 depending on the type of the boat. Sabang Port is the transit point to Caramoan. Schedule of first boat departure going to Caramoan at Sabang Port is as early of 7:00 am and the last trip at 2:00 pm. Boat ride will took one and a half hours depending on the sea current; rough condition of the sea means a more prolonged travel.
Where to Stay
In terms of accommodations, Caramoan has lot to offer nowadays. Some local residents offer their houses to be rented, this is a good choice for those who are closely watching their budget. There are Villa’s for rent along Gota beach resort, beach front resorts, Inn’s are also available.
Caramoan has forty-seven islands, which is best for island hopping, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling and mountain climbing. Most of these islands had long shoreline of white-sand and crystal clear water that you can’t resist and will surely indulge yourself for a swim. One island that will catch your attention is Isla Matukad, known to be mystical according to some local folks. This is just one of many islands worth exploring and if you loved mountain climbing you’ll definitely love this isle. Climbing the limestone cliff of Isla Matukad will be difficult for beginners but the reward of fulfillment after you reach the peak is priceless. You will be mesmerized by the scenery and will have the views of entire Caramoan Peninsula. Not only that, you will have the full view of fresh water lagoon surrounded by cliff beneath you. There’s this large “milk fish” about three-feet long swimming freely in the lagoon believe to be the one guarding the island.
Another place that you should not missed is Gota Beach Resort, which hosted several “International Survivor Series” including the “U.S Survivor” with its one episode shoot entirely here, and another upcoming series that will be aired in the coming months. Gota Beach was named after the Spanish term “Gota”(coconut milk). Most of the residents gain income from the rent of their boat by the survivor cast. According to the producer of the said TV series, they like Caramoan because of its serene and exotic scenery, not too many commercialization are taking into places. The natural, untouched beauty of the place is preserved.
Not too distant from Gota beach resort is another place which you could add in your to-go list, is Gota Cave. It can be reach just by a few walks and trekking. The main entrance of the cave is located uphill and you will need a rope-stairway, or you’ll need to rappel for you to be able to enter the cave. The main passage way of the cave is so narrow and the sharp edges of the rock-wall can inflict bruises and injuries on your part. Be careful, move slowly sideways and watch-out for this sharp edges. Spelunking can be fun but there is much danger if you did not pay attention in your personal safety. The discoverer of the cave said that there is another cave inside Gota cave. Once you are inside Gota cave, you will be amazed by the live stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by nature and took millions of years to form.
These are just the few things you can do, and Caramoan has many more to offer it is only up to you to discover and explore!
Final words and a friendly reminder from me – “Always check for storm warning when planning your vacation”.
