Mother Nature at her finest: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary in Caramoan

The islands of Caramoan is located at the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur in Bicol region. Very little was known about this province but it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, the popular reality game show “Survivor” was held here, which gave the beauty of the place some major exposure!
 

A lot of land and water activities await you when you pay Caramoan a visit. And once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand what the fuzz is all about. And why anyone wouldn’t mind being a castaway in this paradise.

Getting there

By land

Want to maximize your Caramoan experience or feel like going on a road trip? You have two options!

If you want to enjoy our countryside scenery, then you may opt to ride a bus from Cubao all the way to Naga. Travel time will take you around 8 hours so make sure to bring your neck pillows, Biyaheros!
But if you want to travel at your own pace then you may bring a car to Naga and take the SLEX-Maharlika Highway. This will take you around seven to nine hours.

Don’t worry! There are stop overs in the area of Quezon province where you can eat or go to comfort rooms for weewee break!

By air

If you just can’t wait to get to Caramoan and want a faster route, then you may choose to ride a plane at NAIA from Manila and arrive in Naga in just 45 minutes!

Remember! The last flight from Manila to Naga usually leaves around 3:30 PM so don’t be late, Biyaheros!

Once you get to Naga Airport, you have three options…

You may ride a car going to Caramoan which will take you around 4 hours.

Or you may drive to Talisay airport which is just 40 minutes away from Naga airport. From there, you’ll have two options where you can either take a regular boat which will take you around 2 hours or a speedboat for just an hour.

Where to stay

Gota Village Resort
Gota Village Beach Resort, Caramoan Islands

Gota Village Resort is known to be one of the finest resorts in Caramoan.

Their cottages here are identical with each other and are formed in circles. They have various accommodations that you can choose from depending on the number of travellers that will check in.

They have a small wood cabana good for two persons (P2,500), a medium wood cabana for four persons (P2,700), and a large wood cabana for five persons (3,000).  You just have to pay an extra charge of P500 an additional person.

All their rooms here have an aircondition, TV, DVD player, a mini fridge, and a bathroom with hot shower. Sarap diba?

Check out more about them here!

What to see and do

Omang Cave



From Gota Village Resort, you’ll have to cross two rivers and walk on the edge of a mountain to reach the entrance of Omang Cave. Yikes! So make sure to wear proper footwear for a smoother trek, Biyaheros!

Omang Cave is known to resemble the shape of a damaged cathedral. Inside, the cave has a various big openings that allow for proper ventilation and entry of natural light. Obstacles that you may face here are a few narrow pathways and also the thousands of bats that may hit you with their droppings! Better wear a helmet because safety first!

Remember! Don’t open your mouth while looking up so you won’t catch any guano or bats’ poop!

Sohoton River
Paniman, Caramoan

On the other side of Omang Cave lies yet another wonder, the Sohotan River.
 

Locals usually swim or fish here but travellers may go kayaking, paddle boarding or river rafting. These activities allow visitors to enjoy the calm waters, fresh air and the scenic strip of mangroves along the river.

But if you’re feeling adventurous then you may also go for river tubing! You’ll ride a line of floaters or salbabida and you’ll pass through a mangrove tree where you’ll see the entrance to Cadiklum Subterranean River.

Speaking of….

Cadiklum Subterranean Cave

Since water naturally flows inside this cave, you may only visit it through river tubing. You have to paddle with your hands to go deeper inside the cave. Don’t forget to put your headlights on as it is dark inside.

Remember! There are a lot of stalactite formations and bats inside this cave so make sure to wear your helmets here, Biyaheros! And don’t touch anything!

Gota’s Peak

Looking for something to wake you up instead of coffee?

From Gota Resort, you’ll hike for around 15- 20 minutes to reach the peak. Once you’re done enjoying the view, you have the option to rappel your way down the mountain.



Biyahero tip! Better hike here right before sunrise so that it won’t be too hot yet and so you can enjoy sunrise view!

Langkipaw Cliff
Ilawod, Caramoan

Caramoan is rich with limestone formations so you won’t miss out on a good cliff diving experience while you’re here.

Langkipaw Cliff is located just outside Gota resort and you can get here in less than five minutes.

Biyahero tip! Better cliff dive here during low tide season which is March to October so that it’s five feet higher!

Cagliog Cliff

Matukad Island, Caramoan

Cliff-dive pa more!

It will take you a 20-minute boat ride from Gota Village Resort to reach this 50-ft. cliff. It is also best to go here during low tide season.

But remember mga Biyaheros, Cagliog Cliff is only for the physically fit and experienced cliff divers because you’d also have to rock climb your way to its peak. If you have a waterproof camera with you, make sure to tie it around your wrist before jumping so it wouldn’t fall off!

Bonus! With its height, you’ll have a 360-degree breathtaking view of the Caramoan Peninsula! How awesome is that?

Rock climbing

Caramoan took rock climbing to another level by bolting all their rock climbing routes with titanium glue-in climbing equipments. They also made sure to keep the activity safe by making their guides undergo a rigid training program.

If you want to rock climb but you’re still a bit scared of heights, you may choose to do so at the Beginner’s Wall at Gota Resort.

This is just 30-35 meters high so kayang-kaya, mga Biyaheros!

Island Hopping in Caramoan Islands

Why choose one when you can try them all? Caramoan boasts of its 10 paradise islands, each with its own kind of beauty.

Biyahero tip! Instead of going back to Gota Village Resort for lunch, you can bring a packed lunch and enjoy a tummy-filled picnic in one of the islands!

Sabitang Laya
Bagieng Island, Caramoan
 

Is white sand a requirement for you when going to the beach? The Sabitang Laya is the place to be!

This is V-shaped island is considered as one of the most popular islands in the Peninsula because it has the longest strip of white sand beach in Caramoan.

It will take you around 45 minutes to get here from Gota Village Resort via boat.

Biyahero tip! The island’s flat surface allows you to have the perfect sunrise and  sunset spot which makes camping, and selfies, a must!

Lahos Island
Ilawod, Caramoan

This island got its name from the Filipino word ‘laho’ which means vanish because this island vanishes during high tide.

Lahos Island is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving spot because of the rich marine life underneath it. It will just take you 15 minutes to get to here from Gota Village Resort.

Its massive limestone formations also serve as a great backdrop for your island selfies so get your cameras ready!

Tayak Island
Ilawod, Caramoan

Tayak Island is another favorite of visitors in Caramoan because of what it has to offer.

This island’s best attraction is its blue lagoon which is surrounded by huge green boulders. Just imagine enjoying a private swim in this fresh and seawater lake!

A lot of visitors also love having their picnic here even when it’s raining!

It will take you around 30 minutes to get here from Gota resort via boat.

Matukad Island
Ilawod, Caramoan

One of the nearest and most accessible islands from Gota Village Resort. You’ll get here in just 10 minutes!

Aside from the beautiful white sand beach that will welcome you here, this is also a favorite among rock climbers because of the challenging trek up its limestone cliffs.

Bonus! There is a mystical tale about a giant milkfish in the secret lagoon here! But they say it’s best to hear it from the tour guide or locals themselves.

What to eat

CamSur is known for its Bicol Express but this province has a lot of other spicy and gata-licious dishes that will surely make you say, “ I gata have more!”

Bicolano Pizza
 

Bicolanos just have to have their own version of pizza! A pizza with a twist, they infused laing and Bicol Express and slathered gata as the sauce for this fusion dish. The flavors of Italy and Bicol in your mouth!

Pako Salad

Who would’ve thought that there are other ways of preparing pako?

Instead of serving it raw or simply with vinegar, locals of Caramoan thought of frying it with snails and you guessed it right, gata!

Inun-on na Bolinao
 

Inun-on is pinaksiw or a dish that is cooked in vinegar, garlic and salt.

Instead of using dilis, they use bolinao which is a type of fish that is slightly bigger than the former. Locals also say that this dish will become more flavorful if cooked in a pot.

Kinunot na Tiki



Kinunot means to peel or to strip something.

Kinunot na Tiki is said to be the most popular dish in Bicol. Stingray meat or shark meat is usually the main ingredient of this dish but since these creatures are now considered endangered, Bicolanos thought of using another type of fish which is tiki.

The fish is simmered together with malunggay leaves and coconut milk. Like what Drew Arellano says, you just gotta love gata!

Whether you just want to chill by the beach under the sun or you’re in for some adrenaline pumping activity, Caramoan’s got something for you. And as Biyaheros who want to visit these beautiful, let us do our part and try our best to maintain the pristine condition of this paradise.

#BeAHero ---Via Gonzales/ BMS, GMA Public Affairs

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