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Caramoan Island Hopping

The province of Camarines Sur in the southeast area of Luzon is blessed with islands that have powdery sand beaches, sheer cliffs and beautiful rock formations comparable to that of El Nido. Scenes from the American reality TV series Survivor: Caramoan were taken from this group of islands in the Caramoan Peninsula. One of the many reasons why a lot of tourists flock to Caramoan.

How to go to Caramoan

Naga City is the gateway to Caramoan.  If you are coming from Manila, take the overnight bus at Araneta-Cubao Bus Terminal or Pasay Bus Terminal going to Bicol Central Station in Naga. If you are coming from Legazpi City, go to Legazpi Grand Central Terminal and ride on a bus or van going to Naga  City. Travel time to Naga City from Legazpi may reach up to 6 hours if you're travelling via bus. From Naga City, one may choose to ride the bus directly going to Caramoan via the scenic Fuentebella Highway. We were there in the terminal at 4AM to reach Caramoan in the morning. Another option is to ride the bus going to Sabang Port. Travel time is about 2 hours. Then ride the ferry going  to Guijalo Port, Caramoan. We took this route on our way back to Legazpi City.


Caramoan Islands

Off the town's coast are paradise-like island destinations really worth to be hopped. I have been to El Nido but these islands will always be in my list of favorites.

Our first island destination was Minalahus Island, an island that is composed of a tiny shore and limestone karst formations.
Our second stop was at Matukad Island. This island has the finest sand of them all. We missed to climb the Matukad Lagoon, a small lake in the island where a giant milkfish used to swim in the lake and magically dissapeared according to a legend.
While island hopping to the nearby islands, we passed through Gota Village. This village captures the interests of Survivor fans and travellers like me because this is where the Tribal Council for the castaways is held.

Lahus Island was the last stop for our first set of island hopping destinations. This island is composed of two opposite beaches connected with a powdery stretch of sand hence the name,"Lahus".
(c) thejoysofjourneying.wordpress.com/

After a half-day island hopping, we decided to take the second set of island hopping destinations composed of the farther islands: Sabitang Laya, Cotivas and Manlawi.

Sabitang Laya has unique rock formations and a long stretch of sugar-like sand. I felt like I own the island so I was free to do the things I want, play with my footprints, swing on the trees and create the best memories with travel buddies. This island also has the most picturesque rock formation in Caramoan.

Sabitang Laya Rock Formations
The next island hopped was the island of Cotivas. "Like many islands off the coast of the Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur, Cotivas Island is uninhabited, fostering a deserted tropical paradise atmosphere. It is no surprise that it has been chosen as one of the shooting locations for Survivor: Philippines and Survivor: Caramoan (Fans vs Favorites). Wooden structures used as set and props for the reality show remain on the beach, amid the coconut trees that line its shoreline." - PhilippineBeaches.org
(c)www.home-to-the-world.com
The last island where we went was Manlawi. Picture Batanes' gorgeous scenery with the widest sandbar, that is Manlawi.

Where to Stay

Travelers can stay at La Casa Roa Hostel. They offer island hopping packages and serve breakfast too. 
Rooms at La Casa Roa Hostel

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