Caramoan Travel Guide: Tourism Gem of Camarines Sur

Caramoan

About Caramoan

Caramoan is a paradise in the farthest coast of Camarines Sur, hidden in underdeveloped and rural soil where white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, beautiful and islets are common scenery.

A peninsular town, Caramoan is a group of islands and islets scattered in the Pacific Ocean, endowed with nature’s beauty and preserved by its seclusion.

Caramoan
One of the islands in Paniman Bay.

The place is made famous by the hit global reality show franchise “Survivor” and became a favorite shooting location due to numerous islands with fine white sand, lagoons, caves, limestone cliffs and rocks, and rich marine life that give a new definition to an island experience. But even before the “Survivor” series, there was already Caramoan – beautifully unspoiled and unexploited.

With its natural beauty and rich history, Caramoan stands proud as a real tourism gem of Bicolandia that holds a promise of a perfect tropical island adventure!

Come south! Cam Sur! Caramoan!

Caramoan
Sunset colors in Matukad Island.

How to Get to Caramoan

1. Manila to Caramoan via Naga 

A. Manila to Naga

By plane, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly from Manila to Naga. By bus, RSL Bus, Phitranco, Isarog Bus, Amihan Bus, Raymond Bus and Executive Bus have daily trips from Manila (Cubao/Pasay/Alabang) to Naga, fare varies from P500 to P700 one-way with travel time of approximately 8 hours. You may also opt to take the Peñafrancia Tours (P780) and Raymond Bus (Contact No: 02-7339380) that go directly to Sabang Port from Manila, travel time is 9 to 10 hours.

You can book your bus from Manila to Naga or vice versa below:

BOOK YOUR BUS FROM MANILA TO NAGA

B1. Naga to Sabang to Caramoan (Boat)

Catch a jeep, van or bus going to Sabang Port in Naga Central Terminal, fare is around P60-P100 one-way for a travel time of two hours. Sabang Port in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur is the common jump-off point to Caramoan Islands. There are RoRo and trigger boats that leave every hour from 6AM to 11AM from Sabang to Guijalo Port of Caramoan, fare is P120 per passenger. If you miss the last public boat, you can hire a private boat to Guijalo Port. Range varies depending on the size of the boat and your haggling skill but a boat that can accommodate up to 16 persons usually costs P2500-P3000.

When it is low tide in Sabang, the boats couldn’t get near the shore, but the porters are there to carry passengers on their backs. They charge P10 per passenger.

B2. Naga to Caramoan (Bus)

Land trips direct to Caramoan from Naga are available only during good weather. Naga to Caramoan takes five hours by public jeepney or bus, fare is at P230 per passenger, Goa to Caramoan takes four hours at P200 per passenger.

Caramoan
Matukad Island.

2. Manila to Caramoan via Catanduanes 

Another alternative, which is unknown to many is to go to Virac, Catanduanes and catch a two-hour boat going to Caramoan. This route is easier compared to Naga.  Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacificc fly directly from Manila to Virac. There are also buses bound for Catanduanes from Manila, you can book your seat below:

BOOK YOUR BUS FROM MANILA TO CATANDUANES

Where to Stay in Caramoan

The town has a lot of hotels and inns to choose from for those tourists who prefer staying indoor. But for more adventurous type, camping in one of the islands is a cheap and fun way of experiencing Caramoan.

Top-Rated Hotels in Caramoan

West Peninsula Villas

West Peninsula Villas
Malabog, Caramoan
Starts at 1,500 PHP

CHECK RATES

Casita Mia Bed and Breakfast

Casita Mia Bed & Breakfast
Malabog, Caramoan
Starts at 1,500 PHP

CHECK RATES

Top-Rated Budget Accommodation in Caramoan

La Casa Roa

La Casa Roa
Malabog, Caramoan
Starts at 750 PHP

CHECK RATES

Breeze and Waves Cottages

Breeze and Wave Cottages
Paniman, Caramoan
Starts at 750 PHP

CHECK RATES

Here’s the list of hotels, inns and lodges in Caramoan:

Caramoan
Sunrise in Paniman Bay.

Activities in Caramoan

  • Island and beach hopping around Caramoan Group: Sabitang Laya, Manlawig Sandbar, Cotivas, Lahuy, Gota, Lahus, Matukad, Pitogo, Minalahos, Hunongan, Tinago, Haponan, Basod
  • Swimming/Snorkeling (be careful of the jellyfish though)
  • Camping – just bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply, there are a lot of islands to choose from (those that aren’t use in Survivor taping)
  • Spelunking in Culapnit Cave
  • Visit St. Michael Parish, an old red-brick church
  • Trek to Mt. Caglago with the 500-steps to the summit and see the 360 degree view of the Caramoan Islands and the gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Mother of Peace
  • Explore Naga, visit Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex and Penafrancia Church
  • Head south and visit the spots of Albay and Sorsogon
  • Head north and explore the islands of Mercedes Group, Calaguas Group and Maculabo or surf in Daet’s Bagasbas Beach
Caramoan
Matukad Island.

Tips

  • The best time to go there is during dry months (November to May)
  • If you will go camping, be sure to choose an island not being used by the Survivor
  • Survivor rented the island for 25 years starting 2008, meaning, tourists will not be able to explore the island freely up to 2033 if the contract is not extended

Sample Weekend Caramoan Itinerary

Day 0: Enroute to Sabang

2100H: Departure in Cubao to Sabang via Penafrancia

Day 1: Explore Caramoan

0730H: Arrival in Sabang
0730H-0900H: Breakfast in Sabang
0900H-1100H: Sabang to Guijalo, Caramoan via Public boat (P120.00)
1100H-1130H: Guijalo Port to Centro Caramoan
1130H-1330H: Lunch/Buy camping supplies, water, foods
1330H-1400H: Centro to Paniman/Look for boats
1400H-1800H: Island Hopping – Manlawig, Sabitang Laya, Matukad
1800H onwards: Setup camp/Prepare Dinner/Dinner/Rest/Bonfire/Socials/Party

Day 2: More of Caramoan & Return to Manila

0600H: Wake-up Call
0600H-0700H: Breakfast
0700H-0930H: Explore Matukad/Swimming/Beach Bumming/Cliff Climbing/Photo Ops
0930H-1000H: Break camp/Clean-up
1000H-1030H: Matukad to Paniman via Gota
1030H-1130H: Fix-up/Paniman to Cadong
1130H-1400H: At Cadong – Wash-up/Lunch/Rest/Fix-up/Buko Party
1400H-1430H: Cadong to Guijalo Port by jeep
1430H-1630H: Guijalo to Sabang by boat
1630H-1830H: Sabang to SM City Naga
1830H-2100H: Rest/Dinner
2100H: Departure in Naga to Cubao

Day 3: Back in Manila

0630AM: Arrival in Cubao

*First published: 16-September-2010. Updated: 11-June-2013; 26-November-2017; 1-Jan-2018; 18-Jul-2019

Comments

  1. […] south towards Caramoan, Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex in Naga, Albay and […]

  2. khim dela cruz

    we are looking for cheap but comfty accomodation for 3d/2n. we don’t want the package deal because we want to have our own itinerary. any place you can suggest?

    1. eric

      hi khim
      iam from gialo and currenly working here in BGC-taguig. We have a house in caramoan and were
      letting the tourist stay for a cheap accommodation charge. i also know several banca operators who can assist
      you during your island hoping since you have your own itinerary. Piece of advice… going to caramoan without a travel package/tour is not for fainthearted… unless your local, but if your up for the challenge contact me at 09158994581. i can also give you advices while on the trip about the in’s and out of Camsur.

  3. Jessica

    Can anybody tell me something about the diving possibilities in Caramoan? I would like to dive there but is it worth it? And what about the equipment? Do I have to bring my own gear and is there a filling station for scuba tanks as well?

  4. fran'z

    Hi there, trying to call your globe # to nquire sana, kaibahan na po ba an island hopping sa 1500k package nindo? Thanks

  5. Jewel Rose

    Hi, I am a tour coordinator and a native of Caramoan. I arrange all kinds of tours, from the most expensive to the most conservative. I also send guests to travel agencies and tour operators that you may want to work for your needed tour. If you are interested, you may contact me at 09106534561 and 09155870668 or email me at [email protected]. My husband who is an american and traveled around the world always wants the best tour and I will give it to you.

  6. Jeff

    Any update on the RORO to Caramoan? Thanks!

  7. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES

    GET SUPER CHEAP PACKAGE AT P 980 PER HEAD ONLY AND ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION ALREADY. GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE IN THE INTERNET!!!

    GET EXTREME PACKAGE AS LOW AS P 1,500 PER HEAD ONLY AND YOU CAN ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS SPECIAL TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION + GOTA VILLAGE TOUR… AND + OUR TOP OF THE LINE CRYSTAL CAVE TOUR FOR FREE EXCLUSIVELY ALLOWED FOR OUR CUSTOMERS ONLY!!!

    CONTACT US AT SMART 0929-3362773 | GLOBE 0927-3772190

    PLEASE VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE : http://www.caramoantours.com

    THANK YOU AND GODBLESS YOUR TOUR.

    Reply

  8. How much PRIVATE CHARTERED BOAT from Sabang Port to Guijalo Port Caramoan

  9. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…

    GET SUPER CHEAP PACKAGE AT P 980 PER HEAD ONLY AND ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION ALREADY. GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE IN THE INTERNET!!!

    GET EXTREME PACKAGE AS LOW AS P 1,500 PER HEAD ONLY AND YOU CAN ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS SPECIAL TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION + GOTA VILLAGE TOUR… AND + OUR TOP OF THE LINE CRYSTAL CAVE TOUR FOR FREE EXCLUSIVELY ALLOWED FOR OUR CUSTOMERS ONLY!!!

    CONTACT US AT SMART 0929-3362773 | GLOBE 0927-3772190

    PLEASE VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE : http://www.caramoantours.com

    THANK YOU AND GODBLESS YOUR TOUR.

    Reply

    1. jasmin

      how many days? wats the resort? inclusive of island hopping? how many island? inclusive of meals?

      1. Hi Jasmin! for complete info please visit our homepage http://www.caramoantours.com. thanks and Godbess.

  10. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…

    GET SUPER CHEAP PACKAGE AT P 980 PER HEAD ONLY AND ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION ALREADY. GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE IN THE INTERNET!!!

    GET EXTREME PACKAGE AS LOW AS P 1,500 PER HEAD ONLY AND YOU CAN ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS SPECIAL TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION + GOTA VILLAGE TOUR… AND + OUR TOP OF THE LINE CRYSTAL CAVE TOUR FOR FREE EXCLUSIVELY ALLOWED FOR OUR CUSTOMERS ONLY!!!

    CONTACT US AT SMART 0929-3362773 | GLOBE 0927-3772190

    PLEASE VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE : http://www.caramoantours.com

    THANK YOU AND GODBLESS YOUR TOUR.

    1. alone_ranger

      hi, i just want to travel alone kahit weekdays, is that possible?

      1. choogoogs

        hi can we join other group. we are two people going for a tour

        1. alone_ranger

          yeh dude lets join you have 3 now, my plans is first week of Feb, just need familiarize the place and take pictures so i can bring my friends there this vacation or soon

    2. Nessy Corpuz

      Hi. were interested to have a tour in Caramoan. Please let us know the details and if there’s a package.

      1. Jewel Rose

        Hi, I am a tour coordinator and a native of Caramoan. I arrange all kinds of tours, from the most expensive to the most conservative. I also send guests to travel agencies and tour operators that you may want to work for your needed tour. If you are interested, you may contact me at 09106534561 and 09155870668 or email me at [email protected]. My husband who is an american and traveled around the world always wants the best tour and I will give it to you.

  11. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…

    GET SUPER CHEAP PACKAGE AT P 980 PER HEAD ONLY AND ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION ALREADY. GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE IN THE INTERNET!!!

    GET EXTREME PACKAGE AS LOW AS P 1,500 PER HEAD ONLY AND YOU CAN ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS SPECIAL TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION + GOTA VILLAGE TOUR… AND + OUR TOP OF THE LINE CRYSTAL CAVE TOUR FOR FREE EXCLUSIVELY ALLOWED FOR OUR CUSTOMERS ONLY!!!

    CONTACT US AT SMART 0929-3362773 | GLOBE 0927-3772190

    PLEASE VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE : http://www.caramoantours.com

    THANK YOU AND GODBLESS YOUR TOUR.

  12. yappi

    im just trying to find a flight going to virac bakit wala sa zest air?? 🙂 could somebody help me hihi thank you

Comments are closed.