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. RdS

    ls change the link to the new Residencia de Salvacion site>>>>>>> http://residenciadesalvacion.weebly.com/index.html

    Multiply will no longer be supporting the social networking feature from Dec 1, 2012.- http://multiply.com/info/we-are-sorry

  2. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…

    …is the pioneer and largest travel agency operator based in Caramoan and one of the few companies having beachfront accommodation facilities. O
    GET SUPER CHEAP PACKAGE AT P 980 PER HEAD ONLY AND ENJOY CARAMOAN ISLANDS TOUR PACKAGE WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION. 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

    Enjoy your tour and Godbless!

  3. Ganda ng place, gusto kong makapunta jan next time.. keep on blogging

  4. Subic hotels, Hotels in Subic

    One of the Best Beaches in the Philippines – Caramoan Island.

    Hope it will be preserved same with what the goverment did in Subic Bay Resorts and Beach. Clear Water, Fresh Air, Beautiful Beach.

  5. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…
    …is the pioneer and largest travel agency operator based in Caramoan and one of the few companies having beachfront accommodation facilities. Offering the best priced tour packages you may reach them at:

    contact no. : 0920-3039621
    website : http://www.caramoantours.com or caramoantravel.blogspot.com

    Enjoy your tour. Godbless!

  6. CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES…
    …is the pioneer and largest travel agency operator based in Caramoan and one of the few companies having beachfront accommodation facilities. Offering the best priced tour packages you may reach them at:

    contact no. : 0920-3039621
    email address : http://www.caramoantours.com

    Enjoy your tour. Godbless!

  7. Hi!

    If you are looking for an affordable Camoan tour packages please visit…

    http://www.caramoantours.com

    Thank you.

  8. HELLO EVERYBODY

    FOR THOSE WHO WANTS TO AVAIL OUR CARAMOAN PROMO PACKAGE TOUR PLEASE VISIT OUR AT.

    http://www.caramoantravel.blogspot.com

    Thank you.

  9. TO ALL CARAMOAN TOUR INQUIRIES!!!
    ]
    PLEASE SEND YOUR MESSAGE/INQUIRY DIRECTLY TO [email protected] OR CONTACT ME AT 0920-3039621.

    FOR UPDATES AND PROMO RATES PLEASE VISIT
    http://www.caramoantravel.blogspot.com

    I WILL REPLY YOUR QUERY DIRECTLY INTO YOUR EMAILS.
    THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

    BRGY. CAPT. EMILIO VICTOR B. AVILA III (TOTEM)
    CARAMOAN TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICES

  10. Hi!

    For those who wants a hassle-free at very affordable tour packages you may contact Caramoan Trvael and Tours Services contact no. 09203039621,.. or visit:

    http://www.caramoantravel.blogspot.com

    We’ve are constantly monitoring the offered rates in the internet that why we are sure that we offer the best price and best services.

    See it yourself.

    Thank you

    Emilio Victor B. Avila III

  11. […] had a chance to revisit Caramoan but this time via the easier and cheaper yet unpopular gateway – Virac, Catanduanes. It was […]

  12. stimson bonaga jr.

    for vacationing tourists who wish their visit in caramoan to be hassle-free, I highly recommend that they take the promo tour package of La Casa Roa Hostel. Their amenities and services are a cut above the rest. The hostel is cozy, clean, comfortable, secured and safe, with in-house dining room, bar and souvenir shop. They are well at ease accomodating discriminating guests who demand good value for their money. Being at the town center, it is walking distance from the church and the public market where visitors could soak well the culture and ways of the locals. Other hotels and inns would offer cheaper rates but they are non-comparable with what is provided by La Casa Roa Hostel to their highly satisfied guests. Contact person is the owner himself: Ramon Felipe Perez, mobile no. 0917-596-5881 or landline no. (63)054-811-3184.

  13. 5 hours from naga to caramoan?.. i thought 1-2 hours na lang.. hmmm but with the view and beach, I think it’s gonna be worth it.. thanks for the guide!

    1. Jeffz, the five hours is by land from Naga to Caramoan, the road condition is not good and this route is rarely taken. The common route is by boat from Sabang, boat ride takes around two hours, while the ride from Naga to Sabang takes another two hours.

  14. […] Explore the Town Get acquainted with Caramoan by exploring it on foot or by renting a habal-habal (motorbike). The town is laid-back and the […]

  15. very complete guide to caramoan!!!
    thanks 🙂

    1. Thanks JoTan!

  16. […] Links: Donsol Butanding Interaction Guide and Caramoan. […]

  17. FOR THOSE WHO WANTED TO VISIT CARAMOAN I HOPE YOU’LL FIND THIS HELPFUL!!!

    CARAMOAN TOUR PACKAGE
    MORE PLACES MORE ADVENTURE AT LOWEST PRICE!!!

    AVAIL OUR PROMO PACKAGE
    (pick-up from Guijalo Port)

    2 DAYS 1 NIGHTS minimum of 10 persons and up ——P1,500

    3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS minimum of 10 persons and up——-P2,500

    REGULAR RATE @ 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT(per head)

    7-9 PERSONS——–P 1,850
    4-6 PERSONS——–P 2,200
    3 PERSONS———-p 2,850
    2 PERSONS———-P 3,500
    1 PERSON ———-negotiable

    REGULAR RATE @ 3 DAYS 2 NIGHT(per head)

    7-9 PERSONS——–P 2,850
    4-6 PERSONS——–P 3,200
    3 PERSONS———-P 3,850
    2 PERSONS———-P 5,000
    1 PERSON ———-negotiable

    Set-up such as pick up Manila, Naga City, and CWC-Tour inclusion please contact us !
    These package includes a round trip land transfers, chartered/private island hopping boat, entrance fees, tour guide services, different accommodation set up such as hotels,cabanas, lodging houses, tents at camping set-up, or home-stays which offers more privacy and relaxing place than usual hotel settings, its your choice…

    Take a cruise around the clusters of beautiful paradise islands, enjoy your swimming on its crystal waters, have a sunbathing on its milky white sands, climb the huge stones of pure solid marbles, discover the coral havens and its diversified ecosystem, explore caves with flashy stalagmite and stalactite crystals, catch a glimpse on the scenic views… see how mother nature can truly unwind all your worries and stress, relax your mind, renew your strength, and invigorates your life!!!

    Now get the chance of stepping the shores of Caramoan where amidst of many places around the world it has been the favorite of multiple international survivor films which includes French, Israel, Bulgarians,Serbians, Israel part-II (celebrity edition) and now the Swedes…

    MORE PLACES…MORE ADVENTURE!!!

    Places to be visited may includes Matukad island, Lajos island, Tinago clave, Tayak Lagoon, Minalgos island/cave,Our Lady of Peace at Mt Caglago-Tabgon, Sabitang laya, Bageing, Cotivas island, Lahuy island clusters of beaches, Bulangbugang underground fresh water cave and others. The said places can be optimized subject to the time of arrival, sea tide,levels, weather conditions, and customers preferences.

    Note: The following itinerary may be changed according to customer’s preferred schedule, actual time of arrival, and weather condition (including wind velocities, sea tides/waves, etc).

    Regular itinerary of Travel for 3 Days 2 Nights

    Day 1

    05:30-07:00 Sabang port to Guijalo port
    07:30-08:00 Guijalo port to Caramoan town proper
    08:00-08:30 check-in to accommodation
    08:30-05:30 Lunch / island hopping, swimming, and other adventures
    05:30-06:00 back to accommodation/ rest
    07:00 Dinner

    DAY 2

    06:00-07:00 Breakfast
    07:00-09:00 To statue of Our Lady of Peace (optional)
    09:00-11:30 Island hopping, swimming, and other adventures
    11:30-12:00 Lunch
    12:00-05:00 Island hopping, swimming, and other adventures
    05:00-06:00 back to accommodation
    06:00-07:00 Dinner

    DAY 3

    06:00-06:30 Breakfast
    06:30-07:00 Visit to Caramoan Church (Red bricks, constructed during Spanish Era)
    07:00-08:30 Shopping for souvenir items
    08:30-09:00 To Guijalo port (going home)

    Regular itinerary of Travel for 2 Days 1 Nights

    Day 1

    05:30-07:00 Sabang port to Guijalo port
    07:00-08:00 Guijalo port to Caramoan town proper
    08:00-08:30 check-in to accommodation
    08:30-05:30 Lunch / swimming
    Island hopping activities
    05:30-06:00 back to Accommodation/ rest
    07:00 Dinner

    DAY 2

    06:00-06:30 Breakfast
    06:30-07:00 Visit to Caramoan Church (Red bricks, constructed during Spanish Era)
    07:00-08:30 Shopping for souvenir items
    08:30-09:00 To Guijalo port (going home)

    NOTE: FOODS SERVINGS ARE OPTIONAL. REGULAR RATES FOR 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT AT 3 MEALS IS P300 PER HEAD AND FOR 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS AT 6 MEALS is P600.

    FOOD MENU

    Foods are subject to change depending on its availability and may be
    replaced with equivalent standard.

    DAY 1

    LUNCH

    rice
    seafood (either sugpo/crab or fish)
    vegetables (Bicol specialties)
    dessert/fresh fruit
    juice

    DINNER

    rice
    Fried Chicken
    vegetables (Bicol specialties)
    dessert/fresh fruits
    juice

    DAY 2

    BREAKFAST
    tapsilog (longsilog/or tocilog)
    hot coffee (or hot chocolate drink)

    LUNCH

    rice
    pork chop
    special Laing (or Bicol express)
    dessert/fresh fruits
    mineral water

    DINNER

    rice
    seafood (either sugpo/crab or fish)
    vegetable (Bicol Specialties)
    dessert/fresh fruits
    juice

    DAY 3

    BREAKFAST

    tapsilog
    coffee (or hot chocolate drink)

    For further details please contact us:

    Barangay Captain EMILIO VICTOR B. AVILA III (TOTEM)
    e-mail address [email protected]
    cel no. 0920-3039621

  18. Caramoan owes it’s fame now to Survivor France,sadly because of it’s filming, tourists are deprived of visiting some islands. It seems that the boat rate for island hopping has increased already. Before it’s 1,500 for small boats and 2,500 for bigger boats and you’d get to tour as many islands as you can but now I heard you’d get to tour 3-4 islands only.

    anyway,as always, impressive post Angel! Another comprehensive travel guide. keep ’em coming! 🙂

  19. Nice blog, great post.:)

Comments are closed.