Caramoan Peninsula National Park

Caramoan Peninsula National Park Travel Guide
Insane-looking limestone karsts formations, deep gorges, snaking rivers, white sandy beaches and clandestine coves characterize the remote Caramoan Peninsula National Park, a beautiful reminder that indeed, the Philippines is a nation of incomparable natural wonders in just about every nook and cranny of this archipelagic country.
Caramoan Peninsula National Park is located in the town of Caramoan, a sleepy and remote town of Camarines Sur. The peninsula barely received any attention outside of Camarines Sur until it was used as a setting for an edition of Survivor France, a franchise of that wildly popular reality TV show Survivor based in the United States. Since then, Survivor Israel, Bulgaria and Serbia followed suit and used the same location for their own Survivor franchises. The media then turned their sights on this erstwhile forgotten corner of Bicol and coupled with an aggressive tourism marketing campaign by the provincial government of Camarines Sur – Caramoan Peninsula is now high on many Filipino travelers’ lists of must go destinations.
In 1867, Franciscan Missionary Fray Francisco dela Cruz y Oropesa penetrated the dense forests of Caramoan Peninsula and probably liked what he saw there as he founded a Christian settlement in a place called Balwarte. This settlement was turned over to the Sagrada Mitra in 1696 for administration and a chapel was built out of nipa, bamboos and wood. The settlement grew into a bigger community which is now called as Caramoan which was apparently derived from a sea turtle abounding in the area at the time and which the local inhabitants called “Carahan.”
The chapel underwent several repairs and renovations and after almost 200 years, a permanent building was finally constructed made out of adobe, local stones and clay. The church was basically constructed out of slave labor under the direction of well-known artisans and masons. The current building withstood the ravages of time, as well as natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes as well as the challenges of the last World War.

Photo by Dave Ryan
Fast forward to present day Caramoan reveals a town still trying to adjust to the sudden deluge of tourists and travelers to the area trying to get to the much-vaunted islands off the coast. There are two main island groups off the Peninsula. The south islands (nearer to the province of Catanduanes) are composed, amongst others, of the most popular Matukad Island (with the islet lake on top with a rumored huge fish living in its waters), Lajos/Lahus Island, Hunungan Island, Gota Island (different from Gota Beach which is across it), and of course further away is Tinago (a cove with three small white sand beaches) and whose topography is strongly reminiscent of Coron Island in Palawan. The triangular shaped cream-colored sandy beach of Sabitang Laya Island (and the coral beach of Tagas Island) meanwhile, is just about a third of the way to another set islands in the north which include Cotivas, Lahuy, Pitogo, and Minalahos Islands amongst others. However, some of these islands are closed off to the public whenever there is ongoing filming of any of the Survivor franchises. We were lucky to have met some of the eliminated contestants of the Survivor Serbia edition and even had the chance to share a few bites of a Serbian dish made by one of the contestants.

Photo by Dave Ryan
Sea kayaking, island hopping, rock-climbing, trekking, spelunking, snorkeling and camping are some of the most popular activities in the peninsula. However, challenges remain for the traveler and the local community as well. When we went there, Caramoan town had the feel of a shell-shocked town and whilst they were extremely helpful and friendly, you can definitely sense a reluctant vibe with the sudden rush of tourists to this peninsula. And we can fully understand why, mass tourism is an ugly and destructive form of tourism with travel agencies trying to cash in with this sudden interest in the area by sending heaps of tourists to Caramoan.
Having said that, tourism infrastructure in Caramoan is minimal to almost nonexistent. The roads are mostly dirt and gravel with some areas paved. Houses were hastily turned into inns and there seems to be no close coordination with the provincial government and the local government of Caramoan in anticipating the massive influx of tourists in the peninsula. From our sources in Bicol, the people of Caramoan were not too happy with this tourism phenomenon, considering it as a threat to their culture and laid back lifestyle as well as the local environment. Already we were seeing the reality of these threats – we saw vandalism on the surface of what would have been beautiful rock formations on Matukad Island, and we saw broken glass and pieces of garbage at Hunungan and Sabitang Laya. While what we found was largely manageable, we noticed that there were no sentries guarding or maintaining the national park. This problem should be addressed as soon as possible while it is still small and manageable.
You can also go spelunking at the national park in Omang Cave, Manipis Cave and Culapnitan Cave.

Photo by Dave Ryan

Photo by Dave Ryan
Why Not Go
Skip Caramoan Peninsula when there is another Survivor filming as some of the islands will be closed off to the public. We heard from locals that the Survivor has a four year franchise set to end around next year at the earliest with Survivor USA apparently filming there..

Photo by Dave Ryan
Why Go
Caramoan Peninsula does give island hopping a new meaning and coming there gives a feeling of being away from it all. This beautiful National Park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its many islands seem to duplicate the equally gorgeous Calamianes in Northern Palawan (although we do think that Coron is still more beautiful).
Best Time to Visit
Head out to Caramoan Peninsula during weekdays. Never ever go there during long weekends or holidays as in some popular islands – there are a lot of people trying to do that annoying and kitschy travel photography fad called the group jump shot.
Where to Stay
Save up to 75% on hotels in Philippines
Gota Village Resort (http://caramoanislands.com) is the only beachfront resort/hotel that has passable international standards and offers most of the other activities in the peninsula but of course it comes with two downsides – rooms are very pricy, and it is totally closed off to the public when there is Survivor filming. Check their advisories on their website to be sure.
You may also check in with Rex Tourist Inn (Centro), and BC Hometel (Tawog) for cheap air-conditioned accommodations. We tried BC Hometel (+63.921.8357454) and save for some bugs (ants and an occasional bee) in the room and the air-conditioner leaking into the room – it was alright. A/C room for two is PhP500. The lodging places usually accept payments through Smart Money transactions so you may have to pay a deposit or the full amount in advance through Smart Money (you have to go to a Smart Telecom Office to remit money).

Photo by Dave Ryan
Where & What to Eat
There are not many of decent eating places in Caramoan. For travelers, there are probably two obvious choices – Lutong Bahay which makes uninspired mainstream Filipino dishes or the Kamalig which has a better ambience, pricier and fortunately has better menu choices. Bicol Express (pork in coconut milk and chilies) and Laing (taro leaves in coconut milk and chilies) are passable and their own version of fish soup (Tanguige Kusido) was quite interesting. The menu says that there is a maximum of 2-3 beers per person. Of course no one really follows that rule.
Nightlife
Caramoan town by itself is a very sleepy town with not much going day or night save for some karaoke joints. While stopping over at Bikal, we heard a guy screaming his guts out over a karaoke song. Horrible. Other than that, quiet dinners or just lazing by the beach with a drink in Gota is the best way to celebrate a night in Caramoan.
My to do List
1. Take a bottle of beer or two and go island hopping!**
2. Check out the lake on Matukad Island.*
3. Explore Tinago.*
4. Take photos! And if you have the money for it, take a plane and view the dramatic karst formations from above.*
5. Visit the centuries old church of Caramoan town.*
6. Do a river cruise along the dense mangroves.*
7. Rent a kayak and go sea kayaking.**
8. Camp! (Head out to the Municipal Hall first for this and mostly you have to bring your own gear.)
*- Highly Recommended
**- Recommended by Locals

Photo by Dave Ryan
Stay Away From
1. Mosquitoes! – just bring bug repellent to be sure
2. Stray animals: monkeys – rabies is prevalent all over the Philippines.
3. Getting wet, take Ziplocs with you for your gadgets and valuables.
4. Protect yourself from UV rays by putting on a sunblock.
5. Wear your flip-flops just to protect yourself from broken glass.
Getting There
From Naga City in Camarines Sur, it takes about 1.5 hours by van (PhP 90 last time we went there in August 2009) from the CBT (Central Bus Terminal) to the “port” of Sabang. This is not a real port but a beach where passengers sit on the backs/shoulders of porters who carry them over to the boat for PhP20.00- nothing more than that. From Sabang to Guijalo port, it is a 2 hour journey on a boat which seemed to be filled to the rafters with people (we did not sign any passenger manifest in Sabang) and with the life vests at the far end of the boat. Fee is about PhP 120-130 per person. From Guijalo to Caramoan Town is about 20 minutes (fee is about PhP100 for two people- same amount you pay from Caramoan town to Bikal port- the jump off point for the island hop) on mostly bad roads. The island hop costs about PhP 1,800 for the day for either but not both island groups.

Photo by Dave Ryan
You can also drive to Caramoan from Naga, but from Sabang to Caramoan – the roads are notoriously bad and the trip could take 6 hours in a four-wheel drive.
Camarines Sur (through the Naga Airport in Pili) can be accessed via plane (45 minutes ride). Zest Air, Philippine Airlnes and Cebu Pacific from Manila and vice-versa. Buses also ply the Manila-Naga route – Isarog, Peñafrancia, RSL, ECSI and Philtranco buses serve this route. There are also mini-vans and buses servicing Naga to other points of Bicol through it’s Central Bus Terminal. A more comfy ride through the Philippine National Railways is set to commence at the end of 2009 as well (+63.2.2549772) but can be a very, very slow way to reach Camarines Sur. If you are driving, make sure that you pick up a map and follow the scenic but sometimes hair-raising Pan-Philippine Highway.

Photo by Dave Ryan


Ryan supports socially and environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism, as well as the promotion of the Philippines as an alternative Asian tourist destination.
Learn more about me [+]
thanks for all the info
Wow ! This place looks beautiful. The water is crystal clear.
Hi Borneoboy,
Caramoan is beautiful, and has impressed a lot of people. But if you think that Caramoan is gorgeous, your jaws will drop if you see El Nido and Coron in Palawan because they have sights that no one can see anywhere else in the world – crystal clear waters that you would see rich corals probably 40 meters down as well super rich fishing grounds that you could literally fish for your dinner right outside the balcony of your room. Come visit the Philippines once but be prepared, we have over 70 provinces and each has its own stunning sights, it would take you weeks, months and in my case years to explore each one of them. :)
Cheers,
Ryan
Wanted to go there one day! Been to Coron in Palawan… The most beautiful i have been.
Personally, I think Coron is more beautiful than Caramoan. And more convenient to get to. :)
splendid! did you know that my trip to caramoan was cancelled twice due to tropical storms… arggghh!!!! but still, my hopes are still high.. nothing can stop me!
That sucks. :/ You can always try again in November… :)
Hi Ryan!
Thanks for all the info.
I have been reading your posts and was able to “journey” ahead of the real travel. I was searching for a package in Corregidor trip and luckily I was able to click your site. I have been to almost all places in the country, from North to South, but have not yet been to an island which is very much near Manila.
By the way, I just want to share that beaches in Tawi-Tawi are very unique. The corals, which are bigger than ordinary houses in Manila can be seen, I think more than 50 meters down. The sand is pink and is best for sand timer. However, peace and order in those islands is somehow questionable. It is risky to go there.Lucky for us, we were guarded then by the elite Philippine Marines. I just hope the place or the entire Sulu and Tawi-Tawi be developed with much respect for the local culture. In this way, acts that harm others especially the tourists will be lessened, and people may eventually appreciate more the beauty of the Philippines.
More power to you!
Oh Rey,
You know how to hit us where it hurts the most. Tawi-tawi is one of our dream destinations! And I know what you mean. We have heard so much of Tawi-tawi! And we are so desperate to get there! But yes, security is our main concern. Maybe after the elections??
Keep reading! We have heaps of new articles coming up!
Cheers!!!
Ryan
Can’t wait to see Caramoan. I am off to Albay on Feb 12 but due to a limited time, I can only go to Donsol, Sorsogon to face the Butanding. :) My pal wants to go wakeboarding. Fine, back to Cam Sur after two years. Will have some photo ops at Cagsawa as well becuase I haven’t done that when I was there in 2004 and 2008.
I’ll definitely go to Caramoan this May. I will recommend this to my friend from Hawaii as our reunion destination. :)
Caramoan, wait for me. :)
We are heading to Legazpi and Donsol a month from yesterday! Lemme know how it went through with your Butanding interaction. :) But yeah, if your friend from Hawaii havent been to Coron, I suggest to prioritise Coron over Caramoan. :) Seriously. :)
Hmmm… You made me think twice. I’ll ask my friend to go to Coron. I am not sure if I can still join her. My priority right now is to go to more places. Second priority is to go back to Boracay and Coron. Haha. I love travelling but I am also thinking of the budget. ;)
And yeah.. wish me luck on my Butanding encounter. I’ve been having dreams of this gentle giants for how many nights now. I am just praying that I won’t chicken out facing these big fish with 1.5-meter wide mouth. I sometimes have a last-minute change of mind. But sure, i’ll let you know what happens. Oh by the way, if you get to Donsol, try Amor Beach Farm Resort. That is where Marc Nelson of Sports Unlimited goes every year. The resort is owned by my friend. :) Just let me know and I’ll ask him to give you discounts. :) Oh maybe you don’t need it anyway. ;-P
Hey, we are exactly staying at that place in Donsol! Discounts can never hurt you know. :) we will just be there for an overnight stay. March 6-7.. :)
In my opinion, I think Coron is more stunning than Caramoan- and easier to get to. :)
Good luck with your Butanding encounter!!!!! :)
I agree with Ryan. Coron is really amazing. Breathtaking! I’ll be coming back to get my own underwater shots of the coral gardens. So far, the best thing I’ve ever seen! How can such beauty still exist? Have been to puerto Princesa as well. I am in love with Palawan. See you soon, El Nido. :)
Palawan does rock big time. :) Btw, how was your butanding encounter? Our Donsol article will come up soon!
I’ve been in caramoan last year 2009, and i can say i have a great time spending a week vacation. If i have much time i will invite my friends to visit and witness the beauty of the Caramoan. A long journey but i will assure you guys will enjoy a lot…
Caramoan is the country’s Island Hopping Mecca :D
WE HAVE BEEN THERE LASt weekend (May 22 to 24)- ALL WE CAN SAY is that this place is such a great wonderful enchanting island! a place to be!- a place for you to relax and for you to enjoy the God given gifts to all of us…
masarap ang feeling and masaya ung island hopping, the nature is really really beautiful…. wala ako msabi.. mababait na ta0, maasikasong tao tulad ni Roy na siyang naging tour guide namin dun sa caramoan.. isang magandang experience ang aking naging bakasyon kasi nakilala ko siya and nagkaroon kami ng chance makita ang isang paraisong makikita mo lang sa isang larawan.. pero ngaun nakita namin ito ng malapitan and tlagang mpapaluha ka sa ganda ng kalikasan.. kaya sana pag ingatan ito ng mga taga cam sur… my last day was really sad because i was left broken hearted. naiwan ang kalahati ng puso ko sa lugar na un and sa taong nag aruga sa amin during our vacation there… im missing caramoan and ROY
I want to experience Caramoan too, CamSur is my home province yet I have never been to Caramoan, sigh.
Ohdie is there a chance to contact Roy? It seems nice to have a tour guide to maximize my trip.
I’ve been to caramoan last year…all i can say is that it’s one of the best adventure i’ve ever experienced…we enjoyed island hopping and everything…we dropped by at the old caramoan church…delicious foods and very hospitable people….wow!
my boyfriend is from caramoan,he really wants me to go there…i’m planning to have a vacation there by the end of this year…the images tell me that it is a beautiful place…