CARAMOAN, CAMARINES SUR TRIP

We arrived at Sabang San Jose, Camarines Sur at 8am after an 11 hours travel from Manila via Naga-Sabang route.  We’re just in time for the 11am trip to Guijalo port via a public boat which can carry more or less 150 passengers @P120 fare per head for a two hours sail with the view of Mayon Volcano from afar.  At Guijalo port we took one more ride to Paniman Bay, the jump-off to Caramoan Peninsula.

Another option in getting to Guijalo port from Sabang is to hire a smaller private boat between P2,000 to P4,000 depending on the size and capacity.  During our visit, construction works are already on-going linking the Paniman Bay to Sabang Port by land.  The more transportation and logistics options, the better for the tourists – “time” value wise, it could mean lesser time waiting for a ride and more time for your vacation.  

At Paniman Bay, we found a family who was kind enough to allow us to camp in their yard fronting the beach.  They shared as well their toilet, kitchen and water well.  We were really grateful by the hospitality they extended – truly a Filipino way...  In the evening, we had the usual “socials” and in the morning, we were greeted by the beautiful sunrise and scenery of Caramoan islands.  

We also witnessed the local custom of fisherman arriving at the shore with their catch for sale.  This reminded me of home, a small island somewhere in the middle of the Philippines.

Gota Village is one of the “must” visit place at Caramoan but with the Survivor Israel shoot, the whole place was restricted from tourists.  But with our persistence and stubbornness, we were able to come inside the village where we saw speed boats on stand-by ready to fetch the survivors from their respective assigned islands. We passed by the tribal council area (situated at the end of the long mangrove walkway before you enter the village) and get a hold of the obstacles that was used for the challenge.  And just when we were about to take a picture of the tribal council area, a foreign crew saw us... LOL... we were shoved away from the village... Sayang!  Anyways, seeing it up close and personal was already an accomplishment.

  

We relinquished our Gota frustration by enjoying the wall beside an estuary located across the wooden make bridge to the Gota mangrove section until we saw an approaching speedboat with Survivor castaways onboard.  

After they entered a bush, we sneaked in and followed closely to their holding area.  We waited for them to be called to their next challenge and on their way we were able to bid “good luck” in their upcoming duel.  We sat nearby to watch the challenge but then again, a foreign crew saw us... LOL... we were shoved again...  This time he explained that onlookers are really not allowed to avoid any impact to the challengers. 

Okay! Okay! We went back to our camp with heads bowed and uncertain of what to do for the day.  Then a boatman offered a tour around the peninsula for just P1200... Whew! It was indeed a great deal...  Without hesitation we jumped into the boat with our baon food for lunch. 

We passed by the Gota Village, the Explorer Rock, the Hunungan Beach and other islands whose name escaped my mind.  

Then, we stopped for lunch in an undeveloped beach after Hunungan.  According to our boatman, this inhabited area is actually an ideal camping ground because it has a potable water source. 

After lunch, we went near the Lahus Island (also closed to tourist) for a closer look of a Survivor structure that looked like an ark far off.  But we failed to figure out how and where it was used. 

Anyways, before the sun nears the horizon, we proceeded to Matukad Island famous for its fine powdery sand.  And true enough, it was super fine with texture that looked like a powder soaked in water.  

Related blog post:

Matukad Island – Caramoan, Camarines Sur

I thought that’s all of Caramoan surprises but when we arrived at Sabang port on a low tide; I was startled by the “macho” men approaching the boat and yelling to the passengers “akin ka”.  LOL... I was of course hesitant because with my size I can’t imagine how one would carry me.  Then I saw a big man being carried by one person, I said “ahh! Kaya naman pala”.  It was then that I realized that locals preferred and are accustomed to being carried for P5 instead of getting wet which is more hassle in the long run.  Whew! What a way to end this trip.

Travel Date: April 2010