Sailing Back Home

More than a decade has passed and I haven’t returned to the island I was hailed.  Yes, I was raised in a small town, an island though part of Bicol is situated in the Visayan region.  The longer I am away, the more yearning to revisit my once abode, my bliss.  I am now a stranger to the place I knew so well.  Deep inside, fearful if I still belong to the town life used to revolve.  Since mum passed away, the feeling of an outcast filled in.  I have wandered around looking for “home” but truly, “there’s no place like home”.  My heart wishes for my first home; where memories were still vivid and has held a special site. 

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Catanduanes Up Close

What is great about how the regions in the Philippines are structured is that visiting all provinces in one trip is doable.  Depending on your itinerary and travel goals, some regions might require a week or more to explore but some areas will only take you a long weekend.  

The other beauty of crossing all provinces, apart from the scenery as you journey, is the experience of riding different transportation vehicles.  Although the Philippines is lacking in direct transport networks, travelers from around the globe patiently endure long commutes on their trip to discover the unexploited gems of the country.  Undeniably, the rise of local tourists boosts the tourism of all localities which challenges the government to improve the infrastructure.  

Among the regions that are easy to explore is the Bicol Region as it is accessible through land or by air. It’s friendly to all kinds of tourists be it solo, couple, family or group and accommodations ranges from budget to luxe. Just use any online hotel booking site like Traveloka and you will see various accommodation options. You will find that at least a few are sure to meet your budget and needs.

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BICOL ROADTRIP WITH KIDS [Camarines Norte – Camarines Sur – Albay – Camarines Sur]

A trip unplanned but thanks to the APEC holiday for the long weekend plus it coincided with my youngest birthday; indeed, a birthday celebration away from home.

We are true blooded bicolanas; me a full born Masbateña and hubby’s father was hailed from Sorsogon.  Whenever we’re in Bicol’s soil, it has a natural homey tone except that we missed both our provinces for this round. This however was the kids first Bicol trip which made the voyage a family tree quiz bee.

During college, the Bicol highway is a customary sight and the verge of trees shadowing the road was inscribed by my countless lonely plies then but today, it was the kids turn for the dumbfounded gaze.

The actual account of our Bicolandia road trip as follows:

Day 1

Depart Manila for Bicol

Around Daet, Camarines Norte

-       Jose Rizal Oldest Monument

-       Kapitolyo ng Camarines Norte

-       Parroquia de San Juan Bautista

-       Bagasbas Beach

Traveled to Naga City

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MATUKAD ISLAND -- Caramoan, Camarines Sur

During our Caramoan Trip, we spent our last adventure at Matukad Island famous for its fine powdery sand that looks like a powder soaked in water.

Matukad Island

Matukad is also known for the mystic bangus (milk fish) that resides inside the secluded lagoon which is accessible by a steep ascend on its jagged rock formations.  The eerie story of the milkfish is an added persuasion to climb the top even to faint-hearted persons.  

According to folks, long time ago there used to be two fishes in the lagoon until a fisherman caught one of those to fed his family which unfortunately has caused the death of everyone.  Since then, no one dared to catch the remaining fish.

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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.  

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