Thousands of idyllic tropical islands make up the Philippines. However, probably the most well-known (Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan) at the moment are overrun with vacationers. Off the crushed monitor, unspoilt, and above all, the Philippines’ final frontier, the Caramoan Islands are a secluded and largely unexplored space within the area of Bicol. If you’re in search of pristine seashores, powdery-white sands, marine life and gorgeous rock formations, then this faraway jewel on the sting of the Camarines Sur is your superb tropical vacation spot.
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Where is Caramoan Island within the Philippines
The Caramoan Islands are situated on the North-Eastern portion of Camarines Sur within the Bicol area of the Philippines.
Whilst the journey doesn’t look far on a map, it took us half a day to get to the Caramoan Islands from Manila, and the journey included a number of modes of transport.
How to get to Caramoan Islands Philippines
Our day started at 2.30am, we headed to the airport and boarded an hour lengthy flight to Legazpi at 5am, then drove three hours to Sabang Port earlier than driving the waves on a speedboat for one more two hours.
We lastly arrived and had been welcomed by a spectacular view of Tugawe cove and a conventional Bicolano lunch.
Not for the faint hearted, the journey to the Caramoan Islands definitely is laborious in comparison with journey round the remainder of the Philippines.
However the inaccessibility ensures the islands white sand seashores and turquoise waters stay unknown to most.
For occasion, in the course of the two nights we spent within the Caramoan, we didn’t come throughout every other international vacationers.
For this purpose coupled with the journey size, I counsel spending no less than three nights on this unspoilt area, to actually get the prospect to discover the Caramoan Philippines and all its secret seashores.
There are a number of methods to go to Caramoan from Manila:
Travel by land to the Caramoan Islands from Manila
Caramoan Island might be reached by bus or automotive from Manila.
The journey will from Manila will take between 8-12 hours to achieve Naga City.
Then one other 1.5 hour drive to Sabang Port adopted by a 1.5-2 hour speedboat experience to Caramoan Bicol. Total journey between 11-15.5 hours
Travel by aircraft to the Caramoan Islands from Manila
There are three alternative ways to get to Caramoan Island from Manila.
Below particulars the journey instances and particulars of the Caramoan location.
- QUICKEST: Fly 1 hour to Virac airport, then drive 1 hour to Codon Port adopted by a 30 minute speedboat experience. Total journey time round 2.5 hours however with solely solely 4 flights every week, you’ll want to be versatile.
- Fly 1 hour to Legazpi, then drive 3 hours to Sabang Port adopted by a 1.5-2 hour speedboat experience. Total journey between 5.5 – 6 hours
- Fly 1 hour to Naga airport, then drive 1.5 – 2 hours to Sabang Port adopted by a 1.5-2 hour speedboat experience. Total journey between 4 – 5 hours
Where to Stay within the Caramoan Island Philippines
We spent two nights on the stunning Tugawe Cove Resort.
Located on the tip of Camarines Sur peninsula.
The resort has a non-public seaside, infinity swimming pool with sea views, rooms with WIFI, flat display screen TVs and DVD gamers, and a lake which runs by the property.
Moreover, water sport gear comparable to paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling gear are included for free for friends, and there’s a non-public seaside in entrance of the resort.
In addition if you wish to chill out then there’s a very moderately priced spa on the property, I had a 60 minute full physique therapeutic massage for less than £6.
Importantly, there are solely 23 cabanas in all, situated beside the lake, on the hillside, and on the hilltop.
As a consequence, the resort feels much more non-public because the friends are unfold out over the property.
To facilitate transport round Tugawe, there are golf buggies out there to take you across the resort should you don’t fancy strolling up the steep hills.
Top Things to do within the Caramoan Islands Philippines
1. Island Hopping Around the Caramoan Islands
The Caramoan Islands are a secret Filipino paradise, little visited by backpackers and vacationers.
With impossibly white seashores and clear waters, there are unbelievable alternatives for Caramoan Island hopping excursions.
Spending the day shifting from one serene spot to the subsequent, you’ll be blown away by the wonder.
Not to say the truth that other than just a few native fishing households, the islands are abandoned.
It’s definitely no surprise Caramoan’s remoteness attracted the makers of the favored actuality TV present Survivor, and why the producers maintain coming again to movie additional collection on the Caramoan seaside.
Our island hopping boat journey lasted the entire day and we had been supplied with a picnic, snorkelling gear and towels.
In someday we might solely go to a handful of the Caramoan Islands, nonetheless if we had the chance to remain longer, we’d have visited Matukad Island, Cagbalinad Island, Hunongan Cove, and Sabitang Laya, as they’re among the greatest Caramoan seashores.
Image credit score: Travel-Tramp.com
Image credit score: Travel-Tramp.com
2. Experience Sunset at Tugawe Cove’s Lighthouse
A mere 10 minutes from the reception of Tugawe Cove (5 minutes on a golf buggy adopted by a 5 minute uphill stroll) transports you to the unused lighthouse on the island.
There lies a fascinating spot overlooking the encircling islands and villages.
The excellent place for a picnic and panoramic view from this secluded hilltop space and positively a gem of the Caramoan Islands.
Image credit score: Travel-Tramp.com
3. Sundowners by Tugawe Cove’s Infinity Pool
For these of you who’re like me and like a pool to the seaside, the view from the resort’s infinity pool was fairly onerous to beat.
There’s nothing fairly like peering out over the tropical waves, counting what number of abandoned islands you’ll be able to see within the distance.
On the one hand, any time of day is nice for a swim.
However, this Caramoan sundown spot was notably stunning particularly with a tropical cocktail or contemporary coconut in hand. Bliss!
4. Put in your Water Shoes and discover the islands in Caramoan Philippines
The turquoise waters surrounding the Caramoan Islands are unbelievable.
As a consequence, I’d positively suggest taking full benefit of the situation and hiring a kayak, arise paddle board, or snorkelling gear.
To get an actual Caramoan expertise, ensure you discover the hidden coves, because it’s unlikely you’ll come throughout anybody else in your expedition!
Also be aware that should you keep at Tugawe Cove resort, watersport gear is included for free!
Where to Visit After the Islands in Caramoan Philippines
Caramoan is situated within the Camarines Sur area of Bicol within the Philippines.
The capital of Bicol is Legazpi City, and is one other nice vacationer vacation spot to go to in Albay and the journey from Legazpi to Caramoan island takes solely three hours.
Legazpi City is famed for being dwelling to Mount Mayon, the Philippines most energetic volcano.
Legazpi City is subsequently the journey capital of the Philippines, and consists of zip lining and quad biking amongst the adrenaline fuelled actions it affords.
If you might be extra of a seaside bum and need to follow island hopping, perhaps one of many stunning islands in Asia will take your fancy.
Have you heard of the hidden gem of Caramoan within the Philippines? Would you courageous the lengthy journey to get there? Let me know within the feedback under!
Also should you love seashores try this final record of the greatest seaside quotes, assured to get you within the summer season temper!
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Disclaimer: I visited the islands of Caramoan courtesy of The Philippines Tourism board, however as all the time opinions are my very own.