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.

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!

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 (P780.00) and Raymond Bus (Contact No: 02-7339380) that go directly to Sabang Port from Manila, travel time is 9 to 10 hours.

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.

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.

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

Malabog, Caramoan

Starts at 1,500 PHP CHECK RATES Casita Mia Bed & Breakfast

Malabog, Caramoan

Starts at 1,500 PHP CHECK RATES

Top-Rated Budget Accommodation in Caramoan

La Casa Roa

Malabog, Caramoan

Starts at 750 PHP CHECK RATES Breeze and Wave Cottages

Paniman, Caramoan

Starts at 750 PHP CHECK RATES

Here’s the list of hotels, inns and lodges in Caramoan:

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

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

2100H: Departure in Cubao to Sabang via Penafrancia

Day 1:

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

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

0630AM: Arrival in Cubao

*First published: 16-September-2010. Updated: 11-June-2013; 26-November-2017; 1-Jan-2018; 18-Jul-2019