Caramoan is not for the faint-hearted. This seems to be our mantra during our 3 days stay at Caramoan town. The travel to Caramoan is pretty long but you get your reward once you set foot in the virgin islands near Caramoan town.
We took a 50 minute flight from Manila to Naga. I was on a different flight than my friends since mine was cheaper by about 1300 PHP when I booked it with no promos or whatsoever. Upon landing in Pili Airport, I was greeted by staff and a band holding out welcome streamers--kidding. This wasn't for me. I was on the same flight with the Ms. Earth candidates hence the red carpet greeting upon landing.
When my friends arrived in Pili airport, we arranged our transport to Sabang port with Kuya Felix for a cheap rate of 1000 PHP one way. We saved around 500 PHP for our transport to Sabang since Pili is nearer. We did not make it for the 9 am trip. We missed it by 5 minutes and had to wait for another 2 hours for the next trip. Boat trips from Sabang is at 5,7,8,9,11 am and at 2pm. The boat to Caramoan will take about 2 hours.
When we got there, we were picked up by our resort, West Peninsula Villas. We arranged an all in package for 3400 PHP each for a 3 days and 2 nights stay. The package includes accommodation, food, island hopping and free souvenir. The price varries depending how many persons there are in a group and how long you will stay. Check out their facebook page for more information: West Peninsula Villas-Facebook
We were so tired and hungry when our lunch arrived. We had laing (the best I've had), prawns, fish and leche flan for dessert with a 1 litter bottle of Pop Cola.
We then started with island hopping. The waves were too high hence we only got to see 1 island that day (take note we arrived late too). Sabitang Laya island had beautiful rock formations and very fine sand. After staying there for a while, we needed to get back to the port since it was getting late and the tide was getting higher.
We were served dinner after we showered. Anj, Tom and Shai were very happy to see that crab was part of our dinner. After that, we just dozed off and were too tired from our long travel to Caramoan.
The next day, the weather seems bipolar again as the rain just stopped from pouring the whole night. After our tocilog breakfast, we headed out to the port again for Island hopping day 2.
The weather was a little bit more cooperative but the waves were not. Hence we didn't see other islands like Matukad and passing by Gota. The other islands were beautiful and untouched. We just had a great time taking pictures. Our first stop was at Cotivas Island which has a long stretch of sand.
Lunch was at this very wide sand bar with little huts. We got a hut for 100 PHP and 2 bukos or coconuts at 20 PHP each. We had packed lunch from West Pen.
Our last stop was at Brgy Tagbon to go up around 523 steps plus another 17 steps to see our Lady of the ost Holy Rosary. It was a steep climb up and had to stop about 4 times. We were just trying to enjoy the view to shake away the tired feeling.
On top, there was a small chapel and then behind it is the 17 steps that will lead us to the Virgin Mary. This was erected when a resident of Tagbon had a dream of a large heart in the mountain and informed their parish priest about it. This was already the second image as the first one was struck by lighting a few years ago.
We enjoyed the beautiful view before going down. We had a last picture at the entrance with our friendly tour guides in Tagbon.
When we headed back the waves were already getting high. We went back to the resort for a shower then headed out to the town proper for some barbecue and fish balls. We made a quick stop at the Cathedral before going back for dinner.
We left Caramoan on the first boat out to Sabang at 7 am and took the van (100 PHP) to Naga.
The road to Caramoan is pretty long but very affordable. From Manila you can take a bus to Naga from Pasay or Cubao or fly directly to Naga. We rented a car at 1000 PHP from Pili airport to Sabang. Pump boat to Sabang is at 120 PHP. Everything was arranged by West Pen at 3400 PHP for 3 days and 2 nights. Van from Sabang to Naga is at 100 PHP.
I felt like I haven't seen all of Caramoan yet and would like to go back. The people were very friendly. West Peninsula Villas is a great place to stay and highly recommended. I just want to go back there. Will plan another trip during summer so the waves from the Pacific will cooperate.
