Of all the many island of Camarines Sur, Caramoan Island, formerly known as Guta de Leche, stands out. It is overflowing with popular tourist spots including caves, beaches, and waterfalls. After the place has been featured in the news and local television programs, local and foreign travelers started to explore its beaches. The island is one of the National Parks of the Philippines that has gained much tourism value throughout the years.
Why go to Boracay when Caramoan Island has it all?
Caramoan Island is commonly referred to as the next Boracay Island. It is loved by most adventurous because of its popular attractions that offer different activities including diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking. Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach are three of its attractions that give much pleasure to every visitor.
Caramoan boasts of wondrous tropical islands so picturesque they have been sought after by tourists from all over the world, so much so that some of them have already figured in movies and TV shows. These islands offer a taste of paradise to adventurous souls who take the time to visit and see for themselves these wonders of nature.
For island hoppers who want to ease the bustling environ of the city, Caramoan Island is a perfect getaway where you can enjoy its beauty in many ways. One can go camping, rock climbing through its scenic limestone, kayaking, island hopping, trekking, kite boarding, mountain biking, spelunking, and snorkeling.
Did you know that Caramoan has been a favorite site for international franchises of Survivor? The place has hosted the Serbian version in two consecutive seasons. It has also hosted the Israel version of Survivor for three consecutive seasons. Bulgarian Survivor also filmed their fourth season there in May to July 2009. Robinson 2010, the twelfth season of the Swedish version of the franchise, was also filmed in Caramoan from May to June 2010.
The 25th season of the American version of Survivor is currently being finished filming and the 26th season starting filming on May 21st. Season 25 is set to premiere on September 19, 2012, then the 26th season will premiere in February 2013.
How to go to Caramoan Island?
From Naga Central Terminal ride a jeepney or a minivan bound to Sabang Port / Talisay Port in San Jose. Travel time is about 2 hours. From Sabang / Talisay Port catch a motorboat enroute to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. Public boats are only available from 6AM to 11AM so be sure to be there before the last boat leaves otherwise you will have to rent a private boat. Travel time of 2 hours. From Guijalo Port ride a tricycle or habal-habal (motorbike) to Centro or wherever your accommodation is located. Travel time of 15-20 minutes for a fare of Php20.
Here are list of inns, pension houses, and hotels in Caramoan that will give you better accommodations during your days in the island.