The Great Bicol Adventure: Caramoan, Here We Come!

What do we have in common with contestants of Survivors France and Survivor Turkey? We all had the opportunity - the privilege! - to enjoy breathtaking Caramoan! Though we were unable to explore Gota Beach when we went there, since it was closed to the public due to the filming of Survivor Turkey, we nevertheless enjoyed one of the other smaller islands nearby - Guijo.

Touted as Philippines' Best Kept Secret, Caramoan is yet another reason to say that the Philippines is really, truly, beautiful. Apart from the total rest and relaxation we all had, and of course the fun that went with it, total bliss can be had in Caramoan.

Here are some traveling tips to make your vacation one unforgettable event:

• Start your trip early. To get to Caramoan pier, you need to take a 2-hour boat ride from Sabang. Depending on where you're coming from, you can take GT Express vans to get to Sabang (ours was a 1.5-hr ride from Naga). Be warned that to get to ride the boat some locals will carry you on their shoulders! The boat trips are at 5:30am and 7:30am.
  
• Have a very early breakfast and bring enough food for the day. It will be wise to bring snacks for the boat ride, too.
• After the boat ride, you need to take a 30-min jeepney ride from the main pier to the smaller wharf. There are many drivers offering their services when you get to the pier.
• From the wharf, you need to take another 1-hr ride on one of the smaller boats. This ride will vary, depending on which island you want to go to. It doesn't matter, though, as your eyes will feast on the hint of the beauty that Caramoan has to offer.
• Make sure that you have everything you need with you before riding the small boat. The islands in Caramoan (except for Gota) are all (thankfully!) untouched. There are no stores, no phone loading stations, no ATMs, nothing. In fact, there is nothing but pure beauty. It really has its Survivor-ish atmosphere.
  
• Regretfully, you need to pack and go by 2 or 3pm at the latest. Boat rides are not unlimited, as are the van rides.

Sure, we spent more time on the trip than on the island, but the beauty and bliss we had was very much worth the effort. It will get us through until our next visit to that magnificent place that is Caramoan. Wow, Philippines, wow!!!

Recommended Travel Time: dry season (Jan-Aug)
Approximate Budget: USD 15 (fare only) for one person + packed food