360 view of Caramoan on top of Mt. Caglago
This will be the first in the series about Caramoan. Since there are some people asking how to get there, this would serve as a simple guide.
Dutch travelers in the 1600s call this island as Guta de Leche, a name that used t describe the milk-drop stalagmites found at the Gota Beach port. Later, the Spaniards arrived and called the place Carahan, due to the nuerous sea turtles found at the beach at that time. It was later renamed to what is called today as Caramoan in 1687 by Spanish friar Francisco De la Cruz Y Oropesa.
To get to Caramoan which is around 501km from Manila, you have to get to Naga first. Cubao has buses going to Naga even straight to Sabang port. If you decide to stop first in Naga, you have to ride a Van to Sabang which is around 2 hours. Then from Sabang port, you’ll be riding a boat to Caramoan port, Guihilao which is about 2 hours. From Guihilao you’ll have to ride a jeep to the Centro which is about 30 minutes more. From there you can ask for lodgings available at the area. The Centro will be your Hub while at the area.
First interesting stop would be climbing Mt. Caglago in Barangay Tabgon. It is one of the tallest mountains in Caramoan and one of the easiest to climb as well. They said it has about 527 steps, which I didn’t manage to count, but once you get on top, the large statue of Our Lady of Peace will greet you. It has an amazing 360 degrees view of the whole Caramoan and it will serve as a preview of the islands you’ll be visiting. Oh yeah, going up you have to bring one sack which contains very few rocks (about ¼ filled) when going up the steps. It’s a tradition.
Matukad Island’s fine white sand beach
If you want to do some island hopping, you must first get to Gota beach where you’ll be able to hire boats to take you to different islands. This will test your haggling skills.
The nearest island in Gota Beach is Matukad Island which I was able to preview earlier. It is one of the most scenic and I think has the best white san in Caramoan. It’s a small island but in seclusion it would be you private hideaway.
Matukad Island’s hidden lagoon
Speaking of hideaway, Matukad Island has a hidden lagoon. If you climb the limestone formations at the end of the island, you’ll be able to see the lagoon at the center. Do be careful though as the rocks are a bit sharp and you’ll do a lot of wall climbing in the process. But the view above is very rewarding as you’ll get to see the whole stretch of Matukad Island’s beach.
Tayak Island shores and limestones
If you long to see more lagoons, a visit to Tayak Island would be worth while. It is an island 30 minutes away by boat from Matukad Island. It doesn’t have sands as fine as Matukad’s, but there are impressive huge limestones by the beach.
Tayak’s large lagoon with our guide sitting by the tree branch.
Just a short trek from the beach you’ll be able to view a large lagoon. At that time, it would have been great to swim but the locals have this superstition or belief during the holy week’s Good Friday. They believe that a man-eating monster, which we soon named “Big Fish”, lurks on its waters. Our guide strongly believe this since they, threw a dog there and they saw how it was eaten. It was a really interesting story, enough for us not to try to lurk in its deeper water.
Hi. I read in your post that there are buses that directly go to Sabang port. What bus lines are those? It’ll be better kasi if there are less change of transpo during the trip. Are the beaches easy to go to from the Centro or do we have to ride a boat? Your help will be very much appreciated. Thanks much.
yea! it was a great beach
we went there summer of 2008 and wow! it was a beauty
we did went to that lagoon… surely it was an adventure trekking to get to that lagoon…
but we didnt swim, dunno why maybe we dont feel like swimming there
there is a resort in gota beach and i guess it was the best place we’ve slept on during our trip to bicol…
and may i suggest one thing… if you dont like a really long trip to get out of the caramoan… dont take the boat taxi… they’re friggin 3 hours! an my ass was in pain haha… take the bigger one…
Mabuhay I agree Caramoan is a must for the backpackers and tourists who are out to find virgin land.
The Caramoan Peninsula is yet untouched and you will not find fancy restaurants, Jet Skies and most of the gadgets you see in most resorts.
But there are Kayaks, Tents and Sleeping bags to rent for the backpackers so you wont need to bring those in case you love living in tent and kayaking on the clear blue sea or the Manapot river.
https://www.caramoankayaks.com/index.php
Best regards
Arild
Caramoankayaks
Hi, ironwulf. Paano po pumunta ng statue ni virgin mary in Tabgon? Do we have to take a boat to get there? thanks
I am going to caramoan on may 17 with 40 firends. I need a package tour for one day. I Hope you can recommend travel agencies.
mabalos
HOMESTAY
Paz St. Tawog Caramoan, Cam. Sur
Offers a 2-bedroom bungalow house, fully furnished, air-conditioned rooms; queen bed in master bedroom and a bunk bed in the other room. This house can easily accommodate 7 people (with no extra charge) as we have 2 extra cushions that can be used by your extra guests. It is a perfect family home for travelers with children or friends traveling with friends. For only P2500.00 per night, this house is the best offer in town. It is only few minutes to GOTA BEACH.
call cherry narvato: 0920.849.9542
this is so beatiful place that i see
i have more friend in that place all family of palaya and kabalyero