Caramoan Island Hopping: Blog Review, Itinerary & Beaches

Caramoan Island is a pristine region in the Philippines, which could be likened to El Nido in Palawan. We traveled to Caramoan from Legazpi, and were blown away by the beautiful islands and cliffs. Staying at Tugawe Cove Resort, we set off to explore the area with a day of Caramoan Island hopping! In this blog post, I will show you the how to get to Caramoan Island and detail the islands we visited during our Caramoan Island Hopping.

CARAMOAN ISLAND: COMPLETE GUIDE

In this guide, I’m going to share everything you need to know about Caramoan Island including how to get there, where to stay and how to go island hopping in Caramoan.

How to get to Caramoan Island from Manila

There are several options to go to Caramoan from Manila:

Getting to Caramoan Island from Manila, Philippines involves multiple modes of transportation, including buses, flights, and boats. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. By Air and Land:
   • Fly from Manila to Naga City (Camarines Sur) via a domestic airline. The flight is about an hour.
   • From Naga City airport, take a taxi or a van to Sabang Port. This journey typically takes around 1-2 hours.
   • From Sabang Port, take a boat to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. The boat ride is usually about 2 hours.
   • From Guijalo Port, take a tricycle or a jeepney to your chosen accommodation in Caramoan.
2. By Bus and Boat:
   • Take a bus from Manila to Naga City. There are multiple bus companies servicing this route, and the bus journey can take 8-10 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
   • From Naga City, you will need to get a van or bus to Sabang Port. Travel time is approximately 1-2 hours.
   • From Sabang Port, take a boat to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. The boat ride is usually about 2 hours.
   • From Guijalo Port, take a tricycle or a jeepney to your chosen accommodation in Caramoan.

Keep in mind that these are typical routes and travel times can vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and other factors.

Katanawan Island in Caramoan

We docked our boat at Katanawan Island and the first thing that caught my eye was the crystal clear water. It wasn’t just perfectly clear, it had an electric blue element to it. Something you see throughout the Philippines at places like Kawasan Falls or El Nido!

There was no-one else on the island except for a local boat around the corner. A family of Filipinos were eating a meal on the beach and waved at us with a warm welcome.

We decided to climb the hill viewpoint on Katanawan Island as it was just too enticing not to. It ended up being much steeper than we had anticipated and the gravel made it difficult to find steady footing. We went up in shoes but I still don’t recommend trying this unless you are keen for a lot of scratches and some sketchy moments.

The view is worth it but this climb isn’t for everyone. We embraced the scratches and clambered up the hill. At the top, we were blown away by not only the water clarity but the view back down over the main section of Katanawan Island.

I couldn’t believe I had never even heard of these spots yet they were insane and completely empty. It was only the first stop on our Camaroan island hopping experience but I was already stoked!

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Cagbalinad Island

We continued our cruise throughout the Caramoan region and our next point of interest was a snorkel near Cagbalinad Island. Many boats stopped on the island but we dropped an anchor just off the island and swam near the reef.

There were lots of fish and we even followed around two poisonous sea snakes. I managed to get up close and personal with one while shooting with my GoPro dome. I was shooting a video and posted the short clip below!

I swam into Cagbalinad Island and chilled on the beach, like a true castaway. All throughout the day on our Camaroan island hopping trip, there were so many isolated moments on beautiful islands. It’s awesome to have the deserted island feeling rather than the touristy vibe with hundreds of people in life jackets screaming and taking selfies even though we were never too far away from Tugawe Cove Resort.

From the snorkel spot, I swam all the way into Hunongan Cove for lunch! Is there any better way to enjoy lunch than right by the sea.

Hunongan Cove in Caramoan

Hunongan Cove is actually part of the mainland but it still feels like an isolated island. I didn’t even realize it wasn’t an island until the captain told me later! The cove sits at the bottom of some huge cliffs, which once again reminded me of El Nido. I know I have said it throughout this blog post, but Caramoan Island hopping is just like El Nido without the hoards of tourists!

This is a small beach with little cottages all along the shore. It is in fact, where the Survivor staff reside during the filming of the series, which is often in Caramoan. When the filming is in full swing this little beach is off-limits but we were allowed on as the cottages must have been empty.

As we arrived at Hunongan Cove, a huge spread of a bbq and seafood spread was prepared on a rug beneath a shady tree. Welcome drinks and fresh fruits quenched our thirst from a few hours in the hot sun. This was an amazing lunch as we looked out over the ocean towards the many islands.

I had a great time flying the drone from Hunongan Cove. From here, I shot the cove but also the islands in the area. I could have spent all day flying in this region!

Matukad Island in Caramoan

While we were at lunch one of the guys at Hunongan Cove got talking to me and he found out I love cliff jumping. He told me about Matukad Island, which was just a short boat trip away. After lunch, he escorted our boat there and had two local lads show me the way to free-climb up the jagged rocks. We wore shoes but it was still quite a technical climb.

No-one really asked how high I am capable of jumping but when we finally reached the top after the climb I discovered a 20-meter (65-foot) drop. One of the local lads who had helped me climb up grabbed his crotch and said he wasn’t jumping because he wanted to protect his eggs! I thanked them for helping guide me to the top.

Now it was just me and the cliff! With two boats full of onlookers below I jumped for joy into the crystal clear waters below. With no broken bones and a memory, I won’t forget it was probably the highlight of my day!

Other than the Matukad Island cliff jump in Caramoan, there are also several lagoons and lakes hidden inside Matukad Island. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to explore Matukad Island for a couple of hours but we had to move on to the next spot!

Lahos Island in Caramoan

This island was literally a mini El Nido and fittingly it was the most crowded of the day. It seems those jagged rocks are just a magnet for tourists!

Crystal clear water and several little caves and beaches to explore kept us busy at Lahos Island for over an hour. I even found a couple of caves that you could swim through. This is Caramoan. It’s only a one-hour flight away from Manila!

Tayak Lake in Caramoan

Okay, Tayak Lake is unreal. This is a magic spot and I am so thankful for the chance to explore this insane location. Our boat began to pull in to what seemed like a nice beach but nothing special considering the pristine shore we had embarked on throughout the day.

I knew there was a hidden lake in the region and as soon as our boat docked I headed off into the jungle. Our guide was confused as to why I knew exactly where to go.

It was only a two-minute walk until there she was Tayak Lake. From up close the lake was a little lackluster. Algae floated on the surface and a few broken rafts floated near the edges. However, it was from the air that I knew this was going to be an incredible sight.

Flying my drone here was one of those moments I will never forget. It was like flying the drone over Pianemo at Raja Ampat. You just can’t quite believe it is you capturing these photos!

Tugawe Cove Resort Sunset

The day couldn’t have been topped off by much but when we returned to our Hotel, we decided to head up to the lighthouse at Tugawe Cove Resort and check out the sunset. It was worth the last bit of energy we had!

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CARAMOAN ISLAND

Caramoan Island is a gem of the Philippines that offers rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and engaging cultural experiences. Here are some things you should know about this beautiful destination:

1. Natural beauty: Caramoan is best known for its pristine white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and diverse marine life, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The island group is part of the Caramoan National Park, a protected area that hosts unique wildlife species.
2. Island Hopping: One of the main activities in Caramoan is island hopping. Visitors can explore various islets and lagoons, each with unique characteristics. Some of the popular spots include Matukad Island, Lahos Island, Cagbalinad Island, and Hunongan Cove.
3. Water Activities: The crystal-clear waters of Caramoan are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The surrounding coral reefs host a rich variety of marine life.
4. Survivor Series: The remote and untouched nature of the islands has made it a favorite location for various international franchises of the “Survivor” TV series. This includes the US, France, Israel, and other countries’ versions of the show.
5. Local Culture: The town of Caramoan, located on the biggest of the islands, is a typical rural Filipino community. Visitors can learn about local ways of life, explore the town, and visit the centuries-old St. Michael the Archangel Church.
6. Accessibility: While Caramoan is known for its remote and secluded nature, it can be challenging to reach. Visitors typically have to travel by bus or plane, followed by a boat ride.
7. Accommodation: There are a variety of accommodations available, from simple guest houses to more luxurious resorts. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
8. Weather: The weather in Caramoan is generally warm all year round. The dry season, from December to May, is the best time to visit. June to November is the rainy season, and typhoons can sometimes occur.
9. Conservation: As Caramoan is a protected area, it’s important to respect local regulations designed to protect its unique ecosystem. This includes not touching or disturbing the wildlife, not littering, and not taking anything from nature.
10. Food: Seafood is a staple in the local diet and is often caught fresh daily. Don’t miss out on trying local Filipino dishes while you’re there.

‘SURVIVOR’ ON CARAMOAN ISLAND

Caramoan Island, located in the Bicol region of the Philippines, has gained international recognition as a favorite filming location for several editions of the “Survivor” reality TV series. This globally popular show, which puts contestants in remote locations where they must use their wit, strength, and social skills to survive, has chosen Caramoan for its untouched beauty and diverse landscapes. The island’s isolated beaches, dense forests, and abundant marine life provide the ideal backdrop for the series’ challenging competitions and survival scenarios. The US, France, Israel, and several other countries have filmed their versions of the show here, bringing global attention to Caramoan’s unique charm and biodiversity.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CARAMOAN ISLAND

The best time to visit Caramoan Island is generally during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During these months, you can expect less rain and more sunshine, which is ideal for beach activities, island hopping, and exploring the outdoors. The peak tourist season tends to be between March and May when the weather is warmest. However, these months can also be quite crowded, especially during Holy Week (Easter Week), a popular vacation time in the Philippines.

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