Comprised of several islands, Caramoan island hopping experience promises to give you an adventure like you’ve never done it before.
Located in Camarines Sur, the geographical isolation of Caramoan islands from the rest of the province accounts for its unexploited, natural splendor. Made famous by the international reality television show, Survivor, people are asking the question, where is Caramoan island in the Philippines?
People indeed have been curious about what can be explored in Caramoan island hopping. Caramoan is comprised of around 30 islands and islets where most beaches are untouched. It will spoil you with fine, white sand beaches, and amazing rock formations less the crowd.
How to Get to Caramoan Island Philippines
By Air (Recommended)
From Metro Manila, you can fly to Naga City in Camarines Sur. Once in Naga, you can take a bus or private vehicle to Sabang Port (travel time is around one hour). From Sabang Port, you can take a boat ride to Caramoan island that is around 30-45 minutes.
Check rates and book flights here
By Bus
If you don’t want to fly, you can opt to take a bus to Naga City from Metro Manila. Travel time is around 10-12 hours. Once in Naga, you can take a bus or private vehicle to Sabang Port (travel time is around one hour). From Sabang Port, you can take a boat ride to Caramoan island that is around 30-45 minutes.
Caramoan Island Hotels
To make the most of your long travel just to get to Caramoan island Camarines Sur, you might want to stay for a few days. Especially if you took the lengthy land travel from Metro Manila, you may want to look for a place to stay not only to rest but to be able to maximize your Caramoan island hopping.
You might get the impression of the place as a bit secluded but you can actually choose from numerous hotels in Caramoan island. If you want, you can also relax in some Caramoan island resorts.
We stayed in Tugawe Cove Resort Caramoan, the only 4-star resort hotel in Caramoan. This stunning resort really gave us an amazing time that enable us to also enjoy our Caramoan island hopping.
For more options, you can check the following list for your Caramoan island accommodation:
- La Casa Roa Hostel Check rates and book here
- Magindara Guesthouse Check rates and book here
SEARCH FOR MORE CARAMOAN HOTELS: [AGODA] [BOOKING.COM]
Caramoan Island Hopping
There is so much to say about the islands of Caramoan but it pretty much boils to one word – breathtaking. And here are 7 must-visit islands you should not miss during your Caramoan island hopping.
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Manlawi Island
Manlawi island boasts of its gorgeous sandbar – probably one of the best sandbars I’ve seen in the country. The two-hour boat ride to reach the place is definitely worth it. During low tide, chest deep waters back off the shore revealing a wide stretch of fine, white sand.
Anywhere you set your sight with, you’ll surely delight with the wonders of nature. Manlawi island is probably my most favorite part from our Caramoan island hopping.
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Cotivas Island
Just 30 minutes away from Manlawi island is Cotivas island. Like Manlawi, you can enjoy Cotivas’ wide stretch of fine sand during low tide. Better yet, swim with its clear waters! You can also choose to have lunch here with cottages for rent.
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Sabitang Laya Island
Sabitang Laya is one of the popular and favorite islands in Caramoan island hopping. The entire island is triangular in shape and is composed of twin beaches.
The twin beaches are Sabitang Laya beach and Bag-ing beach. Docking off at one side, you can reach the other portion of the twin beaches by just walking a few steps. The island is also suggested as a good camping site for the more adventurous ones.
Anyone will enjoy swimming in its shallow, pristine waters. You’ll also admire its fine white sand and gigantic rock formations.
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Matukad Island
Another Caramoan island boasting of its powdery white sand is Matukad. It is also famous in any Caramoan island tour with the flock of tourists in the place.
Climbing its jagged limestone rocks, you’ll get to see a mysterious, small lagoon. Or suit yourself with the view of the island at a different perspective at the peak of the cliffs.
Most guests enjoy their Caramoan island hopping lunch at Matukad island, right at the stretch of its white sand beach.
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Lahos Island
Just across Matukad is Lahos Island. It is composed of fine, off-white sand and is in between two humongous rocks. They say during high tide, the shore is completely submerged in the waters. This is why locals call it lahos – derived from the Filipino word “laho” which means “to vanish”.
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Catanauan Island
Though not as famous as the other Caramoan islands, Catanauan island can also boast of its fine, off-white sand and clear waters. It is actually one of the shooting locations for the reality television show, Survivor.
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Malarad Island
Malarad Island is where Tayak Lagoon can be found. One option to get to the lagoon is to hike a few kilometers. The path is a bit rough. Surrounding the cold waters of the lagoon are intimidating limestone cliffs.
Aside from the lagoon, Tayak beach can also be found in the island.
What to Prepare for your Caramoan Island Hopping
Make sure to come prepared for your Caramoan island activities which involve a combination of water activities and minimal hiking.
Below is a list of the basic things you should bring or prepare to get you all set for your Caramoan island hopping.
1. Make sure to bring sunscreen. Especially during the summer months (March-May), it can get really hot in the islands (some islands do not have shade).
2. Prepare other sun protection like hat/cap, sunglasses, and even lip balm.
3. If you have snorkeling gears, it’s a good idea to have them too rather than having to rent.
4. Pack snacks and water (bring reusable water bottle). While most Caramoan island hopping package includes food, you may want to bring extra snacks as the activity lasts the whole day.
5. Wear aqua shoes if you can. Some islands involve minimal trekking or climbing into limestone rocks.
6. Bring your waterproof camera or action camera as you would for surely want to capture your Caramoan island hopping adventure and the beauty of the islands. Extra batteries would be handy, too!
7. Better to put your belongings in a dry bag for safety purposes especially your gadgets and cash (bring some extra cash, too). Charge your phone and bring your power bank for a full day of adventure.
8. Bring your quick-dry towels!!!
9. Make sure to have your important medicine with you. If you experience seasickness during boat rides, it will be recommended to carry with you motion sickness tablets just in case.
10. Have some insect repellent.
11. If you avail some Caramoan island hopping package, make sure to bring your tour booking confirmation and know the contact information of the tour provider.
12. Exude confidence in your swimming outfits and embody that Survivor aura. You can bring cover-up or sarong (even scarf) that will only not add layer to your outfit but can be used as cover from the sun when needed.
Related Post
2. Tugawe Cove Resort Caramoan Review
