Caramoan made the news recently with the ‘Survivor’ series, a popular American TV reality game show, once again being staged there. Actually, Caramoan has been the perennial host of different ‘Survivor’ series, not just from the US but from European countries as well. Having heard much about it, the Holganza brood visited Caramoan and found a lot of interesting things to see and do.
Come on over to Caramoan, before its virgin allure disappears forever. (Courtesy of caramoanparadise.blogspot.com)
Caramoan lies in the northern shores of Camarines Sur, far removed from the bustling lights of the city. It is roughly 60 miles from the nearest city of Naga, but a large part of the journey is through rough roads. Hence, travel by boat has become the popular option for visitors. We were lucky enough to have been accommodated by the Navy, which was doing its regular patrols in the area. Because it is so secluded, Caramoan has remained wild and unexploited by commercial tourism.
Secluded, mysterious Caramoan, far-away from the prying eyes of the general public. (Courtesy of caramoan.ph)
The regular lodging area of choice is the Gota Village. This is also where the “Survivor” staff usually check in when they shoot the series. However, there are also numerous inns and backpacker joints for those who are budget-challenged.
Gota Village as seen from above. (Courtesy of philippinebeachesandresorts.blogspot.com)
Aside from the ‘Survivor’ set which was a special treat, we went island-hopping and explored the surrounding hills and beaches. Here we learned that there was more to Caramoan than the ‘Survivor’. There’s camping, spelunking, snorkeling, scuba-diving, rock-climbing, trekking, what-else-have-you. It was a great nature trip for us, and we all went home tanned, tired, yet full of wonderful indelible memories. Check it out.
One of the many sights still untainted in the Caramoan. (Courtesy of caramoantravel.com)
For more on the islands, try: Caramoan Islands. You won’t regret it!!!
Cruising the coastline of Camarines Sur.
Kids doze off inspite of the rough seas.
We’re off to find the mysterious Gota Village.
Gota, a Shangrila in nowhere-land.
With wifi and all other amenities available.
Inside the Gota cottages.
We start exploring the ‘Survivor’ set.
Hmmm… looks interesting already.
Cannibals!!!
Some kind of ceremonial thingie.
Debating who gets sacrificed first at Caramoan.
So this is where the contestants were supposed to live?
B says: I can live here.
This is what happens to those who complain about amenities here.
Moving on…
More props.
So they captured Josh! Pity them.
B, doubling as a Survivor contestant, is interviewed.
This guy doesn’t believe B at all.
More competition props.
C and J play with their big balls.
It’s actually made of foam, hence so light.
More props.
More props lying on the beach.
Dangerous but inviting (for the young ones.)
Aly and Josh explore the area.
They discover an abandoned house by the cliff.
More props before the canteen.
A gets ‘propped’.
Up the bald side of the cliff is a rappelling area.
Our first lesson for the day.
Feeling kinda touristy.
Exploring the islets.
This islet had an enchanted lake, we were told.
Climbing up was kinda tricky.
Careful there.
After the steep climb, you still had a long way to go going down.
The unanswered question here was how the fish made it up here.
Kids on the way down.
Viewed from the top.
W all alone.
B misses her afro days.
Wife poses as Medusa… or was it Medusa posing as the wife???
And thanks for the interest to see Caramoan. I googled ‘How to reach Caramoan’ and found lots of options from our tireless tour bloggers, but here’s one that should give you a better perspective on travelling to Caramoan: http://www.caramoan.ph/how-to-go-to-caramoan/. Hope that helps. But if you’re coming from the Visayas or elsewhere, do try the other blogs. 🙂
Color My World 
did i miss reading the “how to get there” part? 😦
want to bring my family there too. 🙂
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Hello, Mina!!!
And thanks for the interest to see Caramoan. I googled ‘How to reach Caramoan’ and found lots of options from our tireless tour bloggers, but here’s one that should give you a better perspective on travelling to Caramoan: http://www.caramoan.ph/how-to-go-to-caramoan/. Hope that helps. But if you’re coming from the Visayas or elsewhere, do try the other blogs. 🙂
Enjoy!!!
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