April 9-10,2010 -Powdery white sand,majestic lagoon,crystal blue waters,lush vegetation,rock formations,abundant marine life and under water river are just a few of the nature's wonders in Caramoan, Camarines Sur.This Do-It-Yourself Caramoan Islands Adventure might be of help for budget conscious tourists.
- By Bus
There are daily bus companies bound to Camarines Sur or Naga City at ALI Mall Bus Terminal in Cubao.Transport companies like Isarog,Peñafrancia,Raymund,ALPS and Philtranco offers affordable fare ranging from P800.00 to P1,000.00/passenger.Its an eight hours bus ride,you must avail yourself a comfortable seat.Brand new and executive buses are often dispatched from 6pm to 9pm.Upon arrival at the Naga City Central Bus Terminal,you have three options,rent a taxi,ride a commuter van or take a bus.Renting a taxi bound to Sabang Port,San Jose Camarines Sur will cost you around P1,200 to P1,500 (one way) depending on your haggling skills.Toyota Avanza taxi can accommodate up to eight passengers.They lined up at the last lane to the right (if you are facing the terminal).Second options is to take a van at the nearby van terminal( walking distance in front of SM Mall) to Sabang Port.The earliest trip departs at 4am and the last trip at 7am.Travel time from Naga to Sabang Port takes only an hour but most of the time delay happen because the operators does not leave the terminal until it reach the desired seating capacity.Fare cost at P90.00/passenger.If you miss the last trip,you can take the van bound to Goa (P60.00/passenger).Upon arrival at Goa Integrated Terminal,ride a jeep to Sabang Port on the adjacent lane (P15.00/passenger). The third options is to ride an ordinary bus (non-airconditioned) bound to Lagonoy,just tell the conductor to drop you off the town of Goa to the jeepney terminal bound to Sabang Pier.Fare cost at P55.00/passenger from Naga to Goa,then Jeep Fare from Goa to Sabang Port at P15.00/passenger.You can also drop off at San Jose Centro to Sabang Junction (in front of San Jose Church) then ride a tricycle to Sabang.Travel time is approximately two hours but you will enjoy the scenic view of the country-side and the nearby Mt. Isarog.
- By Plane
Currently,there are two airlines serving Manila - Naga route.Cebu Pacific Air and AirPhil Express.This is much cheaper than taking a bus if you avail there early booking promo.Upon arrival at Pili Domestic Airport you can rent a taxi to Sabang Port.This will cost you around P1,200.00 to P1,500.00.Taxi in Naga City (Toyota Avanza)can accommodate up to eight passengers.You can also ride a "padyak" (P10.00/passenger) up to the National Highway then take a bus bound to Lagonoy( JC Liner or Florencia Bus ),just tell the conductor to drop you off the town of Goa to the jeepney terminal bound to Sabang Pier.Fare cost at P45.00/passenger from Pili Airport to Goa,then Jeep Fare from Goa to Sabang Port at P15.00/passenger.For pre-arranged taxi service you can call 09298377045- Bebot or 09392619166-Ben.
SABANG SAN JOSE,CAMARINES SUR Brgy. Sabang under the municipality of San Jose in the province of Camarines Sur is the jumping point to Caramoan.There are no formal port here,its just that boat operators such as M/V Harry finds it more convenient and cost effective if they are in Sabang rather than using the nearby Talisay port.During low tide (which is ussually the case),the boats are anchored afar from the beach.Local porter offers back ride service to hop you to the boat secure and dry.There are no fixed rate running for this kind of service but the local pays P10.00/passenger.Don't forget to list yourself at the informal passenger manifest before boarding the boat.If you are in group,talk only to one porter for the back ride service to avoid double charging.Boat schedule from Sabang to Guijalo Port,Caramoan starts at 7am until 2pm only.Sea travel approximately two hours.Fare at P120.00 for adult P60.00 for children.
Guijalo Port is your gateway to Caramoan.Lines of tricycles are waiting to bring you to Centro- the commercial area of Caramoan.There is a local ordinance posted in the port that you must list yourself at the local tourism officer in the port which was commonly ignored.Well,just do it anyway.If you have no booking in the resorts, the centro is your best choice. Just walk along the main highway, you can see several inns, hostels and transient houses.Tricycle drivers charge P100.00 per trip to Centro but it can accommodate six passengers.Jeep fare at P20.00/passenger.I have a family friend that offers transient house at a very affordable rate.They have three fully air conditioned rooms that can cater four persons for P1,500.00.They also have land transfer(white L300)from port to the house and to the beach for P1,000.00/route.They also arrange for your "banca" for the island hopping at P1,500.00/boat with a maximum of 12 passengers.They also cook for your meals if you want.If you like to feel as if you are visiting your own vacation house with the service and hospitality of your loyal caretakers,Call Julie Huerrero at 09282153916.
I WANT TO DO-IT-MYSELF.- From Guijalo Port ride a jeep to Centro (P20.00/passenger),look for a room to stay at the list below:
CMC Villa Caramoan - Owner Ms. Marvie Cabrera. Rates start at P1,800/day during peak season.(AC room with Cable TV and CR) - 0928-4825845
Villa Juliana- Look for Roger Reyes. Rates start at P400.00(non AC)P600.00(aircon) -0917-7633167
La Casa Roa - 0917-5801850. Rates starts at P800.00-P1,200.00
Kuya Jay Tourist - 0921-299-8866
Rex Tourist Inn - look for Mr. Rex Hernandez (0919-882-1879) 2 Single Bed Room - P1,400.00 per night with air-condition room, hot and cold bath plus cable tv. Single occupancy start at P650.
BC HomeTel - Ate Fely (0921-8357454)
La Playa Beach Camp (Paniman Beach front) call: 0919-8136766/0920-2816362/0918-6249091I HAVE MY ROOM NOW- Buy things you want at the Centro before leaving.I suggest that you take your early lunch (to minimized baggage/packed lunch).Rent a tricycle to Brgy.Paniman or Brgy. Bikal (P250.00 one way),talk to the tricycle driver that he will fetch you in the afternoon after the island hopping.At Brgy. Paniman or Bikal you can rent a boat at P1,500.00 per day.Enjoy your island hopping!
Try to trek the hidden lagoon at Matukad Island as an additional trill to your island adventure.Its awesome!Normally Sabitang Laya and and Tinago Island are not part of the island hopping itinerary but if you just use your charm and talk to the local boatman they will bring you there.
WHERE I AM GOING TO EAT - There are restaurants in the Centro such as Caramoan Bed and Dine and Lutong Bahay which offers very affordable meals.I suggest that you take an early dinner in the evening, sometimes they runs out of food during peak seasons.
WHERE DO I BUY MY PASALUBONG - there's nothing out there except for Survivor T-Shirt,reserved you money and buy your pasalubong at Naga City.
GOING HOME - Rent a tricycle to Guijalo Port(P100.00/trip).Boat Schedule from Guijalo to Sabang starts from 7am to 11am only.Port Fee at P5.00/passenger.Upon arrival at Sabang Port,ride a van to Naga City at the nearby van terminal (P80.00/passenger)or take a jeep to Goa (P15.00/passenger)then at Goa ride a van to Naga City (P70.00/passenger).
PROPOSED 2 DAYS CARAMOAN ISLAND HOPPING ITINERARY
DAY 1
730am - arrival at Pili Airport
8am-9am - travel to Sabang Port
9am-11am - travel to Guijalo Port Caramoan
11am-12nn - travel to Centro,Hotel check in and early Lunch
12nn-1pm - travel to Paniman Beach
1pm-5pm - Island Hopping
5pm-6pm travel to Centro
DAY 2
8am-9am - travel to Bikal Beach
8am-5pm - Island Hopping
5pm-6pm travel to Centro
DAY 3
6am-7am - travel to Guijalo Port
7am-9am - travel to Sabang Port
9am-10am - travel to Naga City
12nn - departure at Pili Airport
Caramoan Revisited www.bicolanotourist.blogspot.com.
HOW TO GO THERE
