Caramoan is considered as the top destination in Camarines Sur. It one of the municipalities in the 3rd district of Camarines Sur province and is situated at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula. It is located in Region 5, also known as the Bicol Region.
I'll share with you a simple travel guide on how to go to this beautiful place in the province of Camarines Sur.
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| Sabitang Laya Island |
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| Sabitang Laya Island |
How to get to Caramoan:
By bus:
From Manila, there are many bus companies that service the Manila to Naga route or Manila to Sabang route. You can go to Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City to find these buses or you can also check the bus terminals in Pasay City near the Pasay rotonda. The bus fare range from 500 to 1000 for air conditioned buses and 400 to 600 for ordinary buses. The travel time from Manila to Naga City is 8 to 10 hours.From Naga City, you can ride a bus bound for San Jose town, or you can also ride a van bound directly to Barangay Sabang, San Jose. The travel time from Naga City to San Jose town is 1.5 to 2 hours. And then from San Jose town, near the town church, you ride a jeepney bound for Sabang Port. It's a 15 to 30 minutes jeepney ride. And then from Sabang port, you will ride a boat bound for Guijalo port, Caramoan. The travel time for boat is about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It's a small boat with a capacity of 25 to 50 person only. The boat departs every hour starting from 6am to 11am.
After arriving in Guijalo port, you'll need to ride a habal habal or a tricycle bound for Caramoan town or directly to Barangay Paniman, this is where most of the resorts are located and it's also near the Gota Village. Travel time from Guijalo port to Caramoan town center is around 15 to 30 minutes.
Another alternative route is via Nato port. From Naga City, you can ride a bus bound to Tigaon town. Travel time is around 1 to 1.5 hours. And then from Tigaon poblacion, look for tricycle or jeepneys bound for Nato Port or Sagnay. Nato Port is located in the municipality of Sagnay. The travel time from Tigaon to Sagnay is 15 to 20 minutes. There is a ferry plying the route Nato Port to Guijalo Port. Travel time is 2 hours. Be informed that the ferry only has 1 scheduled trip, that is 6:30am only. The ferry trip is on a daily basis. The ferry has the same size with the ferrys plying the Lucena to Marinduque route, and a little bit smaller than the ferry plying the Batangas to Calapan route.
By Plane:
As of today, there are now three airlines servicing the Manila to Naga route. These are Cebu Pacific, Zest Airways and Air Philippines. However, you can also choose to fly from Manila to Legazpi as these route is being serviced by 4 airline company. Philippine Airline, Zest Airways, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines. From Legazpi airport, you proceed to Legazpi Transport Terminal and ride a bus or a van bound for Naga City, but you should tell the driver to drop you off at the crossing in Barangay Anayan, Pili town. This is the highway going to Nato Port, Partido Area. Travel time from Legazpi City to Anayan is 1.5 to 2 hours. And then from Anayan, you ride a bus bound to Lagonoy but be sure to get off at Tigaon town proper. Travel time from Anayan to Tigaon is 1 hour. You can also wait for a jeepney in Anayan bound directly to Nato Port.
By Train:
PNR has a daily trip from Manila to Naga City. You can check their Tutuban station or Pasay road station. They only have 1 trip per day. The train departs in Manila at around 6:30pm and the travel time from Manila to Naga City is 10 to 12 hours. Fare range from 550 to 1000 pesos. And then from PNR Naga Station, ride a tricycle bound to CBD bus terminal or van terminal. It's just a short ride, 10 minutes ride. And then from the transport terminal you can ride a van or bus bound to San Jose or Sabang Port or Nato Port.
Caramoan, at a glance:
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| Lahus Island |
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| Lahus Island |
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| Lahus Island |
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| sandbar |
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| Hunongan Cove |
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| Hunongan Cove |
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| Barangay Paniman |
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| View from Our Lady of Peace statue, Barangay Tabgon |