Caramoan, Bicol Region, Philippines May 2016
If you want a province-like place, unpolluted, serene, a place where you wanted to hear the sea, no parties, no music, just appreciating the beauty of nature and fresh air, Caramoan is for you.
Caramoan is a first-class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines. It is located at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the north and east and Lagonoy Gulf on the south.
When we talk about Bicol, the first thing that will always come into our mind is the Mayon Volcano–the symmetric conical shaped volcano located in that region.
So, one crazy day, after the “audit season”, my friends and I wanted to take a vacation, one far away from Makati, and we happen to bumped into a Metrodeal offer of a three days and two nights Caramoan-Albay Tour.
It costs Php 3,500 which includes the transportation and accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights, it also includes the boat ride for island hopping.
So, how did we purchase the voucher on Metrodeal? Is it a scam or not?
It is not a scam. I am no way connected with the Metrodeal, but I had bought several vouchers in this site and none of them have failed me. However, they have a few guidelines like: a minimum of two vouchers is required per booking and reservations must be made 7 to 14 days before the date you want to travel. Just buy a voucher and pay it OTC on Banks or other remittance centers if you are afraid that your credit card information will be at risk, also print the voucher and present it on to the tour guide on the day you will leave.
Thursday Night, Day 0
The available dates are always on a Thursday to Sunday. You will meet up with other passengers at Chowking Balintawak, it is at Total Gasoline Station, on Thursday night. This is the day zero, when you will travel from Manila to Bicol.
There are a lot of vans, so you have to ask the tour guide which one is your van, it is not pre-announced and it is on a first come, with infirst serve basis, so you have to be alert so you’ll get the best spot. You wouldn’t want to sit uncomfortably for 14 hours right?
Yes, Caramoan is 14 hours away from Manila. Tip: Use the comfort room when you have a chance, the road going to Paniman Beach is a remote area.
The people inside the van are the ones youwithinthe hotel and they will also be with your boat in the island hopping, so try making friends with them.
Friday, Day 1
The last stop over will be at LCC Mall, Sabang, Naga City where you will have your breakfast at your own expense. Jollibee is by far the only place you can eat in. We arrived at the said place at 8:00 am and if you think you are near, nope, you aren’t.
Paniman Beach is still about 4 hours away. There will be one more stop over, but the toilet is locked, meaning you cannot use it, there are sari sari stores which will offer you refreshments.
So here’s a photo of Paniman Beach.
Hotel
The van will bring you right in front of the hotel. Warning: Do not expect too much from the hotel. The place we stayed at was a bungalow house with four or five bedrooms. Each bedroom has an air condition and its own bathroom. A maximum of four people can fit in the room. The gate was a wooded fence which they close at night.
Most of the houses were bungalow, it was very province like, it was serene. When the sun goes down a very few are walking around the streets, and the streets are not well lighted so I do not advise you to go out at night.
The hotel was not beach front, however the beach was about two streets away.
Another Warning: We do not know if we’re just unlucky or what, but during our stay, there were times when there was no electricity, there was a generator, and we were provided by electric fans each room, however since it is summer it is so hot. Also, we cannot find ice in the place for our beverages.
At three in the afternoon we went to the city to visit St. Michael Church and to look for pasalubong hunting.
A photo of St. Michael Church, don’t forget to make a wish!
Saturday, Day 2
So day two! And it’s island hoppping day! Here’s a no filter photo of Paniman beach.
Here’s another photo of it 
So the islands you’ll visit will depend whether it’s a high tide or low tide. Also, since an island was rented by Survivor, a TV series, there were islands that we were not allowed to visit. We were able to visit Busdak Cove, Tinago Beach and Lahos Island.
Island Hopping
Every one is allowed to swim by the beach, free of charge. There are no cottages, you can leave your things in the boat, or if you must, bring it with you. You can bring your beach towels if you don’t want to sit on the sand.
It will be helpful to wear your swimwear before leaving Paniman Beach since there is no changing rooms. The water is clear, fishes can be seen without need of snorkeling, there are no water activities. Sometimes the signal is even dropping. It is the best place to unwind. However, you have to be careful in swimming because some stones may wound you.
There are also amazing rock structures which you will pass by. The island rented by the Survivor can be seen, however no visitors were allowed.
Food
In island hopping you have to bring your own food, sit on the sand and if you must, eat with bare hands! The place we stayed at was serving food which was placed in a basket complete with water, utensils and cup. Yes, there is no food in Tinago Beach, so better prepare a pack lunch.
If I remember it correct the price of the meal we bought was 150 per person, the food was good though, and of course, we cannot miss Bicol Express, and I will say, it was the best Bicol Express I have ever tasted! After the island hopping you have to return the basket and little water gallon to them
Food was a little bit an issue in Paniman beach. There were a few small time restaurants near the beach however they are not open 24/7, their food is okay and as I previously said, the streets are not well lighted at night and only a few walk around. The hotel was, however, serving food, even in the early morning.
Sunday, Day 3
So here we are at Day Three! We were lucky to see the Mayon Volcano!
We left Paniman Beach around six in the morning and arrived at Casagwa Ruins at around ten in the morning. We were disappointed at first because it was foggy, we cannot take a photo of the Mayon Volcano. However, few minutes before we leave we finally saw it! It was so beautiful! Even with the scorching heat at past one o’clock, we walked out of the van and took photos of it!
Casagwa Ruins is also the best place to buy your pasalubong and souvernir items, there are a lot of variety so you can from them. You can also try their “Chili Shake” and “Chili Ice Cream”
We’ve tried the Chili Ice Cream, it was sweet and it burns in your throat, over all it was good! Also, you can ride on the ATV to take a closer look on the Mayon Volcano.
So that pretty sums up my Caramoan-Albay Experience, til next time!
XOXO,
Camilla Eldridge
Camilla Eldridge 