Caramoan

The Caramoan area, on the eastern tip of the Caramoan Peninsula in Bicol, is a rugged and remote landscape of white-sand beaches, rich woods, swampland, lakes, and caves. Numerous seasons of the reality TV show Survivor have filmed around this region, including at Gota Beach. Most travelers explore the pristine Caramoan Islands by small outrigger boat. There are too many to scope out in one trip, but don’t miss famous Matukad Island with its pure white sands, exotic rain forest, limestone rock formations, and even a hidden lagoon. Another must-visit is Manlawe Island, a one-kilometer-wide sandbar surrounded by ankle-deep water. Other highlights include Cotivas Island, Gota Island, and Sabitang-Laya, a triangular landmass with powdery sand, caves, and superb snorkeling. Accommodations in Caramoan include family-run inns that are equipped with modern amenities but rustic enough to accentuate the region’s remote and unspoiled ambience.

After 7 hours of travel and sort of an “Amazing Race” by taxi, airplane, van, tricycle & boat, I reached Caramoan from Manila. This is the Home of the Survivor TV series. With a string of islands scattered along the area (one of them is Lahos, pictured here), its remote location makes it a great base for the TV series. However, as a local tourist who made an effort to travel I found it frustrating to know that they closed one island I was raring to visit, Sabitang Laya. Anyway overall it was an enjoyable experience and I vowed that I will be back. Caramoan can be reached either from Naga City (the route that I took) or from Virac, the capital of its neighboring island Catanduanes which should be shorter.