How to Go to Caramoan

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

If you’re looking for an exotic dream destination for your next getaway, look no further than Caramoan. This little-known string of islands in the Philippines is a paradise for beach-lovers and those craving fun, sun, and relaxation somewhere off the beaten path. To get there, you’ll need to first make your way to Naga by way of Manila, where you can reach central Sabang Port in San Jose Camarines Sur. From there, you can hop from one island to the next at your own leisure by way of boat.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Getting to Caramoan

1
Fly to Naga in Bicol, Philippines. If you live somewhere outside of the Philippines, you’ll first need to book a flight to Naga. This is the most convenient and accessible starting point for all international trips into Caramoan, whether you decide to go by land or sea. The majority of flights to Naga connect through Manila, the capital of the Philippines.^{[1]
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- Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific both offer flights from various cities around the world to Manila, and from Manila to Naga.^{[2]
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- If you prefer, you can also take a car or bus from Manila to Naga. Keep in mind, however, that this is roughly an 8 hour drive.
- Make sure you have your passport or visa in order if you're traveling from outside the country.
2
Drive directly from Naga to Caramoan (optional). As of 2018, it’s possible for commuters to reach Caramoan via the newly completed Fuentebella Highway. You can either load up your own vehicle or purchase a ticket a nearby bus station to avoid having to deal with parking. All in all, the drive takes about 3-5 hours.^{[3]
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- If you decide to take your own car, you can park at one of the public lots in the port district, or at your resort if you’re staying somewhere on the mainland.
- There's no need to obtain a separate driver's license unless you plan on staying longer than 90 days.^{[4]
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- A bus ticket will ordinarily run you PHP650-1,000, depending on the service you go with. To save time and make sure you get a seat, book your tickets in advance online with your preferred provider.
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3
Take a car from Naga to Sabang Port. Once you touch down in Naga, rent a vehicle or hop on a bus and buckle up for a 2-hour ride to Sabang Port, which lies in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur. This is the main takeoff point for excursions to the Caramoan islands.^{[5]
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- There are currently no airlines offering direct flights to Caramoan, which is why it's necessary to go through Sabang Port if you don't plan on driving the whole way.
4
Charter a boat out of Sabang Port to Caramoan. Ferries and trigger boats depart from Sabang Port every hour on the hour each day from 6am to 11am. The trip takes about 2 hours in total and ends at Guijalo Port, the central arriving port for the Caramoan islands.^{[6]
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- Boat fare can vary by company, but it typically costs an average of about PHP120 per passenger, which is around $2.50 USD.^{[7]
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- As of the current date, all travelers arriving at Guijalo Port must pay a standard Environmental Fee of PHP30 (roughly ¢60 USD).
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Travel by boat to any of the nearby islands. Guijalo Port is the gateway to the Caramoan islands. Once you’re there, you’ll be free to take a ferry or trigger boat to any of the islands you wish to visit at any time. Island-hopping trips are currently priced from PHP1,500 ($28 USD) up to about PHP4,000 ($76 USD), depending on the company you use.
- For the most part, you'll be able to do the same sorts of things on each of the major islands. Some islands, however, are known for certain activities, like hiking and free climbing in Matukad and cliff diving along the rocky shores of Langkipaw.
- Caramoan is a frequent shooting location for reality TV shows like Survivor. Because of this, some of these islands may be off limits to travelers while filming is taking place.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Planning Accommodations, Dining, and Transportation

1
Stay in a hotel or inn on one of the islands. There are approximately 15-20 lodging places scattered throughout Caramoan. These range from expensive luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. Look into different locations and book your accommodations online or over the phone when you find one that fits your budget and personal preferences.^{[9]
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- At present, it can cost between PHP7,500 ($141 USD) and PHP18,000 ($340 USD) per night to stay in one of the major beachfront resorts.^{[10]
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- Start comparing possible lodgings early to guarantee that you’ll be able to reserve a room in time for your trip.
2
Camp on the beach to immerse yourself in nature. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to a lengthy hotel stay and don’t mind roughing it for a few days, simply set up a tent on the shore of any of the main islands. It’s completely legal to do so, and, best of all, completely free.^{[11]
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- If you do decide to camp out, don’t forget to bring along essential items like a first aid kit, sunblock, insect repellent, and food or a little spending money for meals.
- Though you won't be far from civilization, it's important to remember basic camping safety and etiquette—pick up all food and trash, avoid building fires in prohibited areas, and be sure to write down your boating company's contact information in case of an emergency.
3
Budget $5-8 USD per meal for food. Eating in Caramoan is inexpensive and delicious. There isn’t much in the way of fine dining, but all of the local grills and casual eateries serve up fresh-caught seafood and Filipino staples like sinigang and chicken adobo. Even the heartiest meal shouldn’t cost you more than about PHP500 (about $10 USD) with prices the way they are.^{[12]
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- Most of the restaurants in Caramoan close by 8pm, so try not to wait too late to go out.^{[13]
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Hail a tricycle to get around the town proper. The main mode of ground transportation in Caramoan is tricycle, a type of 3-wheeled motor carriage. Use tricycles the way you would a taxi service to commute from place to place while you’re in town. These days, most tricycle drivers only charge about PHP10 (¢20) for rides within the central business district.^{[14]
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- Tricycles typically seat 3-5 passengers at a time.
- A tricycle will only take you where you want to go while you're inland. To get to a different island, you’ll need to go by boat.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Enjoying Various Activities

1
Hang out on the beach. Caramoan is primarily beloved as a relaxing getaway. Each of the 10 principal islands boast white, sandy beaches surrounded by lush green mountains and hills, where you can soak up the sun to your heart’s content. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!^{[15]
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- The calm waters around the islands may not be the best for surfing, but they can be perfect for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and similar pastimes.
- Expect late afternoon showers on most days. Heavy rains may even result in certain scheduled activities being postponed or cancelled.
2
Go snorkeling in the bay. Dive in and take a closer look at the local aquatic wildlife. The sheer diversity of colorful fish, billowing plants, and unique underwater geological formations on display is sure to leave you stunned. Cagbalinad Island is particularly famous for its snorkeling spots.
- If you have your own diving equipment, feel free to use it. Otherwise, you can rent snorkeling and scuba gear from one of area businesses for a small hourly rate.
- Guests of some 4- and 5-star resorts may even be able to make use of snorkeling gear provided by the hotel free of charge.^{[16]
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Embark on a spelunking expedition in one of the nearby caves. The islands of Caramoan are home to many natural cave systems. If you’re the adventurous type, you can have lots of fun combing every inch of these caverns. You never know what you’ll find—an underground stream runs through Bulang Bulang cave in Taisan, and Manipis cave in Barangay Pandanan is said to be the hiding place of buried treasure!^{[17]
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- Spelunking can be as dangerous as it is exciting, if you’re not careful. Explore at your own risk.
- Keep in mind that the caves in Caramoan are owned and maintained by the Caramoan National Park service, which means it’s against the law to do things like litter or collect natural souvenirs to take home with you.
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Take a guided foot tour or nature hike. During the course of one of these tours, you’ll learn about famous historical landmarks like the church at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, which is almost 400 years old. If you’d prefer to stick closer to nature, you can climb the 500 steps of Mt. Caglago to see the extraordinary Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Mother of Peace statue, as well as take in a breathtaking view of the neighboring islands.^{[18]
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- Of course, there’s no need to pay for a guided tour. If you just want to see the sights, you’re more than welcome to traipse around each of the main islands at your own leisure.
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