Caramoan: Let's Go Around The Town

Town Proper

The 15-minute away town from Guijalo Port can be reached via tricycle or "habal-habal. This famous mode of transportation will give you an easy view of the so-called "somnolent" town. Along the way are view of mountains, rice fields, plains with flock of birds. At town's center, cafeterias, shops, lodges, and home stay are lined up.

heavy loader tricycle that can carry 8 passengers

Across this tricycle is an ATM. Yes, not just one but two machines! If you don't have enough cash, prepare to be charged P99 per transaction :D

Rizal Monument

Manapot River

St. Michael Parish: 18th Century Church

After two centuries, from nipa, bamboo and wood, this church was constructed out of adobe, local stone and clay materials. The Caramoans were obliged to render free labor during its construction under the direction of well-known artisans and masons.  The building will stand in spite of the ravages of time and natural calamities.

This church, together with all houses in the poblacion and adjoining barrios were burned during the last Japanese-American war. Again, the people voluntarily worked together to make proper repair and improvement to restore and preserve the historic edifice.

Lourdes Grotto: One of the historical, religious and structural landmarks along the 10-km route from Guigalo Port to Bikal Port.

This concrete statue of Our Lady of Peace, is the first, the biggest, the tallest religious image ever built in the province of CamSur.

Spotted a white oak tree that reminds me of the trending "Vampire Diaries".

One of the few souvenir shops in town. There are no souvenir items in Naga, so grab whatever item that catches your eye like Caramoan shirts and pay of course!

The Port of Bikal is 10-km away from Guijalo on the side of the Caramoan Peninsula. It is only 15 to 20 minutes by jeep or trimobile from Guijalo Port and serves as the access or entry point to some islands and barangays on the northern corridor of the Peninsula.

....and there you go, let all your senses explore the captivating place!

Next post> Caramoan: Exploring the Islands! soon :)

Caramoan: Getting Here and There

Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of Camarines Sur located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula. This small town came to be called “Carahan” for the sea turtle, which were visible along the shores during the Spanish Era. Caramoan Peninsula has been an unexplored paradise not until the franchising and filming of Survivor International. When featured in the local news and social networking sites, travelers just come and go! This made Caramoan as one of the popular tourist destinations nowadays!

Matukad Island

How to get there?

From Manila to Naga City

By Air

The Manila to Naga air route is served by Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines. Travel time is 45 minutes to one hour. From the airport in Pili town, one can hail a taxi to Naga City. 

Tip: Watch out for seat sales or promo fares. Airlines offer P0, P1, 50%, 90% fares! These usually happen during holidays, pay days for AirPhil and CebuPac, Saturdays' Midnight Sale for Philippine Airlines.

By Bus

You can take a bus in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, EDSA in Pasay City and Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Bus companies have daily trips as early as 4:30 A.M. and last trips at 10 o’clock in the evening. The estimated travel time from Manila to Naga City is about eight hours including stopovers and passengers’ meal time in terminals. AC bus fare ranges from P700 to P900.

Tip: Since the travel time is quite long, you may choose a comfy bus. There are buses with toilet, Wi-Fi, 32-inch TV, mini screen, audio jack/plug per seat. Online booking is also available.

PHBus Online Booking: http://www.phbus.com/fares-and-schedules/

By Train

Yes, you can also get to Naga City by Bicol Express train. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is now back on track and have two night trips to Naga City leaving at 6:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M. The train comes in different types: economy, reclining air-con, family sleeper and executive sleeper. Estimated travel time from Tutuban/Manila to Naga City is ten hours. 

For Bicol Express reservations & inquiries, call:
Manila/Tutuban: (02) 319-0048, Lucena: (042) 661-2990, Naga: (054) 698-2123

Tips:

• Reserve the ticket/s one week before and pay two days before the travel date to confirm your seat/s.
• No stopover, no canteen or food to buy from. Bring your own not so-smelly food and room spray to deodorize the room after meal. 
• Train’s lights go dim at 11:00 P.M. There is a thick curtain to cover the sleeper couch for your privacy. 
• Air-con is set to high temperature so pack some warming garments like towel, sweat shirt, jacket, shawl or malong. 
• Train's toilet is satisfactory; sink has water. Bring your complete toiletries plus perfume, cologne or room spray during your necessity. Check everything for the benefit of the next user. :)

family sleeper

From Naga City to Sabang Port

1.5-hour Travel Options: 

1. At the airport, take a taxi (P1200-P1500) directly to Sabang Port.
2. At the airport, take a taxi (P150) going to Sabang Van Terminal located across SM Naga. From there, take a van (P100) bound to Sabang Port. 
3. At the bus terminal, walk/ride a trike going to Sabang Van Terminal. From there, take a van (P100) bound to Sabang Port. 
4. At the bus terminal, walk and take a taxi near SM Naga going to Sabang Port. 
5. At the train station, take a taxi (P1200-P1500) directly to Sabang Port. 
6. At the train station, ride a trike (P10) to Sabang Van Terminal (across SM Naga). From there, take a van (P100) bound to Sabang Port. 

Tip: If you are on a budget, take the van. The taxi charges twice the metered fare due to empty seats back to Naga from Sabang Port.

Sabang Port

From Sabang Port to Guijalo Port

At Sabang, board a passenger boat at P120 each. A group of porters help you board through a man-made wooden bridge at P10 per pax. Boat leaves every hour depending on the volume of passenger. Sometimes with intent delayed for 30 minutes to an hour to fill its capacity. First trip starts at 5:30 A.M, ends at 11:00 A.M., and extends at 1:00 P.M. Estimated travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours. Tourists are to be fetched at Guijalo Port by a staff/tour guide of the chosen package tour. 

one of the breathtaking views along the way

Guijalo Port

Tip: If you are a solo backpacker, take a tricycle or “habal-habal” at P20 each or pay its full capacity (P200). 

register and pay the terminal fee at P5

....home stay accommodation will help you appreciate the remoteness of the town and its culture

Next post> Caramoan: Exploring the Islands! soon :)