IF YOU THINK Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan hold the monopoly on the Philippines’ most breathtaking beaches, think again. There’s a quiet corner of Camarines Sur, at the southern tip of the Bicol Region, that rivals these famous names—without the crowds, the chaos, or the commercial sprawl. Here, powdery-white sands meet turquoise waters, limestone cliffs stand guard over secluded coves, and time itself seems to slow.
This is Caramoan —“The Hidden Paradise,” a place where the Pacific Ocean whispers secrets to the shore and where travelers come not just to see, but to feel.
UNTOUCHED NATURE
Once a secret known only to adventurous backpackers, Caramoan rose to international fame when the hit reality series “Survivor” in multiple franchise editions— chose its islands as its filming location. Yet even with the global spotlight, Caramoan has remained blissfully unspoiled, thanks in part to its remoteness.
Getting here is a journey by air, land, and sea which may deter the casual tourist but rewards the determined traveler with something far more precious: serenity.
It’s easy to see why it’s been dubbed the “Emerging Paradise of the Pacific.”
With over a dozen islands and islets scattered across the Maqueda Channel and Lagonoy Gulf, Caramoan offers a different kind of escape — one where island-hopping is not just an activity, but a way of life.
SCINTILLATING BEAUTIES
Each island here is a world of its own — Guinahoan Island greets visitors with rolling hills reminiscent of Batanes.
A short hike to its lighthouse rewards you with sweeping views of the Pacific’s restless waves and the quiet beauty of Liwan Beach.
On Matukad Island, you’ll find not just fine white sand but also a mysterious hidden lagoon, believed by locals to be enchanted. Across the way, Minalahos Islandoffers dramatic limestone cliffs, a solitary rock in its cove, and a secret passage for the daring.
Lahos Island is pure magic — two beaches divided by towering rock formations, vanishing entirely during high tide as if swallowed by the sea.
Cotivas Island stretches out in a coconut-lined embrace, while Manlawi Sandbar shifts between sun-soaked strolls at low tide and floating cottages when the water rises.
For snorkelers and divers, Cagbalinad Island is a nature’s gem with clear waters, rich marine life, and limestone formations that seem to have been carved for postcards.
LIFE BEYOND THE SHORE
Island-hopping here means more than swimming and sunbathing—it’s an immersion into Caramoan’s rhythm. Time is dictated by the tides, boats leave early and return before dusk, and meals are simple yet soul-satisfying. One local specialty you can’t miss is Pancit Bato, a humble noodle dish that’s as much about tradition as it is about taste—chewy, flavorful, and best enjoyed after a day under the sun.
GETTING THERE
Getting to Caramoan is an adventure in itself. From Manila, you can take an overnight bus directly to Caramoan or break the trip with a flight to Naga City, followed by a van to Sabang Port and a boat ride to Guijalo Port. The sea here can be rough during the southwest monsoon, so plan accordingly.
But the moment you set foot on its shores, the long journey fades into memory. The sound of the waves, the salt in the air, and the sight of endless blues will make you understand why people who “chase Caramoan” often find themselves coming back.
PARADISE OF TRANQUILITY
Caramoan is not for those who want neon nightlife or rows of high-end resorts. It’s for those who wantswhere the first thing they hear is the sea, wading through fresh crystalline waters, and evenings under a sky bursting with stars. It is for travelers who believe paradise should be explored and experienced.
In this alluring and captivating far-flung edge of Bicol, paradise still hides in plain sight—waiting for you to love and felt its tranquility.