Surviving the Ride to Caramoan Island!

Caramoan island has been one of my dream beach destination. After it became famous because of French Survivor reality show, its popularity from locals and foreigners alike increased. It is isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur, reason for keeping its natural beauty unexploited.

Last February, we planned our much awaited trip to the island. Together with my husband, my little sister who was also on vacation and my two beach-lover friends, we packed our bags with very high expectations and imagination of tan lines, white sand beach, crystal clear water and delicious local food. However, I would like to think that our trip was more than that. It was an adventure from day one. First, during our departure from Cebu, a low pressure was announced to hit Bicol (region where Caramoan island is located) and flights might be cancelled. To make the situation more exciting, we are travelling on different flights and first to take off is my little sister, alone! Imagine us praying really hard before each flight and at the same time trying to calm our parents :))

My sister reached Naga, Camarines Sur safely while for us, it was a different experience. Because we were too stubborn to believe that our flight will be smooth and safe inspite of the low pressure, we literally experienced a near-death experience while the plane was about to land in Naga. God must have heard the cry in my head that I was not ready to die at that instant, he guided the pilot and we landed safely with applause from all passengers. Whew!

We stayed one night in Naga City at Sampaguita Tourist Inn. We booked our room at the very last minute (special thanks to my friend's brother who lives nearby). The room is pretty decent and very affordable. Their location is also very accessible to the mall and bus/van terminal. Very much recommended for those who will be travelling to Caramoan early morning the following day.

From Naga city to Sabang port (starting point for your boat ride to the island), it will take around 1.5 hours travel. It is advisable to take the first trip in the morning so you can catch the second boat trip to Caramoan and reach the island around lunch time. Keep yourself awake during this roadtrip as there are beautiful sceneries along the way. Once you reach the port, few guides will be assisting you on which boat to take. If its low tide, they will take you on a small boat/bangka to where the bigger boat is docked otherwise, the bigger boat will be waiting at the port.

The smaller boat/bangka - our ride to the bigger boat.

photo swiped from my sister's facebook album :)

Finally, after a 30 minute bangka ride, we reached the "real" boat that will take us to the island.

This boat or ferry (as what the locals call it) is not really that big.  There's not so much leg room for you to move/stretch. And you have to really sit still when the boat is kinda loaded with passengers, vegetables and even chickens :)

Since the weather during our trip was not that nice, the boat ride was a bit bumpy too. Plus the occasional downpour of rain made us really uncomfortable.

After two hours of sitting still and praying for a safe trip, we reached Guijalo port (main port of Caramoan island) in one piece. Until now, I still felt sad that it was high tide when the boat docked. Otherwise, we would have experienced this... :)

photo swiped from google.

In spite of the whole travel experience, we were all thankful that we reached our destination safely. The beauty of the island is very much worth it. 

Next post: Island hopping!

P.S. All photos are owned by yours truly unless specified :D Please ask permission if you want to copy or at least give proper credits. Thank you!