Caramoan Island is located in the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur in the Bicol region of the Philippine archipelago. It is defined by lush, green coastal mountains stretching all the way from Sabang to Caramoan, amidst deep blue, aquamarine Pacific waters, rich in marine and aquatic life.
The arrival of foreign tourists combined with the media exposure given by the Survivor shows (France, Israel, Bulgaria, Serbia, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, India and the latest is the United States) could probably be the reason why Caramoan Islands has been voted as a top destination for water sports enthusiasts all over the world. It was also recently chosen as one of the 10 best islands and beaches in the Philippines by CNNGo – a television and online travel magazine of CNN, the world’s largest international cable news network. The rugged but scenic Caramoan Islands, known for its fine white sand, turquoise waters and lush vegetation and jungle areas is fast becoming popular among travellers and holidaymakers. What to Do in Caramoan Island Island hopping is given a new meaning by this magnificent island. Caramoan is the perfect island hopping get-away with its 10 beautiful islands in the peninsula, all of which offer unique experience and adventure with snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, limestone cliff / rock climbing, caving or just wading and swimming in their glorious fine white sand beaches. Visit and enjoy any of the islands:
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Gota Beach. This is the main attraction of Caramoan. About 5 kilometers from the town proper, Gota beach is the jump-off point for island hopping to Matukad and Lahuy Islands. Gota Beach has two caves – the Big Gota and Little Gota. Big Gota is more popular because of its proximity to the town. Little Gota on the other hand, is proud of its powdery white sand comparable to Boracay Island. The famous landmark – the Explorer’s Rock, is a large rock which is an indication that you have reached Gota Beach.
- Matukad Island. Matukad is one of the small islands in Caramoan. Its shores are covered with super fine and powdery off-white sand and walled with spectacular jigsaw-puzzle-like limestone cliffs. It has a lush tropical forest where you can find a small hidden lake at its center. The peak of the sharp jagged limestone cliffs will give you a refreshing view of the virgin surroundings.
- Lahos Island. The island is just across Matukad Island. It has fine off-white sand shore similar to a thin sheet of paper in-between two identical rocks. During high tide, it eventually disappears and can only be seen again during low tides. This is how the island gets its name – laho (a Tagalog word) in English means ‘to vanish’.
- Lahuy Island. This is a dog bone-like and the largest island in the northern part of the Caramoan Peninsula which is surrounded by smaller islets. It is 10 kilometers long and 3.5 kilometers wide. It has the longest stretch of fine white sand shore among the islands of Caramoan and the entire Camarines Sur. Nipa Beach and Bugtong Beach are also part of Lahuy Island. Nipa Beach has long and wide shoreline which adjoins Bugtong Beach which has unique black-freckled rock formations.
- Malarad Island. This is where you will find a coral pebbled beach called Tayak Beach. The island is accessible only during high tide since the broad coral formation prevents any boat from entering during low tides. Tayak Lagoon is also found in this island, and it is a hidden salt body of water located in the center about 100 meters from the Tayak Beach. One can swim underneath the Tayak beach rocks to access the lagoon. It has a vast coral garden great for snorkeling expeditions.
- Sabitang Laya Island. This is a triangular island defined by a long fine white shoreline. The 2 kilometer long stretch of the beach is ideal for swimmers, beach combers and snorkelers. It is also has tall and large cliffs perfect for rock climbing adventures.
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Cotivas Island. This island is a must see place. One can experience the feeling of being lost in paradise. Cotivas Island replicates a dessert of fine white sandbars during low tides, giving you a paradise of endless skies, with green tropical backdrop and crystal clear ocean waters gently rushing to your feet.
- Guinahuan Island. This is where you will find Liwan Beach – is another dessert of fine white sand bar that eventually pops up during low tide. It is proud home to a diverse marine life that will give a fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving experience.