Caramoan Girls

Before discovering foreign lands, why not take your time and travel to the many beautiful places in our own country? We did just that during the long weekend as we grabbed our backpacks and went to Camarines Sur to explore Caramoan Island. This also served as my first out-of-town trip with officemates at Yell Adworks: Danna, Liss, Gin, and Raine. Oh and not to forget, Sushiman who never fails to charm anyone from a 1-meter radius.

Day 1: Friday – Amazing Mayon!

We arrived at Legazpi  10 minutes earlier than expected with the announcer saying “On your left side is the world-famous Mayon Volcano.” Mang Melchor approached us to offer his van service to Sabang, Naga where we can temporarily stay until the boat trip by dawn. As an add-on, he granted our wish to drop by the Cagsawa Ruins free of charge. The view was indeed breath-taking, as we were just used to seeing its images in books.

What else could we look for during lunch time but Bicol Express and Laing! At the nearby canteen, they cooked them as we ordered.

Minutes after taking more photos, all of us fell asleep as we rode our way to Sabang. Arriving at almost dinner time, it had been uneventful but we nevertheless enjoyed the tasty BBQ by the street.

Day 2: Saturday – Island Hopping

The boat left at 5:30 am for Caramoan – known to most people as the venue of the reality TV series Survivor. After 2 hours of sea travel, we settled in an inn and prepared to eat lunch. In the carinderia, we devoured guess what… Laing and Bicol Express again! But now complemented by Pork Steak and Menudo.

The tour guide led us to a small boat which will bring five of us to the island destinations:

Busdak Beach – a cove surrounded by rock formations, with Mocha-like sand

Lajos  Island – venue for Survivor’s mini games, with sand almost like brown sugar

Matukad – We stayed here the longest, enjoying the Polvoron-textured sand

And after an energetic yet relaxing encounter with nature, let us not forget the much-awaited (haha) meal at Caramotan! The huge squid is just flavorful with the Eggplant Ensalada and red egg.

We arrived back at the inn by 4:30 pm. The rest of the day was spent buying pasalubong and sampling the street BBQ with Bulastog (not kabulastugan) which is close to our Tukneneng, only with a tastier skin.

Day 3: Sunday – Goodbye, Bicol

We woke up before 5:30 am to prepare for the 7am boat ride back to Sabang. Arriving at 9am, we were fetched by another van to be brought back to the airport. We just gave in to our sleepiness as we passed by the zigzag road. At around 11am, we were ready to check in.

And praying that as we go back to Manila, they won't be serving Laing or Bicol Express in the pantry. :p

Here are some more details that may also help you plan your trip.

Flight Schedule: November 23, 2012 Noon (MNL-Legazpi) and November 25, 2012 (Legazpi-MNL)

Personal Expenses:

Commute to Eastwood                                   31.00

Taxi to MIA                                                          75.00

Terminal Fee                                                       200.00

Lunch                                                                    70.00

Van to Naga                                                        600.00 (3,000 for 5 pax)

Dinner and Overnight Accommodation         292.00 (990+300)

Boat                                                                      120 + 10

Environmental Fee                                          30.00

Tricycle                                                                  20.00

Lunch at Caramotan                                       171.00

Tour Package                                                     1,500.00

Breakfast                                                             61.00

Street Dinner                                                     40.00

Pasalubong                                                         395.00 (Shirts, Mazapan, Dark Choco) + 80 (Pili tarts)

Boat                                                                         120.00 +10

Van to Legazpi                                                      700 (3,500 for 5 pax)

Lunch                                                                       100.00

Terminal Fee                                                          30.00

Zest Air Fare (Round Trip)                                1,625.00

                                                                       Total: 6,280.00