Caramoan: One Island Featured in the Survivor Series Through Marnie's Eyes

Marnie with her siblings, nephew and nieces at a beach in Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Marnie on Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Food Technologist

1. What brought me there 

There's a long holiday break for the Holy Week and my family decided to go home to my mother's hometown in Sorsogon and on the way, we visited the most talked about Caramoan Islands as this is the location of many Survivor series' filming.  We surfed through the internet and got in touch with Mike Borebor of the Borebor Bar & Grill.  I would recommend his place for your visit and his offer for a three day two night stay is very reasonable.  His team, together with Otep, our guide, treated us like family. 
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Borebor Bar & Grill Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Adoration chapel on an island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur

2. Must try meal 

We had our meals prepared by the Borebor Bar & Grill chef, and we must say, our compliments to the chef.  We had kinunot na page, steamed alimasag,  grilled pusit, to name a few, simple but very delicious and most satisfying.  The key is the freshness, all seafoods were prepared and served as if just newly off the hook.  To cap the meal, drinks such as beer can be availed of. 

3. You should not miss visiting or going to 

The ten islands Caramoan boasts of.  In our first island visit, my nephew and nieces did not want to leave the island.  We all kept swimming and snorkelling.  Hip-high water and one can already see some yellow corals with many different colored fishes and much sea slugs.  My nephew started to run for the shore when he first saw a sea slug but after a while continued snorkelling and appreciating the creatures from another world.  Reminded him not to run as he might step on the sea slugs and destroy the corals as well.  We were only able to visit four islands so there's more reason to go back.

4. What I saw 

One of the picturesque islands in Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Picturesque Islands, beaches, sand and rocks.  Another thing I saw is the transport system from Sabang port to Guijalon port in Caramoan.  One has to use a "balsa" in order to ride the boat going to Guijalon port and also going back to Sabang port. Going inside the boat is another experience as it's like going inside an ordinary bus  but you have to pass through the window in order to be inside. One needs flexibility and good humor to be able to go inside and outside.  Our group had a funny experience on how to get in and out as we were all loaded with bags and stuff.  Learn to trust your appointed porters as well that they know which bag belongs to whom.  With a lot of people around, it's amazing you don't lose a bag.  They are very consistent to get your bags in and out of the boat and deliver it to you dry and whole despite them being immersed in water and all. 

5. What I expected 

Memorable transport system for Marnie and family during their vacation in Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Nature tripping.  We did not expect however the transport system which made it more memorable for all of us. The kids enjoyed a different kind of transport instead of what they were used to - riding an air conditioned car.  The kids came out of the trip more relaxed and appreciative of the beauty of our country. 

6. Most awesome thing I saw 

White beaches everywhere.  Locals treat it like a commodity while visitors like us treat it with awe.   

7. Thrilling  budget find 

Caramoan shirts and souvenir items like refrigerator magnets that are of good quality yet reasonably priced. 

8. Notable tips from locals 

People we got a chance to cross paths with are generally very amiable and visitor-friendly.  They mentioned that a road is under construction wherein one does not have to ride the boat going to Caramoan.  To date, only the Raymond buses travel this path and SUV's as it's a 5-hr long drive on rough road.  They hope that in six month's time, more local tourists can visit Caramoan by driving as roads will be better.  We look forward to that day. 

9. Must avoid traveler's trap 

Do not visit Caramoan during the rainy season as the sea can get rough.  Typhoon Domeng was still in the country when we visited the place and we had our share of waves.  My 8- year old nephew kept on saying, "this is a bad idea", while holding on to his life vest :=)  but after landing on the first island of our island hopping tour, he forgot everything and wants to stay there "forever" as he said.  Well, kids will be kids .... 

His parting words ... "I'm gonna miss this place"  =) 

Enjoy Caramoan guys and protect the gifts Nature has given to us.