Accidental Lawyer: CamSur III - Island Hopping in Caramoan

As usual, it is another early day for us. We had to prepare the things we need for island hopping (We forgot to charge the battery of our Ixus though...good thing we still had our T1i…just no underwater shots this time…tsktsktsk). We proceeded to the Beach at around 8:30AM to meet our boatman, Mang Johnny. We hired Mang Johnny’s boat for P2500.00. The lower rate of P1500.00 will cover the area around Matukad Island and Gota Beach only.

When in Caramoan, never lose your bearing and remember that there are two clusters of islands to visit. One is the Matukad area which can be seen from Paniman Beach and the other is on the left side of Paniman where the Cotivas, Manlawe and Sabitang Laya are located. So boat rental shall vary depending on your itinerary. Also, some boatmen use Bikal as their jumpoff point instead of Paniman.

Another thing is that do not be discouraged when you see murky waters in Paniman. It is normal occurrence especially during rainy season as Caramoan is surrounded by mountains, there is this big river in the area which spills into the Pacific Ocean.

Paniman Beach

Fishing

Strong Waves

Boulders on the shore

Rugged

This is what you call "womanpower"

Shrine of the Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario

From Paniman, it took us about 40 minutes to reach Brgy. Tabgon. It is there where the Shrine of the Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary) is located. The Shrine situated on top of Mt.Caglago has the largest image of the Blessed Virgin Mary that I have ever seen.

At the port, we were met by a group of children who acted as tour guides They gamely assisted us in climbing the 523 steps needed to reach the Shrine. It seems these children have scaled these steps for countless of times since they all knew how many steps we still have to climb. They also knew everything about the place.

Mt. Caglago..that is where we are heading

Nearing Brgy. Tabgon

Though lesser and shorter than the 700+ steps of Mt. Tapyas in Coron, the 520+ steps of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary is a lot steeper and harder to climb. As a prize for all the efforts, you will be treated at the top to a splendid view of Caramoan. The 520+ steps do not mean the end of your hike though, as you will still is have to hike for about a hundred meters until you reach the steps leading to the base of the image of the Blessed Virgin. We were informed by our young guides that the people of Tabgon celebrate their mass in the place.

Start of an arduous climb...we've done it before, we'll do it again

with the Tabgon Kids

Touch the hand

Ais' turn

Hunny

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Spectacular view of Caramoan

From the Shrine, we treated the kids at a nearby store for some snacks. We even gave them a little amount as tip for the warmness that they showed us, anyway, we also knew this is already a way for them to earn a living.

One more...for the kids

Just want to slide down

Tabgon, Caramoan

Pacific Ocean

Sabitang Laya Island

After a brief chit chat with the kids in Tabgon, we proceeded to nearby Sabitang Laya. Being one of the Top 10 Islands of Caramoan, Sabitang Laya is ideal for camping as there are no inhabitants in the island. There are also trees around that may serve as shelter, which also means wood is readily available should you wish to make a bonfire.

Sabitang Laya is a triangular island that has two of the longest beaches in Caramoan, each located on the opposite sides of the island that are separated by rock formations forming its apex. From pictures that I’ve seen on the Net, the island is shaped like an oversized kite. I have also read somewhere that one beach is called the Sabitang Laya and the other Bag-ing, it just happened that I forgot to verify with Mang Johnny which is which.

It was high tide when we arrived in the island. Nonetheless, I should say that while the water is calmer on the western side, the eastern side is a lot more beautiful because of the rock formations (supposedly this is Bag-ing).

One of the most photographed parts of Sabitang Laya

enjoying the beautiful scenery

Rock Formations in Sabitang Laya

Island Life

After our sumptuous lunch, we had fun enjoying the fine sand of the beach and had our more than what we wished for swimming, snorkeling, and climbing up the limestone cliffs. Though there are a lot of fish in the area, which made me happy, do not expect to see spectacular marine life like those found in well-known diving areas such as Boracay, Palawan and Puerto Galera.

Wafu

Matsu!

Beach on the eastern side of Sabitang Laya

Yes...I've conquered it!

Cool as Ais

It's the climb...

Ganie's Sea Horsie

Big... what!!!

Beach in the Western Side of Sabitang Laya

Matukad Island

Our next stop is Matukad Island on the other side of Caramoan. Matukad is one of the islands that are usually featured in Survivor. The sand is so fine and comparable to the best beaches in the country. There is also this islet on the right side of the beach that has limestone formations on it. The limestone cliff that one has to scale in order to reach the lagoon where the famous enchanted fish may be found is located on the left side of the beach. Too bad, we had a miscommunication with Francis as to where it may be found. It was only after the tour that he informed us about it.

Islet between Tabgon and Paniman that serves as resting bay of fishermen...

that's the island province of Catanduanes in the background

The area where they used to film Survivor

Going to Matukad

Limestones in Matukad Island

Matukad Island

Islet in Matukad

Hunny at Matukad

Playing with the waves at Matukad

...just wanted to climb again

Lahos Island / Hunongan Cove / Gota Village

From Matukad, you can also see Lahos Island, though we were not able to go there since the waves were strong at that time. Instead, we decided to pass by the Hunongan Cove but since there were a lot of sea weeds on the beach, we just told Mang Johnny to proceed to Paniman and call it a day.