Looking at my old digital photo chest, I was reminded of our trip to Caramoan way back in the summer of 2009. Then Caramoan was still new in the tourism landscape and the islands were pristine and new to tourism. I would like to share with you some of my photos [there are hundreds of them, but I for lack of space I will only share a few, if to give my readers a bird's eye view].
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| These little boats ferry passengers to the bigger ones in Guijalo |
Caramoan is a municipality in the eastern part of the Partido Area, a district in the province of Camarines Sur. It is locked by mountain ranges and by the pacific ocean. It is accessible by road from Naga City passing through Tinambac but the road is not as good as it should be and it proves to be the long route, and may not be acessible during rainy season. So most travellers gpoing to Caramaoan prefer the sea route. From Naga City one can take the van or jeepney or bus going to San Jose. From San Jose one can take another jeepney going to the Sabang port. The ride from Naga City to Sabang could take an hour or so. Once in Sabang one can take one of several boats plying the route of Sabang to Guijalo port in Caramoan. These are fishing ports and thus the facilities may not be as perfect as one would expect. But that imperfection is actually one its main attraction especially for the spirited and adventorous. One has to be prepared to embark and disembark in a manner like the one you see in the photo below. During low tide the boat annot dock the on the ramp so it has to stay a little distance away from the shore. Be prerared to let someone carry you in their shoulders. There are porters who can assist you for a minimal fee.
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| These is one of several motorized boats plying the route from Sabang to Guijalo ports. |
Once you reach Guijalo, a fishing port there are jeepneys or trimobile that could bring you to the town of Caramoan. There are some hotels, hometels, or home stays where you can stay. It is advisable to get your bookings in advance.
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| Guijalo Port in Caramoan. This is the entry those going to the town of Caramoan. Guijalo is a fishing village. |
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| Map of Caramoan |
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| The Parish Church of St. Michael |
There are interesting places to visit while in Caramoan. To do those interested in history and culture one cannot fail but appreciate this huge structure in the town center. The Parish Church of St. Michael. The people of Caramoan are Roman Catholics and one would wonder how this huge church was built in a remote town as Caramoan. But the story goes back several hundred years, when the Franciscan Friar, Fray Francisco de la Cruz y Oropesa penetrated the vast forests of Caramoan peninsula in an attempt to establish a Catholic mission among the natives of this remote peninsula. As history would tell us the mission prospered and this huge brick church is a testimony both to the enduring Catholic faith embraced by the natives and also a testimony to the influence of Spain during her glorious years. This church was built through forced labor. During the Spanish occupation all males of legal aged were required to render free labor for ten days every year as a form of taxation. The wealthy who wish not to endure the labor could hire a substitute. I visited this church while we were in Caramoan. I climb the tower and also took the opportunity to visit the parish priest, who seem to be very amiable and industrious. I also attended Holy Mass. As I look at the people in church both young and old I suddenly felt some sense of awe at the thought that succeeding generations worshiped in this Church. Many were baptized in this church some were married in this church and some had their requiem masses held in this church.
Island hopping is the main attraction of Caramoan. There are several groups of islets that offer many wonders for swimmers and divers. There are boats that can take you to these islets. They provide life jackets to ensure that everyone is safe. You can visit the different islets. But I would suggest that before you embark on island hopping you should first read some literature [there re plenty of them on the internet] about the places you can visit. Do not just rely on what the boat driver would tell you, but rather you should be the one to tell the boat driver about places you want to visit. I believe that majority of them are honest but as safeguard to avoid being short changed you should know the different islets.
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| The several hundred steps to the Grotto of Our Lady of Peace |
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| From the grotto one could have a commanding view of the valleys |
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| The Grotto |
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| The Islets of Caramoan as seen from the grotto |
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| The Coral Islets |
I hope that with this short blog entry I have given you a birds eye view of what Caramoan is. To see is to believe. Visit Bicol and visit Caramoan this summer. Padabaon ta ang Bicol iyo ini ang satuyang orgolyo.
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