Every summer we plan and hope for a wanderlust vacation. But for some reasons, other friends will not be able to join due to work and unpredictable schedules. Bicol is a far away travel destination, to enjoy the place, a long weekend must be allotted for the superb summer experience.
Booking a tour was not easy since we are just 4 in the group. We cannot even confirm the final head count until a week before the preferred travel dates. We had no choice but to be backpackers.
Day tour in Legazpi, Albay
Overnight in Naga
Three days and two nights in Caramoan
Travel dates: April 21-24, 2016
The Beginning...
Caramoan was our main destination. During the trip planning, we decided to have a side trip to Albay and visit some of its famous landmarks. We were four in the group, We booked our flight through Cebu Pacific while Karen and her young nephew Adrian booked their flight through PAL.
Day 1
We (Ana and Jake) first reached Legazpi City at 9:30 a.m.
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| Jake at the arrival section |
While waiting for the others, we decided to have a quick tour to the Embarcadero de Legazpi. There is a tricycle terminal inside the airport. The fare is 70 pesos for a one-way trip. Travel period is 10 to 15 minutes.
Embarcadero de Legazpi is famous for its sunset view and if you're lucky, Mt. Mayon is also visible from the bay. We arrived in the morning with a cloudy weather, so for us, the best view in this place was the shipping vessels.
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We went back to the airport to meet Karen and her nephew Adrian "Dom". There are taxis and tricycles for hire in the airport. We rented a tourist' vehicle for 1000 pesos (Toyota Innova). Since our time in Legazpi was only limited, we only visited our top 3 destinations: Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, and Ligñon Hill.
Cagsawa Ruins
The tower is the remnants of Cagsawa Church, which was destroyed when Mt. Mayon erupted during the 18th century. During our tour, we were not fortunate to glimpse Mt. Mayon's "perfect cone shape".
Entrance Fee is 10 pesos per head.
Photographers are available within the area, you may hire them to take some good shots. Any amount will do. We gave our photographer 20 pesos per head.
Some photos taken
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| Karen, Jake, Ana, and Adrian group jump shot |
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| Adrian the Giant |
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| Jake carrying a boulder |
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| Adrian having a jump shot |
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| Karen and the tower |
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| Ana climbing the tower |
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We left the park at exactly 1:00 pm and went to Daraga Church.
Daraga Church
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| The Daraga Church |
This stone church was built in 1773. Devotees of the Cagsawa Church transferred here after the destruction.
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| Inside the Church. |
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| Collection of saints inside the church |
| Picture taken before we leave the place |
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| Picture taken using action cam |
The place is quite windy since it is located on a hilltop. We stayed here for 30 minutes then proceeded to Ligñon Hill, our last destination in Legazpi.
Ligñon Hill
Entrance fee is 20 pesos per head.
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| Map of the Place |
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| View from the top |
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| View of Mt. Mayon from Ligñon Hill |
There are several activities (ATV, zip line, etc.) available in the place; however, we don't have enough time to try it. You must spend at least 2 days in order to have a good tour in Legazpi.
We left at 3:45 pm. The driver accompanied us to the terminal of UV Express where there is an available trip from Legazpi to Naga. The fare is 140 pesos per head. The last trip of the van is at 7 pm but you need to be at the terminal before
6 pm. Travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours.
We booked a room In Nagaland Hotel through Agoda (1,800 pesos per night good for 4 people). We had our dinner at First Colonial Grill located just minutes away from our hotel.
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| Dessert: Pinipic, Sili (Level 1), and Tinutong na Ice Cream Dishes: Tinutungang Manok and Bicol Express |
There's also a supermarket outside the hotel where we bought some snacks and water for our Caramoan tour.
Day 2
We checked out at 5:30 in the morning, hired a tricycle from Nagaland to Bicol Central Station (40 pesos). Initially, we planned to ride a van from the terminal to Sabang Port. We discovered that there is an available bus from Naga to Caramoan. We chose to ride the bus.
The fare is 220 pesos per head.
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| Bicol Central Station |
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| Bus from Naga to Caramoan |
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| Schedule of Trips |
The bus left at exactly 6:30 am. Travel period is 4 to 4.5 hours. If you have motion sickness be sure to bring your medicine. There are several zigzags along the way. We arrived at Brgy. Tawog, Caramoan at 10:55 am. We went to La Casa Roa Hostel. We booked our room for 2 nights through Agoda (3100 pesos good for 4 people).
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| The Main Entrance of the Hostel |
We unpacked our things in the room and put on our beach outfits. There are a lot of tricycles for hire in the town proper. We hired a tricycle from Kuya Joey to take us to Barangay Paniman where there are available boats for island hopping (150 pesos for a single trip). Standard rates apply.
On our way, we paid an environmental fee of 30 pesos per person. Children are free of charge.
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| We took our quick lunch here. Prices of foods here are very affordable. |
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| Our boat for 2 days |
As we arrive at Paniman Beach, we ask our tricycle driver if he can refer someone.
The rental fee was 1500 pesos for the first day (half day), and 2500 for the second day (whole day) good for 6 people. We started our island hopping at 12:45 pm.
Start of Island Hopping
Caramoan is one of the well-known tourist destinations in the Philippines. The peacefulness of the place, the magnificent ambiance of islands and islets, crystal clear sea water, white sandbars, and the like are truly enticing in the eyes of every visitor. This is a perfect place to undergo self-contemplation while heeding the serenade of nature.
First Day of Island Hopping: Busdak, Cagbalinad, Lahos, and Matukad
white powdery sand
We went back to Paniman Beach at 5:30 pm where Kuya Joey was waiting for us. We hired his service for 3 days. We agreed that he will fetch us tomorrow at 6:30 am for our second day island hopping.
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| La Casa Roa at night |
We had our dinner at a nearby carinderia. According to a local, electricity and water supply are problems in Caramoan particularly during peak season. We encountered instances of brown out and poor water supply while taking a bath. La Casa Roa has a generator set, but during our sleep, the beeping sound of the
aircon due to interrupted power supply was really annoying. I suggest that you get a fan room.
Second Day of Island Hopping: Tabgon, Cotivas, Manlawi, and Bag-ing Island
We woke up at 5:00AM. We took a quick breakfast in the nearby eatery and bought our packed lunch. We did not see any grocery in the place, but there are several sari-sari stores available where you can buy your snacks.
Call time for Island hopping is at 7:00AM.
For the second day, our first destination was Barangay Tabgon where the Shrine of Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary is located. We were accompanied by a local tour guide in the place. There is no standard fee for the tour guide any amount will do.
In order to reach the church, one should climb 557 steps.
Entrance fee of 30 pesos for adults.
Bring a bottle of water! You will get thirsty along the way.
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| At the Entrance |
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| On the way up... |
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| Overlooking View |
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| Inside the church |
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| View from the top |
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| Going Down |
Coconut for sale at Php25 each. Souvenirs can also be purchased at the gate.
Ana and Karen while having their refreshments
Some pictures taken going to Cotivas
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| Mangrove's tree |
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| Crystal Clearwater |
We rented a cottage for 100 pesos. Our boat got stuck due to low tide. We decided to had our lunch here. We stayed in the island for almost 2.5 hours. You can also buy halo-halo for 20 pesos.
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| Sea Urchin. |
Crystal clear water.
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| Round Starfish |
We noticed some jellyfish in Cotivas; but, according to our guide, those are sting-less. We also saw walo-walo snakes (a kind of venomous snake) lying dead on the sand. So watch your steps.
We just stayed in Manlawi for 15 to 20 minutes, so we did not rent a floating nipa hut. Most tourists spend their lunch here. You may rent it for 200 pesos.
Our last destination is a part of the Bag-ing beach. Initially, we planned to go to Sabitang Laya but it was closed to the public due to the filming of reality TV show, Survivor.
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| A cast of survivor? |
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| Karen buried in the sand |
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| Our last picture before we left the last island |
At 5:30PM we went back to La Casa Roa.
We were not able to visit all the islands in Caramoan, but the tour was all worth it. The place will welcome you with its warmth and beauty. It is a must travel destination. No wonder why Survivor production team chose this place.
Feel the sand under your feet and soak your body in clear waters of Caramoan. Every island is breathtaking.
Day 4: Time to go
We took our breakfast in the hostel. Kuya Joey fetches us at 6:30 am. Before going to Caramoan Feeder Port (Guijalo Port), we paid a short visit to the Red Parish of St. Michael the Archangel
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| The church outside |
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| The Main Entrance |
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| Guijalo Port |
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| Trip Schedule |
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| inside the boat |
Boat fare to Sabang Port is 120 pesos for adult and 60 pesos for children. Travel time is 2 hours. Upon reaching Sabang Port there is a fee of 10 pesos for the use of mini "boat-bridge".
From Sabang Port there are available UV express to Naga (Bicol terminal) for 100 pesos. The trip is approximately 2 hours.
You can buy your pasalubong at the terminal, SM Naga, or in the public market. We highly recommend that you buy in the public market because the prices are cheaper (but be sure to have a price canvass before you buy). Tricycle fare from Terminal to public market is 40 pesos.
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| The Pasalubong Section in the Public Market |
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| Raw Pili Nuts |
You can buy pili nuts in a plastic container for 100 pesos. Bundle of pili tarts, pastillas, and etc are also available from 80 to 130 pesos.
We were able to get a bus ticket from Naga to Manila for 550 pesos (RMB bus). Regular price is at 700 to 1000 pesos. Travel time is 9.5 to 10 hours. There were some stop overs where you can have your meals.
List of Expenses
| Expenses | Cost | Budget per person (group of 4) | ||
| Entrance/Environmental Fee | ||||
| Cagsawa Ruins | 10.00 | 10.00 | ||
| Lignon Hill | 20.00 | 20.00 | ||
| Caramoan | 30.00 | 30.00 | ||
| Grotto | 30.00 | 30.00 | ||
| Transportation | ||||
| Airfare Manila-Legaspi | 700.00 | 700.00 | ||
| Tricycle to Embarcadero RT | 140.00 | 35.00 | ||
| Vehicle Hire (half-day) Legaspi Tour | 1,000.00 | 250.00 | ||
| Van from Legazpi to Naga | 140.00 | 140.00 | ||
| Tricycle to Hotel in Naga | 40.00 | 10.00 | ||
| Tricycle to Bicol Central Station -Naga | 40.00 | 10.00 | ||
| Bus from Naga to Caramoan | 220.00 | 220.00 | ||
| Boat Rental half-day island hopping | 1,500.00 | 375.00 | ||
| Boat Rental whole day island hopping | 2,500.00 | 625.00 | ||
| Tricycle from Caramoan town proper to Paniman Beach (150 one-way) 2RT | 600.00 | 150.00 | ||
| Tricyle from Caramoan town proper to Guijalo Port | 150.00 | 37.50 | ||
| Boat from Guijalo to Sabang Port | 120.00 | 120.00 | ||
| Bridge boat at Sabang Port | 10.00 | 10.00 | ||
| Van from Sabang to Naga | 100.00 | 100.00 | ||
| Bus from Naga to Manila | 550.00 | 550.00 | ||
| Accommodation | ||||
| Hotel in Naga for 1 night | 1,800.00 | 450.00 | ||
| Hotel in Caramoan for 2 nights | 3,100.00 | 775.00 | ||
| Total | 4,647.50 | |||
| Note: Food and other expenses not included in this computation | ||||
Our itinerary
Day 1: April 21, 2016 Thursday
09:10AM Arrival of Jake and Ana in Legaspi, Albay
09:30AM Proceed to Embarcadero de Legaspi
10:15AM Return to Airport
10:30AM Arrival of Karen and Adrian
11:00AM Lunch/ Tour in Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, and Lignon Hill
03:45PM Proceed to Legaspi Grand Central Terminal
04:30PM Travel to Naga
07:00PM Arrival in Naga/ Check-in / Dinner / Rest
Day 2: April 22, 2016 Friday
05:30AM Proceed to Bicol Central Station/ Buy tickets
06:30AM Departure from Naga to Caramoan
10:55AM Arrival in Caramoan / Proceed to La Casa Roa / Check-in
11:30AM Proceed to Paniman Beach/ Lunch
12:55PM Start Island Hopping
05:30PM End of Island Hopping Activities / Back to La Casa Roa
07:00PM Dinner/ Rest
Day 3: April 23, 2016 / Saturday
05:30AM Breakfast/ Proceed to Paniman Beach
10:55AM Arrival in Caramoan / Proceed to La Casa Roa / Check-in
11:30AM Proceed to Paniman Beach/ Lunch
12:55PM Start Island Hopping
05:30PM End of Island Hopping Activities / Back to La Casa Roa
07:00PM Dinner/ Rest
Day 3: April 23, 2016 / Saturday
05:30AM Breakfast/ Proceed to Paniman Beach
07:00AM Start of Island Hopping
11:00AM Lunch in the island
11:00AM Lunch in the island
05:30PM End of Island Hopping Activities / Back to La Casa Roa
07:00PM Dinner/ Rest
Day 3: April 24, 2016, Sunday
06:00AM Breakfast
Day 3: April 24, 2016, Sunday
06:00AM Breakfast
06:30AM Proceed to Guijalo Port/ Stop-over at St. Michael Church
08:00AM Departure Guijalo Port to Sabang Port
10:00AM Arrival in Sabang Port/ Proceed to UV Express Terminal bound to Naga
12:00NN Arrival in Naga/ Lunch
08:00AM Departure Guijalo Port to Sabang Port
10:00AM Arrival in Sabang Port/ Proceed to UV Express Terminal bound to Naga
12:00NN Arrival in Naga/ Lunch
01:00PM Pasalubong hunting
03:00PM Proceed to Bicol Central Station
03:30PM Departure to Manila
Arrival in Manila
-End of Tour-
Arrival in Manila
-End of Tour-
Photo Credit: Karen Joy Diaz
By: CountrysideNotebook (JSC / AA)
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