Almost a year after our Naga-Legaspi trip, we are back to a more bum-numbing 14 hour trip to Caramoan Island in Bicol. Many would ask why would I subject myself to this self torture. But once you're there you'll be asking yourself why not.
With a storm land-falling in North Luzon that night, some of our companions were hesitant to leave. Some even bailed. But hell with it. We're going south anyways so the trip must go on. So, after ordering a to-go dinner we were bound to Bicol.
After what felt like a forever drive, we finally arrived in Presentacion, a humble municipality in Camarines Sur prior to Caramoan. After a heavy brunch and a couple of hours rest, we headed out to start the day.
We went to an island named Aguirangan. Just 10 minutes from the main island you can walk around the island in less than 30 minutes. But with its stunning white sand and rock formations you'll definitely be awed by its beauty. I was even able to see an octopus hiding under the rocks but was to afraid to touch or even take a photo.
After spending a couple of hours relaxing and taking a gazillion of photos in the island we opt to leave. We did not opt to deep into the water because we were reserving it to our next destination.
After a few minutes drive, we stopped by a bridge , still within Presentacion. Why? Because we will be taking a plunge in the very cold water in their very clean river. How clean is it? We saw some ladies washing their clothes in the river. The water comes directly from the mountains surrounding it. I immediately reminisced when we had this kind of river near our place in Cavite when I was still a kid.
After a bountiful dinner, we called it a night.
We left Presentacion very early the following morning. Just imagine, we are already staying in the town proper prior to Caramoan but we still need to drive another hour just to reach Caramoan.
Once there, we waited for our hired boat and of we go to our adventure. Honestly, I wasn't able to memorize all the islands' names as they all sound unfamiliar. But heck they were all very beautiful.
Our first stop is Basot Island. It houses the Guinahoan Lighthouse. I honestly am not prepared for the hike. I thought "Oh, we're just going to eat, swim, and take photos". But no, we hiked up the hill to reach the lighthouse. We just came from a leg and bum-numbing 14 hr drive from Manila the day prior and another 1 hr roller coaster-like drive in the morning and you expect us to hike a hill?! Of course we just laugh it of. Our motto for the day was "We're already here. Let's make the most out of it". So of we go to the top of the hill.
Once on top, you'll be marveled with the wonderful view. It felt like I went back to Batanes. The hills, the lighthouse, the islands, the sea, the breeze, heck, even the cows are there. And since we came in during a storm there are only few people in the island.
After Basot Island, we went to another island (Note: I can't remember all the other islands after Basot) for a quick deep. This is to cool down our body due to the unexpected hike.
After a few minutes we are of the another island. Well we didn't actually landed on an island its just floating cottages. Why? Because we came in on a high tide. If we could have just came in during low tide, the area wherein the cottages are floating will become a long sand bar. Oh well, better have a very heavy brunch for the long day ahead. Don't fret if you weren't able to bring in your food. There are small boats offering different goods. From coconuts, to crabs and grilled fish being cooked in front of you, to soft drinks, to even liquor and beers. Damn, only rice is not available in the area.
Once brunch is done, we relaxed and swim for a while then we're of to another island. The beach we landed was a bit disappointment compared to the other beaches but still we took some photos of the rock formation because we thought that was the attraction of the island. Guess what? We were wrong. Why? Because once we traverse to the other side of the beach, towering of marvelous rock formations and powder-like white sand awaits us. Of course, we took a lot of photos and swim like children.
After being awed by the previous island, we thought the next island will no longer surprise us. Guess what? We're wrong. Again. The next island has two rock formation on 2 sides and a beach where you can see the other side from one side. This place cannot amaze us even further.
Our last stop was Matukad Island, the island that hosts the infamous "Bangus (Milkfish) Couple". Since the island is known for such you would think that that's just it. Again. We were wrong. Its sand is the finest compared to all the islands of Caramoan. Up until now I'm still contemplating if it is finer than Boracay Station 1 sand and Panglao Beach sand. Sad that I wasn't able to snap a photo in this island as I was so engrossed by the rock climbing just to see the lagoon that houses the milkfish.
Locals have no idea how did the original couple was able to reach the lagoon. Original because the first female milkfish was said to be caught by a fisherman. So, to provide companion to the male milkfish, locals put in a new female milkfish in the lagoon.
After minutes of contemplating and arguing with my friends, I decided to go up and see the lagoon for myself even without any background in rock or wall climbing. As I was hanging from 1 sharp edge to another, I was already thinking that if going up is already giving me a hard time what more is going down. But heck I still continued without looking down of course. When I was already on the top (yes, I reached the top) and the only obstacle between me and the lagoon was a chest high rock with a waist high side step, I backed out. Because I know my capabilities and limitations. And that was it. I am already hearing my husband's voice in my head saying "What?! You did that?!". So, instead of going beyond that wall, I just went down. And going down was not an easy task. It was way harder than going down. To ease the tension, I asked one tourist guide to snap me a photo (haha) as a remembrance.
Later, after our companions who was able to reach the other side came and was done telling us how big the fishes are. We decided to call it a day and head back to our place to dine, drink, and enjoy the rest of the night to get ready for another 14 hr bum-numbing travel back to Manila.
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