Now, we are breaking the usual CamSur itinerary by suggesting a trip to lovely Caramoan Peninsula. This lovely wedge of land located about 50km northeast of Naga offers some of the most stunning landscapes and cliffs that can rival those of Palawan. It also calls for a more primal sense of adventure, as travelers have the option to camp out in beautiful islands and be in close contact with marine life.

Getting there

Going to Caramoan is a bit of a challenge, but still manageable. You just have to really stick to your schedule to avoid delays and budget changes. The jump-off point would be

Naga Terminal, where you can either take an air-con minivan or a jeepney to Sabang Port. The trip takes about two hours, and you'll shed about P100 (The jeepney is cheaper, so if you're in a budget, take it.). The time is a little long, but at least you are treated to a view of Mount Isarog, one of the Philippines' national parks. Once you've reached Sabang Port, take the boat to Guijalo (P150, two hours). Four boats go each day, with the last one leaving at around 1pm. If you're unlucky to have missed the last boat, you can hire one of the fishing boats to take you to Guijalo, but they are a little pricey (P1300 if you are a good haggler, but it could go much higher), and will get you drenched in seawater. If you're adventurous, why not?

From Guijalo, you take a 10-minute tricycle ride (P10-15) to the Caramoan town proper.

Accommodations

In the near future there will be cabanas on the beachfront available for renting, but for now the accommodations are all situated in the town proper. There are three prominent stay-in places: La Casa Roa, Rex Tourist Inn, and Villa Juliana Lodging House.

* La Casa Roa.

The largest of the three, with single air-con rooms at around P700 and doubles at P1200. Contact number: +63-54-8115789. E-mail: lacasaroa@yahoo.com

* Rex Tourist Inn.

A very modest place with big enough rooms for singles and pairs. All rooms have air-conditioners, cable TV, and hot showers. Prices are at around P500 pax. Discounts can be requested. Contact number: +63-919-8821879.

* Villa Juliana Lodging House.

Best for those with tight budgets but still would not want to compromise certain luxuries. No hot shower. Prices are at around P400 pax. Contact number: +63-921-2261395.

The three hotels' staff are very accommodating and helpful on getting the necessary information about food and travel concerns, so do not hesitate to ask for help.

Activities

Boat riding, island-hopping, and beach camping are the three must-dos in Caramoan. You can hire a seven-person fishing boat for an entire day (costs around P1000), and tour around the islands of Matukad, Sabtang, and Sabitang Laya, among others. Gawk at the stunning cliff side views. You can bring your tents with you and camp on the white-sand beaches. Just make sure that you discuss your transportation concerns with the fishermen so someone will pick you up the next day. Gota Beach, the location for the French edition of the reality television program Survivor, is currently closed to the public for maintenance. But you can still ask your boatman to head close to the beach and take some pictures.