SUMMERLOVE: CARAMOAN ISLANDS, CAMARINES SUR

We were not expecting a 13 hour drive to see and experience the splendor of Caramoan Islands, in Camarines Sur.  Normally, an 8 hour drive is the standard travel time had our manong driver navigated the right routes. But arrived safely, just the same. Thanks, heavens!

We often stopped by during our trip to eat and to pee as well in public toilets. 

We arrived by 9 a.m. the next day (we departed Manila at night time, by the way) to our designated home for the entire 4 days of vacation. Basically, our tired bodies were not yet ready for an island adventures ahead of us that day - what with the 13 hour road trip earlier -  and also our tummies tell us differently so. We need a quick breakfast to re-energize, pronto! Thankful to our servers who patiently attended us and made the best meals of the day. 

After settling our baggages and a quick freshen up, were ready for our first itinerary.  

We've set sail right away to our first island hopping at exactly 1 p.m. and off we went to white sand islands. Our banca was not that huge enough to carry us 6 persons ( we were separated in two bancas ). I was afraid all the time. The not-so-good swimmer in me! LOL. 

Clearly, it was a different high when we reached the island. There's the sandbars for one. During low tide, sandbars were a hit! Right in the middle of the vast oceans. Got the picture! Two, the best lunch from our tour team. Seafoods at its best.

It was paradise, after all! We've lost no time in taking snaps. I could see myself retiring in this islands!😆 

We've had our lunch in the floating cottage we've rented for Php200. Were back by 6 pm and took our quick dinner in one of the many carinderias in town. 

DAY 2

We've trekked our way up to the lighthouse. It's way up to the hills of the island. But once you've reached the peak, you will be amazed by how majestic the lighthouse is. Local children greeted you with their smiling faces while also guiding you the way. All in their teen years and basically were born and raised in the island. 

They were engaging too,  telling stories about their lives in the island. Stories of how they bravely crossed the ocean just to make it on time for school which is situated in the main town. And how they will also advanced themselves of what was happening in the fast-paced world and keep abreast with everything despite the odds of life.  Their stories were unbelievable, their resilience, inspiring. 

The seas are their way of life, so to speak. 

There were about a hundred families living in the island. 

We checked out as well the town's historical places and Cam Sur infamous wake boarding site owned by the Villafuertes. Many tourists that day checking out the place. We decided to have our merienda at their clubhouse before retiring into our seats for a long way drive back home. 

Our third day, by the way, was way more enjoyable though, with more of island hopping and food tripping.

Generally, 4 days is not enough. We've skipped some islands though, due to the looming storm 'Chedeng'. But vowed to come back soon.

Caramoan has more than a hundred islands to offer. Each was blessed with powdery, white sand and friendly beaches, warm locals and abundantly good food. Who am I to complain? Life is good. 

Light and Love.

By the way, Caramoan, Caramoan is a first-class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. It is located at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the north and east and Lagonoy Gulf on the south.