Caramoan, Philippines – Is Caramoan The Secret Paradise?

Caramoan is known as the secret paradise in the Philippines, a place that not many people hear about or know where it is.

Most people instead tend to crowd to the nearby Borcacay, leaving Caramoan in the corner – perfect for those looking for a paradise just for themselves off the beaten track…

It started getting some attention a few years ago when the French Survivor TV show started shooting there, and this year the Israel Survivor show will also be using the same location.

The reason why these islands are such a popular shooting location for Survivor is because they want their contestants to feel like they are really far away from civilization – which is easily achieved here – it’s a wild paradise virtually untouched.

Caramoan Quick Guide

Here is some info for those of you interested in visiting such a place:

Island Hopping

The islands in Caramoan are something really special, with long white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and limestone cliffs surrounding the place. There isn’t much going on around here, but the main reason is to go swimming, hanging out on the beaches, see some natural untouched beauty and feel like you’re really living in the movie – ‘The Beach’

The boats going around the Caramoan islands are just powered out-rigger canoes, so don’t expect any big ferries here!

Paniman is where all island hopping activities begin. Other activities to do are; snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, spelunking (cave exploring) and night fishing.

The most popular beach to visit in Caramoan is Gota beach, which is the setting where the French Survivor team lived.

Accommodation

There are a few hostels in budget range prices in Caramoan, such as Villa Juliana Inn. Most hostels and hotels also help you to arrange island hopping tours, and generally it’s cheaper the larger the group you are.

Camping

On some islands in Caramoan you’re allowed to camp on the beaches, but you have to ask for permission from the Barangay captains first. If you want to camp on the beach, bring a warmer shirt since the nights can get chilly. You can buy most of the things you need at the local market.

How To Get To Caramoan

It takes quite a long time and a bit of effort getting to Caramoan, which may be the reason to why its beauty is so well kept. Not even the locals used to come here until recently (2008), after the first Survivor show.

You can take a boat from Saband to Guijalo Port (takes about 2-3 hours). The island hopping usually operates from Paniman and Bikal, so you can either take a trike into town or head straight towards Paniman or Bikal.

There is a boat schedule although the boat will only leave Guijalo once it’s full, which could be earlier than scheduled or later.

So if you are ever in the Philippines- make sure you take the effort to check out Caramoan, and enjoy it before it becomes too popular.