The WHERE: Surviving Caramoan!

Its been way too long since I've last updated this blog. I have been, for the past few months stacking up on my adventures. Here I am to share a few of them.

A lot of things can be said about Caramoan. Being the ideal spot for adventure, it has hosted a few seasons of the popular international show "Survivor".

With untamed waters surrounding fascinating islands, some bearing distinct features making it a perfect island getaway.

My family was lucky enough to have booked a spot during the off seasons, so there were no television companies, save a few bigwigs at the time, surveying the area. They said a new survivor series would start filming the upcoming month.

We stayed there for a few days (3 to be exact). Each day was spent fruitfully, bonding and exploring the place. Now, although there are a lot of resorts in the area, only one of them hosted the actual beach where filming occurs. Lucky for us, we were able rent that place.

The rumors I've been hearing about the Caramoan is real. The place is simply magnificent. To start off, as I've mentioned we stayed in the actual beach resort that survivor rents. The place is called Gota Village which looks like a village of mini wooden houses. Each crafted beautifully and complimented the tropical vibe of the area. We rented three houses/cottages. Each cottage had a total of 2 rooms (1 room with 2 beds, a common room with a bed which doubles as the living, and a bathroom). A family of 7 or more can probably fit into each since the place is really spacey, not to mention the couches are sooo big and comfortable, one might forget there are beds in place. What I liked about it is that other than the ample space and the beautiful earthy vibe, the rooms are equipped with powerful air-conditioning, which I say is a major plus since its a welcome sanctuary from the scorching heat of the outside. The bathrooms are beautiful too. With a glass shower and the bidet for the toilet. I was really impressed. It was Fontana except made of wood. I give it a 10/10.

We ate buffet breakfast, lunch and dinners during our stay. I frankly cannot remember anything special about the food. I guess it goes to show that people really do go there for the scenery. That might be a bit disappointing for some but for me it wasn't so bad. Staff wise, they are really flexible and accommodating. The place was still being renovated that time. They were making improvements, adding a bar for future visitors and I guess esp for foreigners doing business. What irked me though was they had these menu posted but you couldn't make an order for anything unless you're part of the bigwig group from survivor. I think they were focusing on pleasing them so locals or anyone not part of that entourage were excluded from this treatment. Considering we are still paying customers, although I understood their point of view. It still put me a bit off.

Our first day was spent as a day on rest and relaxation. No big activities as we have just arrived. Surveying the area. It looked really nice. The beach had fine sand. No form of trash visible anywhere. Plus one major perk was that the resort itself had its own beach. Sheltered between 2 ragged edges of the mountain surrounding the cove. It looked like a private beach haven. During that time though, a storm was about to come thru so the waves were a bit strong for those who swam.

During the second day, we started on our planned activity which was hiking. Personally, I've always fancied myself as an athletic person. Although I admittedly have gained a few pounds from the past years, I still think I'm up for any sporty event. I was dead wrong. What didn't prepare me for the hike was that the trail itself was difficult. They failed to inform me that we were hiking to one of the viewing decks so to speak. The path was still a little unmade and slick from the evening rain which made climbing so hard. I get that, as much as possible they tried to keep the authenticity of the experience by not changing or altering the terrain so much but really, come on! that hike was risky. The rocks are so sharp and jagged. I wasn't even halfway done when started regretting coming up. I'm not being a baby here I swear. At one point, I abandoned all pretenses and went barefoot even if there were alot of sharp rocks on the way. It was that difficult. I feared my shoes wouldn't make it. Besides it was hard enough to keep my balance on that slick road so I had to do what I had to do to finish it and survive. There was also a time that I had to grip a thorny vine bare handed as there was no option left lest I fall if I don't. Seriously.

Now the view on the top though. Wow! Superb! just spectacular. It made the climb all worth it. You could clearly see the village from below as well as the whole islands from afar. I think I got a taste of survivor from all that. The rest of the day was spent swimming after that. No other activities since I think everyone felt pooped after all that climbing.

On the third day, it was our last for that adventure so we decided to go island hopping. We road these rented long boats. All of which colorful and authentic looking, manned by captain/tour guide who were so kind as to explain to us each island where we visited. I can't remember most of them. I think at most we visited 3. Frankly, because of the still oncoming storm which was predicted to hit that day and mostly also because we all shared the same opinion that you'll just see the same sand and beach anyway. A few notable islands though included the starfish island which we weren't able to visit. I heard that it is really beautiful there. Colorful and abundant with starfish of varying types and sizes. Another is the mythical Bangus (milkfish) island. That island had this mini valley located high inside its hill like formation and within its mini lake there is this giant bangus which was supposed to be magical. Legend has it that it that its been alive for hundreds of years already although there is no way of knowing how it gets its sustenance considering its locked away high up that island. Also it is said that there used to be two fishes but one was caught by a fisherman who later met some bad luck attributed to him taking the fish. I didn't climb that one as I can't handle having to climb that terrain which clearly required me to once again grab and step on sharp rocks. Later that night after sipping a few cold ones with the adults and chilling by this bonfire, we sealed the night.

All in all I clearly understand why Caramoan has kept its charm especially to those looking for an adventure. The place is awesome. With a multitude of islands to explore, Activities to try (too extreme for my family), one will never have a boring time. Whether its to relax or recreate, everyone is bound to find something to love in the place. Just make sure to book it during survivor off seasons, so you can maximize the island hopping experience.