2019 • 02 • 20
Caramoan has many beautiful islands; one of which is Katanhawan (also spelled Catanaguan). It has a raw appeal and distinct beauty that will attract visitors from all over. Katanhawan Island may lack the usual fine white sand of many other popular beaches, but its idyllic atmosphere and middle-of-nowhere charm more than make up for it.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
How to Get There
Nearest Airport: Naga Airport (Camarines Sur)
By Air
- Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have regular flights from Manila to Naga City.
- Once in Naga, there are two options to get to Caramoan — via Sabang Port or via Fuentebella Highway.
Via Fuentebella Highway: From Naga City Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Caramoan (Florencia Bus, Raymond Bus, or MRR Bus). The fare is around P350. Travel time is around 4 hours.
Via Sabang Port: Go to the van terminal located at the back of SM City Naga and board a van traveling to Sabang Port, this costs around P150 and may take up to two hours. After arriving at Sabang, get on a boat bound for Guijalo Port in Caramoan; the ride costs around P120 and may take up to two hours. Visitors have to pay a P30/person environmental fee once in Guijalo. - Hire a tricycle to take you to the town center or directly to your accommodation, the ride costs around P300.
- After leaving your bags and/or checking in, go to Bikal Port, which serves as the jump-off point for island hopping excursions.
By Land
- There are buses bound for Naga from Manila; operators such as Isarog, Penafrancia, and Philtranco regularly ply this route. The fare for the overnight bus is approximately P600 for ordinary buses and P800 for air-conditioned ones.
- Once in Naga, there are two options to get to Caramoan — via Sabang Port or via Fuentebella Highway.
Via Fuentebella Highway: From Naga City Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Caramoan (Florencia Bus, Raymond Bus, or MRR Bus). The fare is around P350. Travel time is around 4 hours.
Via Sabang Port: Go to the van terminal located at the back of SM City Naga and board a van traveling to Sabang Port, this costs around P150 and may take up to two hours. After arriving at Sabang, get on a boat bound for Guijalo Port in Caramoan; the ride costs around P120 and may take up to two hours. Visitors have to pay a P30/person environmental fee once in Guijalo. - Hire a tricycle to take you to the town center or directly to your accommodation, the ride costs around P300.
- After leaving your bags and/or checking in, go to Bikal Port, which serves as the jump-off point for island hopping excursions.
Entrance Fee and Other Charges
Katanhawan Island is usually part of the island hopping tour. Check itinerary and inclusions before booking your slot.
- Environmental Fee: As of writing, P30.
- Boat Rental Rates: P1500 – P3000 (For island hopping, the price varies depending on the size of the boat and group and the destinations you want to include in your trip).
Don’t Miss
- Katanhawan Island has a raw appeal and beauty with its brownish sand, cove, and different kinds of plants dotting it. Wade in the waters, get a tan, laze on the shore, think about life, be grateful for the blessings, read a book, and/or have a picnic are some of the things you can do on the island.
- Take plenty of pictures and just soak everything in; it is quiet and far from civilization.
Don’t Forget
- Transactions are almost often in cash, especially for small stores and carinderias and renting a boat for island hopping; withdraw enough before leaving Naga City.
- Bring your own snorkel tube, mask, and fins if you plan to go snorkeling or diving in one of the islands.
- Bring snacks, meals, and drinks with you for island hopping as these are not included in the fee you pay.
- Follow the rules. Leave nothing but footprints.
If You Have More Time and Budget
- After exploring and enjoying the beautiful islands of Caramoan, there are other places of interest in Camarines Norte and Sur. Explore Naga City to see old churches and vestiges of colonial times.
- You can also go to Bagasbas Beach to improve or gain surfing skills or explore Mercedes Islands for another round of island hopping.
- If you have a couple of days to spare, go to Sorsogon to see more beaches and islands such as Subic Beach, Paguriran Island and Lagoon, and Tikling Island, just to name a few.
See additional information here: Island Hopping in Caramoan and Hunongan Cove in Caramoan
ALBAY SIDE TRIP: The Majestic Mayon Volcano
Where to Stay
The number of accommodations in Caramoan is steadily on the rise, here are some of the top accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.
- Tugawe Cove Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- West Peninsula Villas. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Casita Mia Bed & Breakfast. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- La Casa Roa Hostel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
For more options, search here: Caramoan Hotels
Reminders
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