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Caramoan to Legazpi Commute: CamSur PARTIDO Coastal Highway

I initially planned to visit Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte for my last stop in Bicol. Unfortunately, my plan didn’t push through. I had to pick a new destination … I found out about Lake Bulusan in Sorsogon after a bit of googling. Thank goodness Rex Tourist Inn had WiFi, otherwise I wouldn’t have known, in advance, about commuting to Lake Bulusan and the alternative way to get to Albay from CamSur. The popular option was to do the same route to Legazpi by riding the 4-hour ferry/van back to Naga and then a 2-hour van to Legazpi. Reviewing the map again, I saw a more interesting and shorter route via the coastal highway along the eastern towns of CamSur and Albay. I knew many travelers have done it but wasn’t sure if the infrequent jeepney/bus trips in that area would agree with my schedule since I was coming all the way from Caramoan that morning.

“Topload jeepney view” of Atulayan Island from the coastal highway of CamSur

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Caramoan Islands: My Solo Survivor Escapade

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I was craving for some downtime and a change to a less urban type of scenery after a busy itinerary in Naga and Legazpi City. No doubt, my #1 agenda for the whole trip to Bicol region was to visit the “Survivor” Islands of Caramoan! Caramoan became known internationally as the setting of several foreign “Surivor” TV series franchises in Italy, Isreal, France, Serbia, , Bulgaria, and Sweden. The islands have risen as one of the hot ticket destinations in the Philippines … of course, I wanted to get my fill of this tropical paradise. I stayed in Caramoan for two nights. Since I was traveling solo, I initially hoped to join other tourists for island hopping tour. Unfortunately, I failed to find a group when I arrived. I had to go island hopping all by my lonesome. The night before, I felt a bit scared. I’ve never done it solo before. Would I still enjoy it without any company? What could I possibly do the whole day alone? What if something happens to me while I’m in some remote island?

Solo Travel in Caramoan, Camarines Sur

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Caramoan at Last! DIY trip to the Survivor Islands in CamSur

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The commute to Caramoan takes at least four hours from Naga City, Camarines Sur. Two hours land trip from Naga City to Sabang Beach and another two hour ferry (pumpboat) ride going to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. After quick morning tour of Naga City, I took a tricycle to the FILCAB terminal located across SM City Naga. The (L300) van left Naga City at 8:15am and arrived in Barrio Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur by 10am. Sabang Beach was just a couple of steps from where the van dropped us off. Looking around the long grey sand beach, it was easy to find the makeshift ferry waiting area since many of the passengers were already huddled together in that section of the beach.

Toploading the ferry pupmboat to Caramoan in CamSur

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Bicol Itinerary: 7 days Solo DIY trip to Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon

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Bicol, for me, has one of the most diverse set of tourist attractions in the Philippines. It has alluring natural features, remarkable historical structures, lively festivals, great food, and sought after adventure destinations. Since it was my first time to step foot this part of the Philippines, I didn’t want to miss out on the best the region had to offer. It’s a shame I only had a week to explore Bicol … there’s just a lot of interesting places to visit. My plan for this trip was to visit as much of Albay and Camarines Sur Provinces and then squeeze in a quick side-trip to Sorsogon before heading back to Manila.

Bicol Itinerary: 7 days Solo DIY trip to Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon
Bicol Region Itinerary Map

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Bicol Solo Backpacking: One Week in Bicol Peninsula

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Bicol, located at the southeastern peninsula of Luzon, has been on the top of my list to travel in the Philippines.

If I had more time (and money), I would love to visit every one of its six provinces.

I spent my seven days exploration of Bicol Peninsula crisscrossing between Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon … 3 out of 6 for my first time to Bicol is good enough but I just have to come back for more!

The “Lone Survivor” in Matukad Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur

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Where I’ve Wandered Off To in September

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Postings at Ambot-ah have been slooow, if not stagnant, for the past couple of weeks. I’ve been away from home since the second week of September doing a series of week long trips. Between doing the actual travel schedule of the day and planning for the next day’s itinerary plan, it has been a challenge to even just check for email and facebook updates. I’ve already posted some of my travel plans, but where have I exactly gone to so far?

Where Ive Wandered Off To in September