We honestly didn't know about Caramoan until Spice Gala Club posted an invites, seen some photos, and got lucky to get slots for a complete package tour along with some newly found friends from our Calaguas getaways a few months ago.
Never get so busy making a living that you forget making a life.
The road to Paradise was not that easy - travelling 511km by road, from Telus Building in Ayala, where we assembled with Spice Gala Club; passing Mount Isarog, East of Naga City, and on to the zigzag 135km road of Caramoan National Park.
(CTTO: Google.Com)
The Gota Village.
A calm and peaceful place, Gota Beach Village Resort is a first-class government-owned resort facility in Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
The elegant and beautifully built 131-rooms resort is very prestigious getaway haven reserved for only the persistent thrill-seekers; complete with fast wi-fi, cabins for 2, 3, or 4 individuals, patio, and full of well-arranged gardens adorned with flowers, trees, Bermuda grass, and pathways.
The entire village impresses anyone by its nature-loving ambience with so simple yet functional rooms from the inside: Queen-size beds, high-end shower rooms, side table, etc. in each cabins.
The restaurant offers free breakfast and cooked-to-order dishes that is expected to be refined and not cheap.
The beach in Gota Village is so pristine and is the gateway to everything that is surprisingly beautiful far beyond. There are lot's of beaches and coves to visit, and each has it's own unique qualities: one with a lake, one with a sandbar, one with a mystical lagoon, and another has cottages to relax and wind down.
You will see from afar islets that are so enticing - but the Survivor: Caramoan Islands is what's even more thrilling to visit - the reason why we were there.
After unpacking our stuffs, we had the chance to roam-around and time for the group photos - then proceeded to gather and discuss our itineraries.
Spice Gala Club arranged everything for us: from transportation, entrances, accommodations, fees, and boat rides - and they did it 100% hassle-free - for everyone's maximum comfort and fun.
Tayak Beach.
Our first stop is the virgin Tayak Beach. There is nothing in there, and it really feels that it's one of the destination during the Survivor: Caramoan in 2013.
Surrounded by lush greeneries, the entire beach is surely untouched. You can hear humming of birds like you are indeed in a very remote place - and so the girls had some fun taking photos there.
The water is so clean and enticing, the fine white sands and the rock formations at both ends of the beach is so magnificently awesome.
Tayak Lake.
There is a small gap in the middle of the trees at the back of the thick vegetation, leading to the a lake - and a bamboo-made "Balsa" floating in the water beckons us. A big trunk of tree fell into the water which you can step on leading to the Balsa, and on to the warm water of the lake.
The entire lake is flushed with rock formations and trees all around - it's an amazing feeling being there.
With us is one of the multi-awarded Photographer, Engr. James Singlador and it's a big pleasure spending time with him in this getaway.
The water is green from afar but crystal clear when you are near.
Coming back to the beach from the lake, we tried to free-solo rock climbing, just for the photos, taken by no less than "The Maestro" Sir James.
(CTTO: James Singlador)
Lahos Island.
Our 2nd stop is the breathtaking island of Lahos - a two-part huge rock formations connected by the fine white sand bar, very similar to Cabugay Gamay in Islas de Gigantes, in Eastern Panay.
On the left side is the awesome beach with powder white sands that's beaming from above.
In the middle of this island is the stretch of sandbar - and of course, my happy wife, Yvette.
The island is perfect for photo shoots with rock formations as backdraft. Ms. Tarah is one of the Spice Gala Club's leading facilitator and owner - a seasoned traveler, and our super model.
Some friends also enjoyed fresh buko juice taken from the boat. Sir Ron Acerbo (we call him "Mamita" within the circle) had been with us in Calaguas, a very successful chemical engineer, a fellow scuba diver, and a frequent traveler when he finds time out from work.
On the right side is an even stunning shallow beach with crystal clear water that is so perfect to swim and relax.
Ms. Tarah, Ms. Jennen Llena, Ms. Amor Medina, and Ms. Genesis Palacios, and the others obviously enjoyed and had fun getting wet.
The water is so relaxing, it will wash away all the fatigues in travelling to Caramoan.
Laying down on the fine white sands with crystal clear water beside the towering rock formations is soothing under the sheering heat of the sun.
I enjoyed most of my time on top of the rock formations, and took photos from there.
We pose again for the group shot in Lahos Island before we went back to the boat for the next set of surprises.
Mystical Matukad Island.
The Matukad Island is a mystical island in all in the Caramoans. From afar approaching the beach, you won't easily notice anything unusual to it.
The beach is so impressive and beautiful with pinkish white sands and huge rock formations.
The scenery is so amazing at 360-degress.
The story begins here though, when you climb this very steep marble formations towering several meters to the top.
It seem nature is protecting something so important, and climbing it is not for the painted heart since you need to negotiate your steps firmly with the shining marble.
From the mind-point, you will see the real beauty of Matukad Beach - and perhaps thank God for His unbelievable creations.
Reaching the top and looking on the other side is the hidden lagoon down below. According to local legends, the water in the lagoon was filled in by a tidal wave during the 70's - almost two decades ago.
There were two milkfish (Bangus) seen there by a local man accompanied by his son: caught one of the fish, brought it home, and ate it - the entire family died soon after.
Since then, no one dared to catch the Bangus there which surprisingly became pair again. Even some tourist saw the pair of Bangus swimming in the waters, and never dared to disturb the fish there. We never dared to even climb down to the lagoon.. anyway, hahaha.
On top of the towering limestone, the mystical island of Matukad (in both sides) is undoubtedly spectacular.
Kagbalinad Snorkel.
We enjoyed the crystal clear water in Kagbalinad for a quick and short dip in the water.
It's so refreshing there, after the heat of the sun pounded on us for several hours, during the island hopping.
Hunongan Cove.
One of the many secluded beaches of Caramoan that are developed into resorts by the government, Hunongan Cove has a shoreline that's strewn with fine sand and a perfect paradise for those who seek magnificent view, privacy, and calmness all in one cozy place.
It is cradled at the base of heavily forested cliffs, facing the Pacific Ocean, that Ms. Yanz had fun getting wet again and again.
The cove has villas with amenities that is fit for a prince in a seemed remote island, and is best for a couple to enjoy the white sands and clear cobalt waters. For island hoppers in Caramoan like us, it's the last stop to slow down the excitement, breath air, and relax.
The Survivor Council Camp.
This is the exact same set-up of the 26th Season called the Survivor: Caramoan "Fans vs. Favorites" which was held there and won by John Cochran, the Sole Survivor in the season finale on May 12, 2013.
This cove is hidden from view by the rock formations on the side of the Gota Village beach. You need to look for the trail leading to it on the left side of the beach.
All the structures built during the filming of the Survivor: Caramoan was left there intact - and Ms. Lila undoubtedly enjoyed the amazing set-up in this Survivor Council Camp.
You can easily feel and imagine the entire set of cameras, lightings, and film crews all over this place during the filming of the participants when it's time for the judges to cast their votes and verdicts - Sir Ron was very amused about the place.
The Spice Gala Club pause once more for the final group shot in Survivor: Caramoan, before packing our stuffs, and travel back for home.
Ocampo Deer Farm.
About 3hrs from taking off. the Ocampo's Deer Farm is just 106km from Gota Village.
It is our final side trip that Spice Gala Club was too kind to add this stop for us.
Everyone enjoyed the moments with these gentle creatures.
Sir James were able to take some photos even when it's getting dark - he is after all, a low light photography master.
Although gentle and calm most of the time, the deer are unpredictable - and I am not used to taming animals like these. hahaha!
After amusing ourselves with the beloved friends of Santa Claus, this were our last group photo together.
And before we leave, Spice Gala Club brought some candies for the local children to enjoy.
Spice Gala Club is known for putting together great individuals with the same travel interest, and with a common bucketlist at a time - so check them out.
Me and my wife, Yvette, was very stoked and honored to befriend them during the 2 trips that we had with the Club - in Calaguas and in Caramoan. These people became our friends that constantly inspires us with their stunning getaways, amazing photos, and unbelievable travel experiences and stories.
(CTTO: James Singlador)
No matter how full your life seem to be, there's always room for getaways.
If you have the means to visit Caramoan and Gota Village, do it - it's worth all the risks. money, and efforts.
Byahe lang.. cheers!
2016 September 9~11, Gota Village Resort, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
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