Table of Contents

Introduction

Hey there, fellow lakwatseros and lakwatseras! Welcome to another blog entry of Lakwatsa ni Say, where I take you on an adventure to some of the most stunning and underrated spots in the Philippines. It’s been a while since I last shared my adventures here with you, and in case you missed it, you can check out the last leg of my Minadao adventure here.

If ever you’re thinking about going on an international tour, feel free to read about my first solo international Africa trip and how I got my African visa. You can also subscribe to my vlog channel to see all of my adventures! Who knows, it might even inspire you to go on your own unique journey.

If you need extra assistance in booking your flights, you can always rely on Filo Online Ticketing! This is my tried and tested travel agency for years now.

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This time, I had the pleasure of discovering the breathtaking beauty of Caramoan Island and Albay, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable 3D2N trip.

I was lucky enough to join a super affordable tour package for only ₱5,600 per head, and trust me, it was totally worth it. So, if you’re planning a trip to these beautiful places, let me walk you through how our itinerary went:

Itinerary

Day 0: Off to Caramoan

The excitement was real as we gathered at our meeting points. Our van picked us up from various spots around Metro Manila: McDonald’s Centris, Greenfield Shaw, and Sucat Muntinlupa. By 9PM, we were officially on the road to Caramoan, all set for an adventure.

Day 1: Island Hopping in Caramoan

After an overnight journey, we finally arrived at Caramoan around 10:30AM. We checked into our cozy hotel, and after a quick rest, we headed straight to lunch. The first day was all about island hopping, and let me tell you, Caramoan’s islands are simply magical.

We visited a total of 5 stunning islands:

Matukad Island (hello, crystal-clear waters!)
Lahus Island (the perfect spot for some quiet beach time)
Cagbalinad Island
Busdak Island
Minalahos Island

We set off for our first destination, Matukad Island, which greeted us with the clearest, most inviting waters I’ve ever seen. The turquoise water was so clear that you could see straight to the bottom, making it perfect for a refreshing swim. The island’s beauty was beyond words—lush greenery, white sand, and that perfect peaceful vibe that made it feel like we were in our own little paradise.

Next, we made our way to Lahus Island, which was the ideal spot for some quiet beach time. The island’s serene ambiance and the gentle sound of the waves created the perfect environment to relax and unwind. I could easily see myself spending an entire afternoon here with a good book and nothing else to worry about.

After Lahus, we set off to Cagbalinad Island, known for its dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. The island felt more rugged but equally beautiful, offering a different kind of charm. Each island we visited felt unique in its own right, adding to the sense of adventure.

Our journey continued to Busdak Island, which had a tranquil vibe, and was perfect for those who love exploring the shoreline and soaking up the sun. The last stop of our island-hopping tour was Minalahos Island, a hidden gem with pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. This island was a true haven for anyone looking to snorkel or simply admire the underwater beauty.

What made it even better? Free use of a floating cottage and snorkeling gear (for a small extra fee). It was amazing to swim in the clear waters, spot some colorful fish, and just bask in the natural beauty of the islands.

After a day of island exploration, we headed back to our hotel, had a nice dinner, and enjoyed some downtime. Caramoan’s sunsets? Absolutely unforgettable.

Day 2: More Island Adventures and the Best Views

Day 2 started with an energizing breakfast, and then we were back to our island-hopping adventures. This time, we checked out:

Cutivas Island
Manlawi Sandbar & Floating Cottages (this is where we got to chill in the cottages on the sandbar!)
Bag-ing Island
Sabitanglaya Island

Our first stop of the day was Cutivas Island, a tranquil spot that immediately captivated us with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The island had a peaceful vibe, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. Whether you’re in the mood to swim, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy the view, Cutivas Island offers the ideal setting.

Next, we headed to Manlawi Sandbar & Floating Cottages, and this stop was definitely one of the highlights of the day. Imagine being surrounded by shallow, calm waters and then stepping onto a floating cottage right in the middle of the sandbar. It felt like we were walking on water, with the soft sand beneath our feet and the warm sun above us. We spent some time just chilling in the cottages, snapping photos, and taking in the incredible surroundings. It’s the perfect place to relax, have some snacks, and enjoy the serenity of nature.

After our sandbar retreat, we made our way to Bag-ing Island, another stunning destination in Caramoan’s island-hopping tour. This island was known for its crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming. The coral reefs here were rich with marine life, and the water was so clear that we could see everything under the surface. It felt like we were in a natural aquarium, surrounded by colorful fish and vibrant coral formations.

Our last stop for the day was Sabitanglaya Island, an island that offered a perfect mix of adventure and beauty. The island’s rugged coastline and pristine beaches made it feel like a hidden gem, and we explored the area, taking in the scenery and snapping some pictures along the way. The island also had a few interesting rock formations that gave it a bit of a wild, untamed feel, adding to its charm.

We even had a snorkeling session in a designated area and got to explore a lighthouse that felt like a mini Batanes. As the day went on, we made our way back to the hotel, had another hearty dinner, and just relaxed.

Day 3: The Albay Exploration

We woke up bright and early and made our way to Albay, which was just as exciting as Caramoan! By 6 AM, we arrived, and the highlight of the day was an ATV ride around Mayon Volcano. It was exhilarating, and the view of the volcano was just stunning. Afterward, we explored the iconic Cagsawa Ruins, which gave me major historical vibes.

We wrapped up the day with an early lunch at the ruins, then made our way to the Camsur Water Complex (CWC) for some awesome photo ops. If you’re into water sports, this is the place to be!

Before we knew it, it was time to head back to Manila. We stopped by the Pasalubong Center for some souvenirs (of course), and by 2AM, we were back home with memories that would last a lifetime.

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The ₱5,600 package for this unforgettable 3D2N tour includes everything you need for a seamless adventure. You’ll enjoy roundtrip AC van transfers from Manila to Caramoan, Albay, and back, ensuring you travel comfortably throughout the trip. All the necessary permits, park fees, and driver’s meals/fees are covered, so there are no hidden costs along the way. You’ll also get 2 nights of accommodation, giving you a cozy spot to rest after all the fun-filled days. The package includes island hopping across 9-10 stunning islands, with free life vests and access to both floating cottages and regular cottages for a relaxing experience. Along with all the activities, you’ll be treated to 6 delicious meals (trust me, you won’t go hungry here!), and there are no extra charges for entrance fees or government fees—they’re all included!

However, there are a few things not included in the package. Snorkeling gear is available for an additional ₱150 per head for the whole day’s use. If you’re up for more adventure, you can also opt for an ATV ride around Mayon Volcano or explore some optional trails, like the Green Lava Trail, Black Lava Trail, and Cagsawa Trail. Finally, don’t forget to budget for personal expenses along the way, such as souvenirs or extra snacks.

As for side trips, there are a few must-sees that you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the I Love Caramoan Marker, the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. The Caramoan Church, a stunning 400-year-old structure built with red bricks, is a must-see for history buffs. Of course, no trip to Albay is complete without visiting the iconic Cagsawa Ruins, where you’ll get that perfect view of the majestic Mayon Volcano. And for water sports enthusiasts, the Camsur Water Complex (CWC) offers endless fun and photo ops.

This tour package is a fantastic value for an action-packed experience, combining relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, all at an unbeatable price.

Watch my vlog here

Conclusion

As our adventure came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experience that Caramoan Island and Albay gave me. From island hopping in crystal-clear waters to exploring historic ruins and sandbars, every moment was a new adventure that left me in awe of the beauty this part of the Philippines has to offer. If you’re looking for a destination that combines nature, relaxation, and a little bit of thrill, I definitely recommend putting Caramoan and Albay on your travel bucket list.

And of course, this isn’t the last time you’ll hear from me. If you’re craving more travel inspiration, make sure to check out Lakwatsa ni Say Blog for more stories from my adventures. You can also catch the action on Lakwatsa ni Say Vlogs over on YouTube. Don’t forget to follow along on my social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok for daily updates, travel tips, and a glimpse into my travels. Ready to join me on my next lakwatsa? Let’s go!