WHEN ONE MENTIONS BICOL, the first thing that comes to mind is the perfect cone shape of Mayon Volcano. But aside from Mayon, the region is also well known for its beautiful islands and beaches. Though Palawan and Boracay remain the top beach islands not just in the Philippines but in the whole world, Bicol has plenty to offer in white shorelines and pristine turquoise waters.
The famous Mayon Volcano in Bicol.
Even during rainy season, you can still enjoy a beach island vacation under the pouring rain. Here’s our list of what we think are the top three best beach islands in Region V worth visiting:
1. Caramoan Peninsula
Matukad Island is one of several islands that make up the peninsula. The meeting of navy blue and blue-green seawater with impressive rock formations covered in unspoiled forest is something to die for — that is, if you’re a true lover of untouched environments.
It’s no surprise Caramoan Peninsula makes this list. Located at the lower, eastern part of Camarines Sur, it became known to the whole world after being used as a filming location for the American TV reality show Survivor. Also known as the Caramoan Islands, there are actually 12 islands in total: Lahuy, Matukad, Pitogo, Sabitang Laya, Minalahos, Lahus, Hunongan, Gota, Tinago, Catanhawan, Cotivas, and Tayak. The Caramoan peninsula alone is enough to satisfy your thirst for the tranquility and beauty only a beach island can provide, with each of the 12 islands boasting its own distinct beauty.
Gota Island in Caramoan
Who wouldn’t love the small-town feel of this beach island? No one would ever tire of waking up to this view outside their window.
Sabitang Laya Island
Pictured is one of the stunning limestone formations on the island of Sabitang Laya. Matukad, Gota, and Sabitang Laya are undeniably gorgeous islands — just imagine what’s waiting for you on the rest of the peninsula’s islands.
2. Calaguas Islands
Calaguas: Tinaga Island, where Mahabang Buhangin Beach is located.
Traditional huts at Mahabang Buhangin Beach.
Located in Camarines Norte, Calaguas is a group of islands that includes Guintinua, Tinaga, and Maculabo. It’s blessed with a long white shoreline and grassy hills perfect for a relaxed beach-bumming experience. You can travel to Calaguas on your own or choose from the many tour packages available. One such package, for example, offers an overnight stay for P12,000.00, inclusive of accommodation, boat fee, and round-trip airfare.
Boats owned by locals in Tinaga are primarily used for transportation and fishing, but are also available for rent if you’d like to go island hopping on your own.
Island hopping is one of the activities you can enjoy in Calaguas, whether through a tour package or on your own. You can hire a boat from the locals and enjoy a quiet moment taking in the scenic views of the beach islands.
3. Catanduanes Island
Catanduanes Island, also known as Virac Island, is dubbed the hidden paradise of Bicol. To this day, it remains untouched and unexploited.
Catanduanes is also the name of the province, a large island located east of Camarines Sur. It boasts grassy hills with breathtaking sea views and is home to big waves, exactly what surfers look for. One of its increasingly popular beaches is Puraran Beach.
Puraran Beach has big waves that attract both professional and amateur surfers.
In recent years, surfing competitions have been held in Catanduanes, leading to the establishment of surf camps on the island. Filipino and foreign surfers alike now count it among their list of best surfing spots.
Drew Arellano and his TV travel program “Byahe ni Drew” featured Puraran Beach and all it has to offer.
After long hours playing with the waves, a great way to recharge is to treat yourself to fresh seafood, refreshing young coconut water, and local delicacies. Those large, juicy lobsters alone are worth the trip.
As it turns out, Bicol has a long list of gorgeous, unexploited island beaches — not just individual beaches, but entire groups of them waiting for your visit. Is this list enough to make Bicol your next destination?
Photos from volcanocafe.wordpress.com, ph.ilippines.com, vigattintourism.com, lapiratravelandtours.com, wayph.com, tripmoba.com, vagabondpinas.com, mysmartschools.ph, followyourroad.com, montekarlo.net, gmanetwork.com, and tripadvisor.com.ph.