Caramoan's Outdoor Studios
Other countries have amusement parks that have themes based on films. Each theme may have rides, attractions and shows. These themes, divided into zones, are planned, designed and created by mortals. In the Philippines, there is an outdoor park and studio, where the attractions are designed and created by the Creator Himself. The rides and activities are designed and created by humans. Shows are provided by animals. This particular outdoor park and studio is located in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Caramoan is a town composed of land that juts out from the main island of Luzon. It is located in the lower eastern part of the island facing the Pacific Ocean. More than being a part of a peninsula, several islets also form part of Caramoan.
Due to the spartan and jungle-like character of these islands, some have become locations for a reality-TV franchise. Its sea and shores are also ideal for challenges that include fishing, boating, swimming, diving or simply finding clams.
Visitors staying in Caramoan usually go island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and diving. Some might indulge in rock climbing, spelunking, bird-watching, trekking or simply strolling. Still, others may want to go boating or do water aerobics with just a group of friends or family. With the advent of digital underwater cameras, enthusiasts or simple amateurs could take others underwater through photography and videography. They can then post their shots or videos in any of the social networks or websites. And because some areas have wide beaches, especially during low tide, they can try to play beach volleyball. (Don't forget to bring your own equipment.)
Due to the spartan and jungle-like character of these islands, some have become locations for a reality-TV franchise. Its sea and shores are also ideal for challenges that include fishing, boating, swimming, diving or simply finding clams.
Visitors staying in Caramoan usually go island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and diving. Some might indulge in rock climbing, spelunking, bird-watching, trekking or simply strolling. Still, others may want to go boating or do water aerobics with just a group of friends or family. With the advent of digital underwater cameras, enthusiasts or simple amateurs could take others underwater through photography and videography. They can then post their shots or videos in any of the social networks or websites. And because some areas have wide beaches, especially during low tide, they can try to play beach volleyball. (Don't forget to bring your own equipment.)
Caramoan's Zones
Though Caramoan's natural architectural materials are basically the same, each offers a unique experience. Take, for example, Matukad Island. It has a natural pool that can be reached if you are adventurous enough to climb sharp rocks with a vertical pitch. People who climb these rocks don't wear safety gear or harnesses. But they've made it back in one piece. What's more, people risk the climb to see the pool's resident: the milkfish, bangus in Filipino. What's so special about this fish? Nothing, really. It's just that this character is considered the guardian of the island. (Ask a local or guide regarding the legend.) For those who won't risk the climb, you can always lounge on the island's white sand and daydream.
Another interesting zone in Caramoan is Cotivas Island. It is an uninhabited island which appears larger during low tide because most of its beach surfaces. It has shallow waters that make it ideal for families who have their kids along. However, it might be scary for them -- as well as the adults -- if the trip is made during monsoon season (around June - February) when the waters are rough. The agony of getting to the island is also longer. But if you are a thrill seeker, much like someone who likes roller coaster rides, go ahead!
If you want to experience what it is like to be a castaway, try being one at Sabitang Laya. Not that it's totally isolated from the rest of the islands or the mainland of Caramoan, but being on the island may make you forget about time. You can build sand castles, swim or rock climb. You don't have to be a serious rock climber but a knack for exploration will do. The boulders dotting a point on the triangular island are not as sharp as those on Matukad. There are also shrubs and trees on the island where you can doze off.
A longer island-hopping itinerary might also include Lahuy, Pitogo, Minalahos and Tinago Islands. The entire town of Caramoan itself offers various activities you might want to try. It's up to you discover what those activities are.
Another interesting zone in Caramoan is Cotivas Island. It is an uninhabited island which appears larger during low tide because most of its beach surfaces. It has shallow waters that make it ideal for families who have their kids along. However, it might be scary for them -- as well as the adults -- if the trip is made during monsoon season (around June - February) when the waters are rough. The agony of getting to the island is also longer. But if you are a thrill seeker, much like someone who likes roller coaster rides, go ahead!
If you want to experience what it is like to be a castaway, try being one at Sabitang Laya. Not that it's totally isolated from the rest of the islands or the mainland of Caramoan, but being on the island may make you forget about time. You can build sand castles, swim or rock climb. You don't have to be a serious rock climber but a knack for exploration will do. The boulders dotting a point on the triangular island are not as sharp as those on Matukad. There are also shrubs and trees on the island where you can doze off.
A longer island-hopping itinerary might also include Lahuy, Pitogo, Minalahos and Tinago Islands. The entire town of Caramoan itself offers various activities you might want to try. It's up to you discover what those activities are.