The Philippines is a whole paradise of summer destinations. Wherever you go, you can bet there are a white sand beaches and hot springs waiting for you to explore. Its three large islands boast a whole array of tourist spots that are worthy of a spot on every travel buff’s bucket list.

Mindanao has Davao and Surigao, while the Visayas has Cebu and Boracay to take pride in. Luzon, being the largest of the three archipelagos, is expected to have more must-visit tourist destinations, and they’re not really wrong. The 105,000 km² island may be a little more crowded, but it is filled with travel spots that you wouldn’t want to miss.

One of the most famous regions in the area is Bicol. The place is known for so many things, but everybody will agree, when Bicol is talked about, the conversation almost always centers around Albay, as it is home to the famous Mayon Volcano, the stratovolcano famed for its symmetric conical shape.

But there is more to Bicol than Albay or the Mount Mayon or its ever-delicious Bicol Express. There are other places in the region that remain unexplored and unheard of—like the Caramoan Islands.

Located in the eastern part of Camarines Sur, Caramoan Islands is a second-class municipality subdivided into almost fifty barangays, each housing tourist destinations that are just waiting for the other part of the world to walk into.

The island offers a different kind of adventure you will want to take within this lifetime. If you are up for it, here are some of the best places to visit in Caramoan Islands and what makes them worth spending a whole summer in.

 5 Best Places to Visit in Caramoan Islands

1. Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

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You’ll have to take more than 500 steps to reach the 26-foot image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Sounds exhausting for some, but for believers, every step is worth it. The image can be found Barangay Tabgon, the the Caglago Mountain. It is believed to be the tallest Marian statue in the Philippines and, once you reach the top, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the islands.

2. Sabitang Laya Island

As Carmoan Islands is technically a huge group of numerous islets, a lot of frequently visited spots in the area are its principal islands. One noteworthy example is the Sabitang Laya Island.

Are white sand beaches what you’re after? This triangular-shaped island should be your first stop. It is massive in size and boasts a huge stretch of white sand beach you could spend a whole day walking by and marveling at the beauty nature offers.

3. Hunongan Cove

Hunongan Cove is a secluded beach in Caramoan. Once an untouched haven, it has now been developed into resorts where tourists can spend peaceful nights and enjoy a walk along the heavily forested cliffs during the day. Gota Beach Resort, located beside the cove, is where most tourists stay. Although it will have you paying above the average resorts price, the place offers a luxurious by-the-beach experience you will never trade anything for.

4. Kagbalinad Island

Facing the Hunongan Cove is another island that is worth paying a visit. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Caramoan Islands, Kagbanilad is the island to be for snorkelers. The reeds you can explore in the area are more than enough for you to learn more about marine life. The island also has crystal-clear waters you can dive in days on end.

5. Tayak Lagoon

Mysteriously elegant is how most guests would describe the Tayak Lagoon in Malarad Island, Caramoan. It is not the largest lagoon in the country, nor is it the most abundant, but it definitely one of the most enchanting there is. Separated from the sea by a barrier, which is worth exploring in itself, the Tayak Lagoon is body of calm water that anyone would want to swim in. Serene and peaceful, it is perfect for those who just want a relaxing dip in the middle of the beautiful island.

No doubt our country is blessed with nature’s beauty, wherever you may be in this archipelago,  there are stunning tourist destinations waiting for you. Check this list of undiscovered tourist destinations around the Philippines you wouldn’t want to miss off your bucket list.

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