Top Secret Islands – Caramoan and Camiguin

While we are in Camarines Sur and are looking for transportation to the hidden paradise of the Caramoan Islands, we learn that our own little Paradise – Camiguin – got again more secret. 

The Caramoan Islands are on the Pacific coast in Camarines Sur.

To get there you need to drive from Naga City to Sagnay Port. There you have to catch a pump-boat. Caution: They only leave in the morning between 7 a.m. and 12 n.n
When you arrive after 2 hours in Guijalo Port, you need either a jeepney or a tricycle to drive to Caramoan or Gota Beach.

Welcome to the hidden paradise. More information and pictures next week – maybe.

When the cat is out of the house – the mice are partying !
We left our own secret paradise – Camiguin – about a week ago for an important celebration. We’ll write about this event too – next week, maybe.
It has never been very easy to travel to our paradise. Fortunately! The not so easy way to Camiguin preserves this natural pearl from mainstream tourism and environment destruction.
But now we learned that it became even more tricky to travel to Camiguin:

Both ferry companies, Oceanjet and Super Shuttle Ferry did temporarily stop their route from Jagna (Bohol) to Benoni and Balbagon (Camiguin). 

Working connections to Camiguin are:
– Flight from Cebu to Mambajao (4 times weekly)
– Night Ferry (Super Shuttle) from Cebu to Balbagon (Friday night)
– Up to 10 daily ferries from Balingoan (Mindanao) to Benoni (Camiguin)

If you opt for the Balingoan – Benoni link, then fly either to Cagayan de Oro or Butuan. Take the bus to Balingoan and then the ferry. We prefer the flight from Manila to Butuan because the bus trip is shorter and one has not to change from multicab or taxi  to the bus in Cagayan de Oro.

Why did they stop the Bohol – Camiguin link?

Well, public relations and customer service had never been a strong argument neither for Oceanjet nor for Supershuttle Ferry. But we think that there is simply a lack of tourists visiting Bohol after the earthquake in October and the typhoon in November. The ferry companies may even not earn the fuel for the trip. But sorry, we do not have reliable information.

We also do not know when the Bohol – Camiguin route will be reactivated. Some sources whisper something about December 23. Rumors?

Travel is more fun in the Philippines
– especially when you already have arrived.