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| Nutritional facts of Chili (Sili or Lada in bikol dialect). Click here.. |
1 Nation, 1 Lifetime, 7,107 Islands cdm gonzales
Explore the Jungles, Sail the Coastline, Hop the Islands.
(w/ Tour Packages below)
Camarines Sur lies on the Southern part of Luzon Island and is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region. Home of the muscular Mt. Isarog (with Mayon Volcano being the female counterpart) and the smallest commercially-harvested fish in the world, the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis) found only in lake Buhi. Today, with advent and unregulated culture of Tilapia fish in the lake, Sinarapan was kicked out (literally) from the main lake and being cultured in the smaller lakes around Lake Buhi, to avoid the specie from extinction, with the supervision of the BFAR. And recently the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) @ the Capitol Grounds, Pili, Cam. Sur and the Caramoan Islands & Gota Beach Village Resort were added to the menu.
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| Click Photo to enlarge |
Going to Cam Sur:
By Air – 5 to 7 round trip flights (45mins) a day from
Manila Domestic Terminal in Paranaque to Pili Airport, 30 min. drive to Naga
City.
By Land – Buses (8 to 10 hrs. ride) from cubao, Pasay &
Manila practically leaves every hours for 18 hrs a day. Fare is is from 450 to
1,200 PhP. They also have the (Cho-cho) Train. For private cars, just drive
along the Pan Pacific Hi-way Via SLEX passing though Calamba, Lucena, Calauag,
Andaya Hi-way, Sipocot and arrive Naga after 6-7hrs (4hrs-45mins. my fastest
time).
Getting Around Cam. Sur: With Naga City as the jump off point, you can go
anywhere in the province and to the adjoining provinces, either by bus, jeepney
or air-conditioned vans.
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| Click Photo to enlarge |
Accomodations:
Hotels, Inns & Resorts – Hotels and Inns abound in the
province. Almost all towns and even big Barangays have their own inns to offer
to visitors. Naga City and Iriga City, being the centers of the province boast
of first class hotel accommodations and name a few AVENUE HOTEL; VILLA CACERES HOTEL; CROWN HOTEL; GRAND IMPERIAL
PLAZA; HOTEL MIRABELLA; ARISTOCRAT HOTEL; MORAVILLE HOTEL; Moraville Drive-In
Hotel; REGENT HOTEL
Resorts & Beaches:
Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CW) @ Capitol Grounds, Pili, Cam. Sur - a unique watersports park designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing coupled with restaurants, sand bars, spas, pro-shops, cottages and cabanas for staying guests.
Pasacao (West of Naga) Chain of Resorts (Bicol Copacabana) in Barangays Balogo and
Magtabid has about 12-kilometers of beach.
45-minute ride by car from Naga City.
Sabang Beach (East of Naga – Lagonoy Gulf), San Jose
Camarines Sur (Partido Area) - A five-hour trip either by bus or van from Naga
City offers hotel, inn and resort accommodations.
Sagñay & Nato (East of Naga – Lagonoy Gulf), Camarines
Sur – 1.5 hours ride by bus or jeepney from Naga City, it offers guestrooms, bar, function room and other.
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| Balogo Beach, Pasacao |
Gota Beach Resort, Caramoan, Camarines Sur – 2 hour boat
ride from Sabang, San Jose or by land (summertime
only) through the Caramoan Peninsula Road offers beautiful white fine beaches with majestic
limestone and marble mountains.
Where to Eat - What to Eat:
One will never starve in Camarines Sur. In Naga City alone,
particularly SM Naga, Magsaysay Boulevard and Centro offer countless bistros,
bars and restos for local & international dining such as, Biggs Diner, Bob Marlin, Bulalo Country, Caby’s
Cabana, Chicken Bacolod, Geewan and a lot more. Even in localities outside of the city, just
bring in the money and infinite appetite for HOT, HOTTER, "HOTTIEST" cuisine and you will never run out of choices.
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| Just a few of the "HOTTIEST" Bikol Cuisine |
And for the best eating experience, carenderia style along the push Magasaysay Avenue, I personally recommend Nana Lina's Eatery, just fronting West park Leisure Hub. High end location, high value cooking, low end price.
Where to Go in Naga City:
Naga City Business District (CBD) – SM City, Central Terminal
& Jessy Robredo Coleseum
Centro - San Francisco Church – Right at the
Centro & Peoples Market – Everything you buy is cheap & nice
North of Naga - Naga Metropolitan Cathedral with
the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, it
was founded in 1793 and became the second school in the Philippines. Across the street is The Bishop’s
Palace and the University of Sta Isabel, founded in 1868, this was the
first the Normal School for women in the Far East. A little
farther is the Ateneo de Naga University, The only Jesuit school in the
region.
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| Old San Francisco Church, Naga City |
East of Naga – Towards Mt. Isarog are The
Penafrancia Church, Penafrancia Basilica Minore, few kilometers away would be
Naga City Eco Village in Bgy. Pacol, Naga City Sports Complex with the Ateneo
de Naga High School just across.
Farther up would be Penafrancia Resort and another 4kms is the Panicuason Hot
Spring. They have the only zip-line cam sur and the cold river from Mt. Isarog.
Going further up is the DENR Station which is
the jump off point to Mt. Isarog Panicuason Hiking Trail.
Mt. Isarog:
Majestically looking over the
City of Naga, this mountain is almost 2,000m (6,500ft) Above Sea Level (ASL). It
is the last tropical rain forest in Bicol. A potentially active stratovolcano, (whatever
that means) and rich in biodiversity, mossy forest and 16 rivers (thus the name
Vulcan de Agua or Mountain of River, providing life support to the towns below.
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| Summit of Mt. Isarog |
Trail Hike to Mt. Isarog:
Naga City, Camarines Sur
Major jump-off: Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City
1,966 MASL
Days requires / Hours to summit: 2 days / 8-10 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
The climb to Mt. Isarog consists of 3 trails. Trails 1 & 2 do not meet and have different objectives. If you are aiming for the summit, take the No. 1 Panicuason Trail. If your target are waterfalls and rivers, Take the No. 2 Patag Patag (Level flat) Trail.
Panicuason Trail : This is no joke. Never make Mt. Isarog your first conquered mountain. You will never achieve it. Just talking out of experience guys. 3 water falls along the trails. You need some detours to reach the falls. I normally do not give details of my climbs. A lot of climber/bloggers has written about this mountain.
The Patag-patag (Level flat) Trail: Do not be deceived by the name. In Bicol Patag meas both level and flat. But that name only represents the jump off point which is level & flat. The Consocep Mountain Resort in Ocampo, Cam. Sur. The trail is as hard as the Panicuason Trail. More falls and rivers in this trail. A lot of detours if you want to visit all of them. Summit is not reached by this Trail.
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| Tumaguiti Falls @ Mt. Isarog |
Now the Mt. Isarog Traverse Trail: Major jump-off: Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City; Days requires / Hours to summit: 4 days / 8-10 hours; Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
The Traverse is actually a continuation of the Panicuason Trail, but going out (or exiting) on the other side though the long Hiwacloy (Goa, Cam. Sur) Trail which is very seldom used.
Waterfalls & Rivers of Isarog: Malabsay Falls – Panicuason, Naga City, Busay Falls – Pili Side, Tumaguiti Falls – Ocampo Side, Maragobdob Falls – Goa side, Ibahuy Minor – Goa Side, Ibahoy Mayor – Goa Side, Nahulogang Busog – Goa Side, Azupre Spring, Maalsum River, Tabuan River, Nabuntulan Spring, Himuragat River – Tinambac Side
Where to Go in Camarines Sur:
* PASACAO & MINALABAC:
1. Balogo & Magtabid Beach - Pasacao, Camarines Sur - Balogo is about 1km. long beach while Magtabid is about 2km. long beach.
2. Pebble Beach – Bagulatao, Minalabac, Camarines Sur - No fine white sands, just polished smooth pebbles. Best for therapeutic walk.
* LAGONOY:
1. Nahulugan Kampana - Brgy. Sta. Maria - The belfry of the first stone church which serves as the living memory of the.
2. Bolanogan Falls - Barangay Agosais, Lagonoy. Bolanogan falls is a nature's treat to anyone who would like to experience a cool water spraying on their cheeks.
* CARAMOAN Peninsula:
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Caramoan: nothing but beautiful...
For more Photos of Caramoan click here |
1. Gota Beach - Paradise resort village in the Caramoan Peninsula. More..
2. Paniman Beach - 30min ride from Caramoan town proper. Ideal jump-off point to island hopping. Motor boats for rent, local food and accommodation are available in this area.
3. Tabgon - 1hr ride Caramoan town proper. Home of the towering Groto of Our Lady of Peace on top of Mt. Calgado (574 steps up) overlooking the entire Caramoan Peninsula.
4. Tayak Lagoon - Malarad Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur - The lagoon is accessible by swimming underneath the rocks on the beach side.
5. Umang Cave, Caramoan, Camarines Sur. - Like a deformed cathedral the cave interior is illuminated by natural windows millions of bats flying in circles.
6. Lahuy & Cotivas Islands - A 10-kilometer long island about 3 kilometers at its widest point. The island has long stretches of uniquely white fine sand & small hills. Cotivas Island is a spear-head shape small island in the southers side of Lahuy.
7. Isla de Monteverde - Denrica, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur - The island is covered with virgin forest facing the Pacific Ocean.
8. Pinaglukaban Island - Brgy. Denrica, Garchitorena. The island offers superb sites for scuba diving. It has white sand and a lagoon.
* RINCONADA AREA - Iriga City, Buhi, Balatan & Bula:
1. Calvario Hill - Brgy. San Francisco - Presently, this is the site of Bicol's magnificent Emerald Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes.
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| Animasola Island Rock Formations |
2. Kinuwartelan - Brgy. Perpetual Help - 7 kilometers from the city proper, this place was a Spanish garrison camp during the Spanish Period.
3. Mt. Asog - Overlooking Lake Buhi dormant Mt. Asog with three hectare sunken crater filled with pine trees.
4. Twin Falls of Itbog, Lake Buhi - One of the major attractions of Buhi town, Mt. Itbog Twin Falls is an awesome.
5. Animasola Island, Balatan, Camarines Sur - Exotic rock formations and crystal clear water welcome visitors traveling off the coast of Balatan.
6. Nalalata Falls - Bula, Camarines Sur - An impressive gush of water which provides a cool mist and spray in one area in the town of Bula.
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Tour Packages to Cam. Sur:
CamSur 1: CARAMOAN ISLANDS: 2D/1N (Weekend Leisure Tour)
Total Amount of Tour: PhP 26,600.00
Required Slots: Min -10; Max - 12 pax
Special arrangement for below 10 and above 12 pax.
Pick up Point (PuP) - Sabang, San Jose Port (Bus from Mla. to Sabang)
Drop off Point (DoP) - Naga City CBD Bus Terminal
Arrangement can also be made for PuP & DoP other than stated above.
Day 1
5-6:30 am – Sabang Port, Breakfast & Boat
08:30-9:00 am – Guijalo Port Arrival (2 hrs Boat Ride)
10:00 am –
Arrival @ Base Camp (Paniman or Tabgon)
11:30-12:00 nn –
LUNCH @ Matukad Island
01:00-6:00 pm –
Island Hoping w/ Merienda (Snacks @ Matukad Island
07:00 pm –
Dinner
08:00-10:00 pm –
Socials/Games/Campfire
Day 2
06:00 am –
Breakfast
07:00 am –
Mt. Caglago Climb to Groto of Our Lady of Peace
09:30-10:00 am –
Guijalo Port
12:00 nn –
LUNCH in Sabang Beach
01:00 pm – Van to Naga City (Visit Consocep Forest Park, CWC Pili, Penafrancia Basilica Minori & other Tourist Spots in Naga City)
07:00 pm –
Dinner @ SM City Naga (Not Inclusive)
08:00 pm - Bus to Manila
END OF TOUR....
Inclusion:
1. 5 Meals (Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner; Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch)
2. Transportation (Air-con Van, Motorboat, Jeep & Trimobile in the island)
3. Entrances
4. Tour Guide/Coordinator (all throughout the tour duration)
Exclusions:
1. Snacks & Merienda
2. Transport from Manila & back
Note:
* Number of islands to visit would depend on island availability; there are international shoots on some islands like Survivor etc...
* Room sharing is good for 4-6 persons, if you want to have a separate room (ex. for 2 persons) additional fee would be added depending on the room availability.\
For inquiries, additional details and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tours,
please leave message @ comment box below.
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CamSur 2: CARAMOAN ISLANDS + MAYON: 3D/2N
(Bikol Loop Tour)
Total Amount of Package: PhP 36,600.00
Required Slots: Min -10; Max - 12 pax
Special arrangement for below 10 and above 12 pax.
Pick up Point (PuP) - Sabang, San Jose Port (Bus from Mla. to Sabang)
Drop off Point (DoP) - Naga City CBD Bus Terminal
Arrangement can also be made for PuP & DoP other than stated above.
Day 1
5-6:30 am – Sabang Port, Breakfast & Boat
08:30-9:00 am – Guijalo Port Arrival (2 hrs Boat Ride)
10:00 am – Arrival @ Base Camp (Paniman or Tabgon)
11:30-12:00 nn – LUNCH @ Matukad Island
01:00-6:00 pm – Island Hoping w/ Merienda (Snacks @ Matukad Island
07:00 pm – Dinner
08:00-10:00 pm – Socials/Games/Campfire
Day 2
06:00am – Breakfast
07:00am – Mt. Calgado Climb to Groto of Our Lady of Peace
09:30-10:00am – Guijalo Port
12:00nn – LUNCH in Sabang Beach
01:00pm - Travel to Tiwi, Albay via the scenic Sangay Coastal Road (Start of Mayon Tour).
03:00pm - ETA Tiwi
04:00pm - Daragang Magayon Park. (Mayon Skyline View Deck, Mayon Planetarium).
06:00pm - Legaspi City, Lignon Park Dinner (not inclusive)
08:00pm - Hotel in Legaspi
Day 3
07:00am
– Breakfast (not inclusive
08:00am – Daraga Church, Native Products
10:30am –
Cagsawa Ruins
11:00am –
Lunch in Camalig (not inclusive)
12:00nn –
Ligao, Cawa-cawa Park
01:30pm – Visit Consocep Forest Park, CWC Pili, Penafrancia Basilica Minori & other Tourist Spots in Naga City)
07:00 pm – Dinner @ SM City Naga (not inclusive)
08:00 pm - Bus to Manila
END OF TOUR....
Inclusion:
1. All meals (Breakfast of Day 1 to Lunch of Day 2)
2. Transportation (Air-con Van, Motorboat, Jeep & Trimobile in the island)
3. Entrances
4. Tour Guide/Coordinator (all throughout the tour duration)
Exclusions:
1. Snacks & Merienda
2. Transport from Manila & back
3. All meals after lunch of Day 2
Note:
* Number of
visited islands would depend on island availability; there are international
shoots on some islands like Survivor etc...
* Room
sharing is good for 4-6 persons, if you want to have a separate room (ex. for 2
persons) additional fee would be added depending on the room availability.
For inquiries, additional details and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tours,
please leave message @ comment box below.
================================================================================
CamSur 3: Mt. ISAROG HIKE: 2D/1N
(Guided Hike to Mt. Isarog w/ Naga Tour)
VIA PANICUASON TRAIL or PATAG TRAIL @ CONSOCEP
Naga City, Camarines Sur
Major jump-off: Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City
LLA: 13°40' N, 123°21' E, 1966 MASL
Days requires / Hours to summit: 2 days / 8-10 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3
Total Amount of Package: PhP 10,000.00
Required Slots: 5 pax
Pick up Point (PuP) & Drop off Point (DoP) - Naga City CBD Bus Terminal
ITINERARY:
Day 1
04:00am - ETA CBD Bus Terminal, Naga City
05:00am - Meet Site Coordinator w/ air-conditioned van. Breakfast at Naga City
06:00am - Proceed to Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City or Bgy. Consocep, Ocampo, Cam. Sur (jump-off point), meet guide w/ permit & get food supplies.
07:00am - Start of trek
08:00am - Visit Malabsay, Nabuntalan, and other waterfalls
11:30am - ETA Camp 3 / Lunch & Rest
01:00pm - Resume trek
04:00pm - ETA @ Summit. Set up camp, take photos
07:00pm - Dinner / socials
Day 2
05:00am - Wake-up call / Breakfast
06:00am - Start Descent
12:00nn - Lunch at Jump-off point.
01:00pm - Visit Panicuason Hot Spring Resort (picture taking) & proceed back to Naga City and visit other Tourist Sites in the City & CWC.
07:00pm - Dinner @ CBD and back to manila
Inclusion:
1. All meals (Breakfast of Day 1 to Lunch of Day 2)
2. Transportation (Air-con Van)
3. Permits
4. Tour Guide/Coordinator (all throughout the tour duration)
Exclusions:
1. Snacks & Merienda
2. Transport from Manila & back
Note:
* Number of visited islands would depend on island availability; there are international shoots on some islands like Survivor etc...
* Room sharing is good for 4-6 persons, if you want to have a separate room (ex. for 2 persons) additional fee would be added depending on the room availability.
For inquiries, additional details and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tours,
please leave message @ comment box below.
