Cotivas Island, Caramoan

The past couple of years I’ve been into the waters more than I ever thought I would. I hopped among different islands in the Philippines and just recently I got to sail around Caramoan (again, this year) and as expected, the trip has been very nice and it was fun and indeed a reminder that beyond all the national issues and whatnots, Philippines is still a beautiful place and Filipinos are still beautiful people.

I may sound bias here, saying Bicol is my most favorite place (STILL!!) here in PH. Yep, I am a Bicolana, but it’s not just about that. What I love about Bicol is it makes me feel like in every turn there is a wonderful place to relax, or get into an adventure, or just chill and do something you like doing like – well for me – eat. Plus, wherever part of Bicol I go, I really feel like I’m actually home. Okay, I’m biased. Another reason why I love Bicol is this is a home to many, many beautiful islands I’d wish I own (LOL). One of those islands lies a small, uninhabited island showing off it’s beautiful beaches attracting beach bums like myself.

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ABOUT COTIVAS ISLAND

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Cotivas Island is part of the Caramoan Island Hopping Tour you can book from different trusted travel agencies and in local tourist office. Aside from being uninhabited, Cotivas Island offers a scenic view of the sea and a peaceful place to just sit in a while and reflect. Of course, because of its beauty and freshness, it was picked as one of the shooting locations for Survivor: Philippines. The Survivor participants actually developed the most of the island in Caramoan, I learned.

It’s a perfect spot for tanning your beautiful skin, however, huts and cottages are also there in case you’re tired of sun bathing. You can also buy yourself a refreshing drink if you need to hydrate.

Cotivas lies in between the bigger islands, Lahoy and Basot. Thus, a popular stop for lunch among tourists and locals.

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HOW TO GET TO CARAMOAN

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When is the best time to visit Caramoan? February to June (some say January would be nice, but as of 2019, guys, January as observed is getting wetter and wetter, if you get what I mean). To be honest, Caramoan is a very tropical place despite the frequency of typhoon visits. Most of the year, Caramoan feels like summer, and if you are off those places with farm, trees, and abundant plants, it is honestly super hot. But you have to be mindful of the waves on the parts of the open seas, as they could grow bigger and stronger when it rains.

How to get to Caramoan? Getting to Caramoan seems easy, but you really have to be careful on choosing among your transportation options. But yes, there are options: + via air travel Only Cebu Pacific offers direct flights to Naga from Manila as of date. From Naga, you can hail a tricycle to bring you to a van (UV Express) terminal bound to Sabang. Two hours from the terminal is the Sabang Port in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur which is the most common jump-off point to Guijalo Port, Caramoan. + via land and sea travel (via Naga) If you’re commuting, I recommend RSL bus or <a href=” Philtranco bus as they are my most-used line even from before. Other bus lines offer trips from Manila, Pasay, or Cubao to Naga as well. From Naga, you can hail a tricycle to bring you to a van (UV Express) terminal bound to Sabang. Two hours from the terminal is the Sabang Port in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur which is the most common jump-off point to Guijalo Port, Caramoan. + via air / land and sea travel (via Catanduanes) Only Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer a direct flights to Catanduanes from Clark and Manila respectively as of date. If you’re commuting, I recommend RSL bus as such have trips direct to Virac. Other bus lines offer trips from Manila, Pasay, or Cubao to Tabaco Port. From Tabaco, take the ferry to Virac. Total travel hours make take up to 14 to 16 hours. Yep! That’s more than half a day, so think twice – are you willing to give up the money or the time? Landing in Virac airport, the capital town of Catanduanes, you may hire a tricycle ride to Virac port or San Andres port, where you can join a two-hour boat ride going to Caramoan. How to get around Caramoan? Getting around Caramoan is easy either by bus, tricycle or hired van. The challenge is that you will -almost always- will wait for more than 20 minutes for a public transpo to pass through. Best if you already have a contacted service provider, or share a private ride among your fellow travelers. Related post: Pros and cons of being a travel and tours joiner + tips and reminders for a happy trip

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OUR COTIVAS ISLAND EXPERIENCE

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I usually am excited visiting the island, as we used to have our lunch or morning snacks there. During this trip with my WTE family, we enjoyed the most-loved summer drink in the Philippines – fresh buko (coconut) juice. We spent an hour or two bonding, and dipping into the clear waters, taking advantage of taking Instagrammable shots around the island.

Caramoan, especially during the summer season, may get a little too crowded. However, Cotivas is one of those islands where you can avoid the busy beaches and just take quality time relaxing.

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WRAPPING IT UP

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What I like most about Cotivas is that visitors are infrequent and you can just like, roll along the shore, skinny dip if you dare, take pictures with no single photobomber, and you can actually feel like you own the island (oh, daydreams).

Cotivas Island is one of those spots in Caramoan that I will never get tired of visiting because of it’s crystal clear waters, fine sand, and peaceful ambiance that is exactly an opposite of a city life. Lol.

Looking for more places to visit? Need someone to travel with? Waiting for someone to be your food buddy? Wait no more and just stay connected! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. I also am on VSCO and Zomato, in case you’re curious or interested to join me in my travels and food reviews. Or let’s chat via email through themhayonnaise@gmail.com.