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touristguidebuzz · 7 years ago

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Top Ten Places to Visit in Camarines Sur

Out of Town Blog Top Ten Places to Visit in Camarines Sur

Top 10 Places to Visit in Camarines Sur

As the largest province in the Bicol Region of Luzon, Camarines Sur is one that does not disappoint. The province is blessed with several beaches, waterfalls, and mountains, and has a generally relaxing and laid-back atmosphere compared to seaside destinations like Siargao or La Union. It also has historical churches and landmarks that are lesser-known, and complete the getaway paradise of Camarines Sur.

Caramoan Island photo via Caramoan.ph – Top Ten Places to Visit in Camarines Sur

The climate here is very tropical. Peak seasons are summertime, and the influx of tourists decreases during rainy season (usually from July to September), and then gradually increasing again from October onwards. However, regardless of the season, there is plenty to see in this unexploited and quaint province of Camarines Sur. Here are ten of these:

1. Lake Buhi

Lake Buhi Photo credit: ~MVI~ (warped) via Foter.com / CC BY

Lake Buhi is recognized for being the source of the smallest commercially harvested fish in the world, the Sinarapan. A huge portion of the local industry in the province is agricultural and fishing, and although most towns have their own fisheries or plantations, Lake Buhi takes the spotlight in the entire province. If you can’t go fishing here, you can always go on a short boat ride and appreciate the fresh air, and the not-so-distant mountain of Iriga.

2. Mt. Iriga

Mt. Iriga Photo credit: chotda via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Also known as Mt. Asog, Mt. Iriga is an active volcano that is about a kilometer away from Lake Buhi. It’s already a wonderful sight to behold from afar, and up close, Mt. Iriga proves to be more than just for the eyes. Although it is labelled as an active volcano, the last time that it erupted was in 1642, and has not had any visible volcanic activity since then. This is why its crater is covered with thick layers of trees and vegetation, and hiking along the trail will give you an amazing view of it.

3. Mt. Isarog National Park

ATV Adventure in Mount Isarog National Park

This inactive volcano was declared a national park in 1938 by the national government and is the highest rainforest-mountain in Southern Luzon. The way up the summit is not your ordinary ten to twenty-minute afternoon hike. The way up can take hours, and all hikers are prohibited from hiking up and down within the same day to avoid accidents on the way down. On the way, you will see various types of birds, insects, a few fauna, and lots and lots of grass. Previous hikers do leave trails because it is a protected area so you will have to make your own!

4. Malabsay Falls

Malabsay Falls by Red Envolope Photos

If you’re intimidated by the trek that Mt. Isarog poses, Malabsay Falls, which is just a fairly short hike from the entrance of Mt. Isarog National Park, is a great alternate route. The waters of Malabsay can get very cold because the water comes directly from the peak of inactive volcano, so be sure to be prepared with the temperature. Note that you need to pay a small fee (Php 20 to 50) before entering. This also applies to Mt. Isarog.

Also Read: Choose ATV To Malabsay Falls If You Love Adventure

5. Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia By Totle12 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

The City of Naga is often called the Pilgrim City of Bicol. This Basilica is the only one of its kind in the whole region, which is why it attracts hundreds of both local and foreign tourists. The construction of the church started in 1976, but was only completed in 1981. Though fairly small compared to other churches in Luzon, it has high ceilings and stained glass windows that have been well-preserved. Inside is the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

6. Lahuy Island

Lahuy Island Photo credit: ydcheow87 via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

If you’re a fan of nature, beaches, and tranquility, well, you’ll be pleased to know that Lahuy Island has all those three combined. Lahuy Island is about 10 kilometers long and 3 km wide, and has crystal clear waters and cream white sands. Bordering the beach are thick forests. Getting here requires a long boat ride either from the neighboring island or from the central Caramoan town.

7. Matukad Island

Matukad Island in Caramoan

Aside from being the perfect beach island getaway, Matukad also has rock formations that you can not only marvel at, but also climb on. This one of the most famous islands in Caramoan and the entirety of Camarines Sur, so it can get crowded during peak seasons, which is usually from April to June. The island also owes some of its fame to the fact that it is where the local reality TV show “Survivor” was filmed. In 2016, the entire island was temporarily closed for this.

8. Our Lady of Peace Grotto Shrine Park

The Lady of Peace Grotto enshrines a 26-foot tall statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is considered the biggest and tallest one in the Philippines. The statue is pure white and stands in the middle of a piece of platform with no roof, making it look as if it is glowing under the sun. At night, the statue is lighted to guide the fishermen. Getting to the statue requires you to climb almost 530 steps, so make sure to be prepared. It is said that the monument can grant three wishes.

9. Lahos Island

Lahos Island via Tripadvisor

Hop on a 10-minute boat ride from Paniman Beach in Caramoan and prepare to take a picture of the massive limestone formations on the way. You will probably wonder how the heavy limestone rocks leading to Lahos Island float delicately on the blue waters. While Lahos is not as large as Matuklad, it boasts of very shallow and clear waters, and you can actually swim under some of the protruding karst formations! Snorkeling, swimming, or simply sitting on the sand will make you enjoy this secluded island like it’s your own.

10. Nalalata Falls

Nalalata Falls by Jovial Wanderer

What’s a good way to chill after a long hike? Swim in Nalalata Falls’ cool waters, and get a natural massage from the pressured falling water. What’s a better way to chill after a long hike? Rappelling! The rock behind the waterfalls has been smoothened out due to the continuous flow of water, and the flat, 50-feet high surface serves as an excellent spot for rappelling, while at the same time getting to bathe. There are guides who can assist you and rentable equipment at the entrance. Compared to Malabsay Falls, Nalalata is a fairly easy hike once you get dropped off at the starting point.