Caramoan’s Matukad Island is a Dream Destination You Shouldn’t Miss

A magical island with a mysterious legend!
by Ina Louise Manto | August 05, 2020

If you’re in for a long road trip, a drive to Camarines Sur is definitely worth the hours behind the wheel. And a trip to this province is not complete without visiting Caramoan. It’s the home of many islands that has been gaining tourists over the past years, and among them is the famous Matukad Island, which is just breathtaking all over.

Matukad Island

Matukad Island looks like it’s straight off a postcard. Just like its surrounding islands, Matukad is riddled with gigantic limestone cliffs that are a treat for rock climbers. But one of the main reasons why tourists can’t get enough of this island is its fine white sand beaches. Some even say that it can even compete with Boracay. Caramoan’s islands are secluded and pristine, which would make you appreciate the raw beauty of nature.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gwyn Fryd Miranda ‍♀️ (@wynwonders) on Jun 25, 2020 at 2:03am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dea Mariano (@dea_howshewanders) on Feb 19, 2018 at 1:29am PST

Its deep crystal blue waters are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by kapampangan traveller (@kapampangan_traveller) on Jun 18, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

Tourists frequently climb its rock formations to get a picturesque shot of the island.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ℛℯℯ (@iamtala_reyes) on Jul 7, 2020 at 7:26am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by G A L A E R O (@galahero) on Jun 2, 2020 at 6:59am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@sarahj.garcia) on Jan 14, 2020 at 7:57pm PST

Fun fact: Matukad is one of the filming locations of reality TV show Survivor. Several seasons of the show have been filmed in different islands across Caramoan.

The Legend of Matukad Lagoon

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joseph M.O. Gulfan MD FPCS (@joseph.gulfan) on May 12, 2020 at 3:13pm PDT

The island of Matukad already looks magical with its lush greenery and limestone formation that resembles those from Coron or El Nido, but this legend adds more to the island’s charm. Hidden between the giant cliffs is the Matukad Lagoon, which you can only see by climbing the giant stones.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jorelyn Cabug (@jhorecabug) on Feb 4, 2020 at 8:55pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by faye motos (@toothfayes) on Mar 3, 2020 at 11:48pm PST

According to locals, there’s a giant milkfish or bangus that magically appeared in the lagoon. It is believed that there were originally two of them but a family caught the other and had it for dinner. The family died from eating the bangus and no one dared to fish the remaining giant bangus in the lagoon since. Will you try to spot the mysterious fish?

How to get there

There are different ways to go to Caramoan: bus, car, or airplane. You can fly from Manila to any of the nearby airports: Naga (Camarines Sur) or Virac (Catanduanes). From there, you have to go on a 1-hour boat ride from Sabang Port to Guijalo Port. Ride a jeep to Caramoan Sentro and a tricycle to Bikal Port.

Boats for island hopping usually cost between Php 2,000 or Php 3,500, depending on the size.

Have you visited Caramoan or any of its islands before? Share your experience below!