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In light of the current COVID-19 situation, the recommendations and activities mentioned in this article are for the purpose of possible future holidays. Please always refer to local government health advisories for travel.
Hailed as the “Gems of the Pacific,” Triple C island adventure represents the exciting activities in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes Island of the Bicol region in the Philippines, which is around a five-hour drive south of Manila.
The region is Luzon’s gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao. Thanks to its geographical location along the rim of the Pacific Ocean, Triple C is almost synonymous with island hopping and water sports activities. However, as expected of the rich and diverse culture in the Philippines, the fun does not stop there.
Bicol-bound domestic travellers must present their vaccination card and a negative RT-PCR or Antigen test. Are you ready for some Triple C island adventure and more?
Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte is the northernmost province of the Bicol region and is considered as the “Gateway to Bicolandia”. The province is famous for its long stretch of white sand beaches, enigmatic waterfalls, and architectural wonders.
It is hard to miss Calaguas when you find yourself in Camarines Norte. The island boasts powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and unspoiled natural resources. Reminiscent of the famous Boracay Island without the commercial establishment, the unspoiled Calaguas is popular among backpackers.
Aside from Calaguas Island, Mercedes Group of Islands pepper the coast of Camarines Norte. The seven islets — Apuao Grande, Quinapaguian, Malasugui, Apuao Pequeña, Canton, Caringo, and Canimog — are perfect island hopping, tropical destinations.
Another go-to beach in the province is Bagasbas Beach perfect for thrilling adventures such as surfing, paragliding, paramotoring, and kiteboarding. Looking for someplace to stay in Camarines Norte? Paradiso Verde Organic Farm & Resort is a place where people can engage in a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. Aside from private swimming pools, there are also infinity pools, playgrounds, a basketball court, and a tennis court, just to name a few. There are also affordable accommodation spots located in the area for as low as PHP 150 (USD 3).
Aside from vaccination card and negative COVID test result, Camarines Norte also requires travellers to show booking reservation as well as register to camnortetravelpass.com.
Camarines Sur
Part of the Triple C island adventure, Camarines Sur is the mecca for wakeboarders. The CamSur Watersports Complex or CWC is a world-class resort made of an artificial lake, state-of-the-art towing installations, lodgings, and amenities. CamSur also boasts of farms of all kinds: deer farm; choco farm; hibiscus farm; or strawberry farm.
The province was put on the world stage when the island Caramoan became the site of the popular reality TV show, “Survivor”. Relive the challenges in the island, which is a major ecotourism destination thanks to its untouched nature.
CamSur is also home to the Peñafrancia Basilica which enshrines the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia—an 18th-century sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Patroness of Bicol.
Catanduanes
Dubbed as Happy Island, there is no room for sadness in Catanduanes. Teeming with nature and culture, the pearly island is virtually untouched, unspoiled and unexplored. The province boasts palm-fringed beaches backed by jungle-covered mountains perfect for dive sites and surfing, a poster child for Triple C island adventure.
Catanduanes is a well-known surfing destination. Puraran in the town of Baras is home to the “majestic” waves producing perfect barrels suitable for professional surfers.
Catanduanes is also home to stunning rolling hills. Dubbed as the “Batanes of Catanduanes,” the Cagnipa Rolling Hills is indeed a perfect backdrop for that Instagram pic. The small cove beneath the hills surrounded by pearly, white sand is surely breathtaking. Meanwhile, the Hiyop Highlands offers a “mountain-to-sea” ecosystem with its rugged green mountain and stunning landscape reaching out to the vast deep blue ocean.
