Trekking in Caramoan
We were told at new year's eve that if the weather cooperated, then we would go island hopping at 8am. But if it didn't, then we would go trekking to the bat cave as long as the water didn't rise too much. I was sleeping next to the window in our cabin in Gota Village so every morning I was wishing that the sun would be waking me up, rather than the patter of rain. Well, on the first day of the year, I finally got my wish, blue skies baby...which lasted for about an hour. But at the time, I was so ecstatic because I thought that we were going to see more of the islands of Caramoan not to mention get to snorkel which my family loves to do. So when Cathy told us that we couldn't go because the waves were to big, i was very disappointed. It's not that I don't like hiking, i just like the water better. Well, we did get a lot of water in that trek, not to mention a lot of fun.
Crossing the Pilapil
Caramoan offers more than just fine beaches and comfy cottages, The scenery in this place is outstanding. The rock formations look straight out of Jurassic Park and the forests are lush and alive. It's really nature at it's best, I'm proud to say that I did not see any trash wether we were at the beach or going up the mountain trekking. Too bad some people couldn't help writing on the walls of some parts of the caves. Cathy told us that we had two options: 1. go on a kayak trip, a 20 minute ride through the mangroves then a quick climb up to the mouth a cave then the climb down to the bat cave. Or, if we were feeling adventurous, option 2. take the long way up to the cave, crossing through the local farms, a rushing river twice, climbing up another rock then down the cave then up again then down again to the river where we will take the kayaks back to the hotel. So, as Cathy always says (and you'll find this out if she takes care of your group in Caramoan) "why not?!". So off we went.
The guide's amazed with our uncanny ability to pose every single time as if we weren't dead tired
If you've been to the Banawe Rice Terraces and have trekked down the pilapil, you should basically know that balance is very important. It's the same deal in the Pilapils of Caramoan only they're about a third of the width, but also thankfully, if you fall, like two or three of us did, you'll just get a bit of mud on your foot, unlike in Banawe where you might end up breaking a bone or two. If you decide to go on this trek, make sure you bring sandals or hiking boots. you might not need them with the pilapil but trust me, you will later, i have the scars to prove it. After the irrigation canal and the field of thorny plants and cow poo, you will get to the river. You will cross this river twice and at times it might be easier than how we did it. Because of the season the river was feeling a little raunchy, to cross the river you will have to use a guide rope so you won't get dragged all the way to the ocean.
That's me and Bituin crossing the river
We did that twice and it was easily the funnest for me. Not so much going through it but more of watching the other 13 of us do it was pretty cool. The current was faster at around the end part, just when your muscles begin to hurt the most, good thing Coach Hercules (dad) was there to egg us on and shout "whatever you do, don't let go!". Right.
After crossing the river twice we posed for the photo on top (which Gota says, might appear on one of their brochures or something) then proceeded to the steep climb up a rock and down to the cave.
climbing down the cave
At this point the majority of us were already tired so only me, bituin, brother roy, mother luchie, Father Hercules and friend Michele went down to where the bats actually were. We were rewarded by a massive cave with high ceilings where the bats were sleeping. There was also a cool stalactite (or stalagmite?) formation which looked like people enveloping you.
cool formation
the sleeping bats
After the obligatory picture takings, we started our ascent up the cave and down the rock once more. At this point I was secretly thanking my high school basketball coach for making us run that much back in the day. Finally we were greeted by the river which would lead us back to Gota via kayak. Since we were a pretty big group though and a kayak can only hold one or two guys at a time, some of us just decided to ride the river's current back to the resort. I was actually the last one to go and I chose to just ride the current. I was asking the guide I was with if there was a chance of an encounter with wild life. He just smiled and said in tagalog "Oh sure". Nice. I asked what kind and he said, fresh water crabs (i didn't know there was such a thing), snakes and the occasional crocodile. Very nice. I learned after that the first batches who went ahead didn't ask the wildlife question, so they were oblivious to the fact that we actually risked our lives an extra time for the trek.
The Obligatory Picture
Easy Way Back
So that's that. That was our Caramoan adventure. Some might say (like the guides and hotel staff) that it's a lot better there on summer but now, I'm not disappointed at all. Just make sure that if you to Caramoan to bring the following along with the essentials:
- sandals or mojos
- sunscrean (especially in summer)
- camera (preferably waterproof)
- first aid kit
- dvds for when the weather suddenly turns on you
Despite the weather, Caramoan turned out to be just how I expected it. A taste of paradise at its pure form without sacrificing comfort. Gota village is up there on my favorite resorts. The staff, although not yet completely ready for the coming hordes of people are all very friendly and accommodating. Just make sure that when you do go to Caramoan, respect the place, it's one of the promising places in the country but if we're not careful, it can easily turn out to be Boracay version 2. Here's to hoping the next time I go there, it's still the same. Simply Paradise
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