Pacific Coasts - Daraga, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines is a community characterized by simplicity and harmony. Its people share the tradition and culture of warm Filipino hospitality. Ancient lifestyles seamlessly blend with modern practices.
Daraga is one of the four barangays located on Lahuy Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is a tranquil community where residents take care of each other with great care and concern, are familiar with one another, and often appear to be connected by blood.
The community was humble, and I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming everyone was to visitors. This warmth left me with no doubts or fears about exploring the community just an hour after I arrived.
Click the arrow tab below to see more images of Daraga:
Even from a distance in a boat, I was captivated by the view stretching from the seashore to the mountaintop. The shoreline's beige and grey hues and the mountain's varied shades of green were stunning. The vibrant fishing boats lined the coast alongside painted houses and buildings. Locals were assembled along the shore, relaxing and conversing after their workday.
When I disembarked from the boat, I realized everyone was watching me, aware that a newcomer had joined their community. Although I have traveled to various locations, this experience is unfamiliar. They observe you with joy for your arrival and assess how they will engage with you and how you will relate to them.
Click the play tab below to watch the Part 1 video of Daraga on YouTube.
While walking past a group sitting under the tree by the seashore, I first took the initiative to greet them. This approach made the locals feel at ease with me, so they replied with a smile when I greeted them. After this brief greeting, my niece introduced me to them, which made them smile even more and welcome me warmly.
After arriving at my niece's house, I quickly captured the views that had amazed me both from a distance and up close. I requested my guide, my nephew-in-law's skipper, to take me to the top of the hill for panoramic shots of the ocean, nearby islands, and the barangay. Reaching the summit, my heart raced at the breathtaking scenery before me, and I realized there was much more to discover on the island, with numerous adventures to embark on and many places to explore.
Click the play tab below to watch Part 2 of the Daraga video on YouTube:
Upon arriving early the next day, I strolled the community to immerse myself fully with the residents. I stopped in a store selling general merchandise to buy cigarettes and water for the stroll.
The purpose of the visit shifted to friendly, casual chatting and discussing various topics. I didn't even realize I was already late for our island-hopping departure because I enjoyed the pleasant conversations with the store owners.
Quick Facts
Name of the Place: Daraga
Location: Lahuy Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Distance from the Mainland: 20 Km Approx
Travel Time: 35 Min to 1 hr
Best Character of the Place: Peaceful, with accommodating residents.
Places to Visit
1. Manlawi Disappearing Sandbar & Floating Cottages
The Unique characteristic of the Malawi Sandbar is that it disappears during high tide and surfaces only during low tide.
2. Cotivas Island and Sandbar
Spend your day swimming in sky-blue ocean water.
Have the chance to drink and eat fresh fruit that treats kidney stones – Buko fruits. There are buko vendors selling fruit beside the makeshift cottages.
3. Basot Island
Visit the Guinahoan Lighthouse on top of the hill and enjoy the exhilarating sights and the cold breezes of the Pacific Ocean.
4. Isla Soledad
Isla Soledad is an island resort with two (2) different seawater wave conditions: rough and calm.
Click the below link to read more about Isla Soledad: ISLA SOLEDAD - LAHUY ISLAND, CARAMOAN, CAMARINES SUR, PHILIPPINES (underratedadventures.com)
Activities You Can Do
Mountain Hiking
Island Hopping
Swimming
Sightseeing
Accessibility
No hotel or lodging exists, but the residents can accommodate you if your housing situation worsens.
If you opt to return to the mainland on the same day of your visit, you should leave the island at least 2 hours before sundown to allow time for your return.
Mobile phone and internet signal: There are networks with good signals but also poor to no signals.
With an Electric Power supply
No modern water supply distribution – The waters are fetched from an open well for washing and bathing.
Ideal Season for a Visit
Summer is the ideal time to visit. The island is on the Pacific coast, and the sea is calm.
During rainy seasons, avoid when low pressure is coming or typhoon signals are coming because the sea is rough. Although the sea route to Lahuy is between and close to several islands along the way, extra precautions for safety should be considered first and foremost.
For the latest underrated places to visit for a unique adventure, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DWondersWander
Wonderful