Camarines Sur

Search anywhere in the Philippines and you will not find any destination that has the most exciting and extreme water sports other than that found in Camarines Sur. In the past years, Camarines Sur has been making a name for itself in the tourism industry as the place to go in the country for locals and for foreigners alike. The main attraction here is definitely the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex. However, the attractions of the province do not stop there. There are more places to visit and nature to wonder at here in Camarines Sur.

Caramoan Islands

Camarines Sur is situated in the Bicol Region of the island of Luzon. It is the largest province of the Bicol region surrounded by two mountains, Mount Isarog and Mount Iriga. This province experiences a tropical climate with a dry season from March to May and wet season the rest of the year. If you want to enjoy your stay in Camarines Sur, visit here during the dry months.

Caramoan Islands was considered as a secret paradise then. However, thanks to bloggers and tourists alike, the word got out about the place and it is no longer a secret anymore. It is a group of islands where you can do all sorts of water activities and island adventure such as diving, snorkeling, spelunking, trekking and even a little rock climbing. The activities are fun plus the breath taking view is surely not a bad addition to the experience.

There are currently five falls discovered in the province but the most famous one is that of Itbog Twin Falls found in the town of Buhi. It is a 60 foot tall falls and the water is said to come from the top of Mt. Isarog. The main attraction, as stated earlier, is the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex. It is a watersports park designed for wakeskating, waterskiing and wakeboarding. It also has sand bars, spas, restaurants and grand stands for guests to enjoy. The park is open even at night for it is well equipped with spotlights.

History

The province of Bicol was founded in 1573 by the Spaniards. Camarines was created as a separate province from Bicol in the year 1636. By 1829, Camarines was divided into two provinces, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. The two provinces was merged back twice; from 1854 to 1857 and in 1893. It was divided for good in the year 1917.

Festivals

• Tinagba Festival (Iriga City) – February 11 
• Harana Festival (San Jose) – Feb. 11-15 
• Karanowan Festival (Bato) – Feb. 15 
• Baybayon Festival (Sagñay) – April 15-17
• Tumatarok Festival (Minalabac) – May 1 
• May Ilaoud Festival (Milaor) – May 1 
• Boa-Boahan Festival (Nabua) – May 1 
• Balik Caramoan (Caramoan) – May 1-8 
• Kaogma Festival (Camarines Sur) – May 24-31
• Regatta Festival (Gainza) – August 7
• Pasa-Pasa Ikaw Festival (Pasacao) – August 25-30 
• Voyadores Festival (Naga City) – September-2nd Friday 
• Peñafrancia Festival (Naga City) – 3rd week of September
• Bamboo Festival (Bula) – December 1
• Bikol Pastores Festival (Calabanga) – December 20-24 
• Kamundagan Festival (Naga City) – December

Tips

Being part of the Bicol Region, Camarines Sur is a culinary delight so better try local foods. Get your hands on some of these delicious delicacies: Laing, Langkang Palusag, Bikol Express, Pinangat, Ginuygoy, Inon-on and Ginaring. Most of these dishes are spicy and are usually cooked with coconut milk.