Camarines Sur is one of the provinces in the Philippines located in Bicol Region in Luzon famous for its exciting tourist spots. The water sports activities and island hopping destinations are the major draws in the tourism industry of the province. Influx of tourists keeps on increasing every year to visit its pristine beaches, paradise islands, mountain peaks, lakes, hot springs and waterfalls among others.
The province of Camarines Sur or simply CamSur is boredered by Albay (south), Maqueda Channel (east), Camarines Norte and Quezon (northwest). Over 1,950,000 total residents of the province speak in Bikol, Tagalog and English languages. Though Pili is the official capital city, most of the tourist attractions are located in Naga City.
Planning on traveling this year? You might want to check out the top tourist spots in Camarines Sur.
10 Best Tourist Spots in Camarines Sur
1. CamSur Watersports Complex
Photo courtesy of CamSur Watersports Complex
CamSur Watersports Complex is one of the best tourist spots in Camarines Sur for water sports enthusiasts. Considered as the first world-class water sports complex in the Philippines, it takes pride in its excellent facilities primarily designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing. The 6-hectare property has 6-point cable ski system which pulls the skiers on a clockwise direction around the lake. The complex is known to host international wakeboarding events. Other amenities includes swimming pools, massage huts, cabanas and a restaurant.
CamSur Watersports Complex is located in Barangay Carolina, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
2. Caramoan Islands
Matukad Island in Caramoan Islands | Photo courtesy of Nes Antonio
Caramoan Islands are the main destinations for island hopping activities in Camarines Sur. These group of islands which lies on the lower eastern part of province gained its reputation of having the best secluded white sand beaches and coves. Aside from swimming, the best things to do in the islands are to snorkel down the diverse marine life, explore the caves and lagoons, hike the hilltops or climb up the limestone rocks for spectacular views. Notable islands includes Matukad Island, Lahos Island, Hunongan Island and Gota Island among other paradise islands.
Caramoan Islands is situated in Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
3. Aguirangan Island
Photo courtesy of Dchris
Aguirangan Island is one of the famous tourist spots in Camarines Sur, a 1.5-hectare paradise island which is 30-minute boat ride away from the coasts of the mainland. The island features a pristine white sand beach with crystalline waters, noticeable corals and rock formations on both sides, verdant trees at its center and cottages lined up near the trees of the beachfront. It is possible to walk around the island for less than 15 minutes. Visitors must bring anything they need from the town proper since there are no stores on the island.
Aguirangan Island is located in Presentacion, Camarines Sur.
4. Caloco Beach
Photo courtesy of JC Jane
Caloco Beach is the newest beach destination in Camarines Sur, a newly explored and undeveloped beach characterized by long stretch of fine yellow sand with turquoise sea water. Several rock formations are scattered on some part along the shorelines and trees are abundant in the area which provides good shade from the blazing sun since there are no cottages or resorts. It is a pure beach at its raw state as of the moment which is an ideal site for beach camping and bonfire during the night. Highlands and hilltops nearby offers a vantage view of the beach and sea horizon.
Caloco Beach is situated in Barangay Caloco, Tinambac, Camarines Sur.
5. Mount Isarog
Photo courtesy of JayrDpYoursTruly
Mount Isarog is one of the renowned tourist spots in Camarines Sur, a potentially active volcano standing 1,976 meters above sea level. The mountain and its surroundings is a protected area composed of grasslands, thick and mossy forests which serves as a habitat of some endemic animals. The summit of the mountain offers a “sea of clouds” in the early morning, a panoramic view of Bicol Peninsula and Mount Mayon. The trek going to the mountain starts from an easy trail to challenging terrains approaching the campsites. A 2-day itinerary is recommended.
Mount Isarog is located in Barangay Panicuason, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
6. Lake Buhi
Photo courtesy of Miss just maria G
Lake Buhi is a freshwater lake in the province situated in a valley between Mount Asog and Mount Malinao. The 1,600-hectare lake is known as breeding ground of sinarapan, the world’s smallest fish that can be harvested commercially. Boating is the best thing to do in the lake but visitors may also walk around and mesmerize the beauty of the lake, forestland and looming mountains. The nearby forestland is a home of different species of birds including woodpeckers and parrots. Observant tourists may encounter flying lizards or monkey sightings.
Lake Buhi is situated in Buhi, Camarines Sur.
7. Panicuason Hot Spring Resort
Bike Zipline at the resort | Photo courtesy of b0ngkee
Panicuason Hot Spring Resort is one of the popular tourist spots in Camarines Sur nested at the foot of a potentially active volcano, Mount Isarog. It is a well maintained resort surrounded by trees and verdant canopy forest. The main attractions of the resort are its several natural hot spring and cold spring pools. The hot water stream is due to the active volcano while the cold spring comes from Inarihan River. Visitors may also enjoy adventure trips like zipline, zipbike, tarzan swing, wall climbing and rappelling. Cottages are available for day visitors while rooms and cabanas are for overnight stays.
Panicuason Hot Spring Resort is located in Barangay Panicuason, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
8. Malabsay Falls
Photo courtesy of Bryan Ferreras
Malabsay Falls is one of the renowned waterfalls in the province of Camarines Sur, a 40-feet falls amid verdant foliage. It is surrounded by mossy cliffs and boulders with growing plants on them. Visitors may swim at the cold and deep catch plunge pool while thriller-seekers surely never miss some accessible surface on boulders for rock jumping down the natural pool. Tree trunks along stones in the river serves as a seating area for visitors. There were complaints regarding the irresponsible throwing of trashes on the falls so please don’t join them. Going to the falls from the entrance is just about 10-minute trek.
Malabsay Falls is situated in Barangay Panicuason, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
9. Hacienda de Naga Resort
Photo courtesy of Hacienda de Naga Resort
Hacienda de Naga Resort is the perfect destination for families and leisure travelers in Camarines Sur. The 82-hectare property perched on the slopes of Mount Isarog is packed with great amenities and green environment. Amenities includes the one and only wave pool in the province, golf course, adventure park, mini-zoo and nature park. Swimming, ATV Riding, horseback riding, zip lining, wall climbing & rappelling and pili nuts picking are among the list of things to do in the resort. Cabanas are available for day visitors while Hotel Villas for overnight stay. It is a recommended resort destination.
Hacienda de Naga Adventure Park is located in Barangay Carolina, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
10. Peñafrancia Basilica Minore
Photo courtesy of Jo Estive
Peñafrancia Basilica Minore commonly known as Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church is an 18th century Roman Catholic Church in Camarines Sur. It is a Baroque style church built on 1750. The structure of the church is made of fine architectural designs beautified by stained-glass images and paintings. The church houses the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of the city of Naga believed by devotees to have performed countless miracles. The feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia being celebrated every September 17 is considered as one of the most prestigious religious events in the country.
Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church is situated in Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
