Matukad Island
Matukad Island
4.5
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4.5
186 reviews
Excellent
133
Very good
50
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2
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1
Steven S
Pattaya, Thailand781 contributions
Mar 2020
This island is on the Short Boat Trip itinerary. Regulated cost of boat is 1500 pesos paid for at the Tourism Desk on Paniman beach.
The beach is not that long but the sand is soft and clean. The water is clear and great for a refreshing dip. There is a hidden lagoon which I saw on Youtube but after watching some people descend back down to the beach I decided against it. It is a steep climb up sharp coral rock and at my age, no thanks.
I was surprised to see a lady there selling halo halo so of course I had to have one.
There is some shaded area hence an idyllic location for a lunch stop.
The beach is not that long but the sand is soft and clean. The water is clear and great for a refreshing dip. There is a hidden lagoon which I saw on Youtube but after watching some people descend back down to the beach I decided against it. It is a steep climb up sharp coral rock and at my age, no thanks.
I was surprised to see a lady there selling halo halo so of course I had to have one.
There is some shaded area hence an idyllic location for a lunch stop.
Written April 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ankur Jain
Batangas City, Philippines7 contributions
Dec 2019
A beautiful beach, almost 35 minutes boat “Bangka” ride from the Tugawe cove resort where we stayed. And, 5 minutes boat ride from Lahos Island. A lush green small island with two white sand beaches. The sand is fine like powder. Very smooth. Not a good snorkelling point though, good for swimming. One can take very good photographs for remembrance. A must to see on Caramoan island hopping spree.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jblaza
Marikina, Philippines714 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Matukad was the second island I visited during my first trip to Caramoan. Its beach has pristine shallow waters and ivory powdery sand. Trees line the shoreline, providing shade.
Matukad island will take your breath away—figuratively and literally. Behind a vast limestone wall hides a lagoon where the two so-called “Enchanted Bangus (milkfish)” are found. To reach the lagoon, visitors have to climb the limestone wall. There are no safety harnesses, ropes, pulleys provided. Once you start climbing, hold on; any misstep will not be pretty. It is about forty feet high.
The rock surface on the usual path taken by tourists are less jagged and less sharp, but will only be passable to one or two people. During my first visit there, there was only a handful of tourists; when I returned two months later, the place was packed and there was a queue of people climbing. More adventurous guests may try the sharper but less crowded parts of the wall to avoid the queue. At the top of the rock ledge is a stunning view of the islands. At the bottom of the other side of the rock ledge is the lagoon where the two milkfish are. Visitors can get close to the lagoon but rocks at this side of the rock ledge are sharper and looser.
I do not recommend wearing rubber shoes for the climb as the bulky shoes may be difficult to fit in small crevices. Slippers would do fine. When I climbed the rock wall, I used aqua shoes and it worked great; it had good traction and the jagged edges of the rocks were not troublesome. The compactness of the aqua shoes enabled me to anchor my foot inside smaller holes and crevices.
The lake was clear and tranquil; despite numerous trees surrounding the area, the lagoon’s surface was unobstructed by fallen leaves, etc. My guide told me the story of how there were two milkfish that lived in the lake until a local caught one and fed it to his family; the enchanted milkfish allegedly cursed the fisherman causing his son to fall ill and die. Enchanted or not, the lagoon and the entire island deserves our respect. (It is sad to note that I had to pick up rubbish thrown along the rock ledge by previous guests; some of the rocks had vandalism, too.)
Matukad island will take your breath away—figuratively and literally. Behind a vast limestone wall hides a lagoon where the two so-called “Enchanted Bangus (milkfish)” are found. To reach the lagoon, visitors have to climb the limestone wall. There are no safety harnesses, ropes, pulleys provided. Once you start climbing, hold on; any misstep will not be pretty. It is about forty feet high.
The rock surface on the usual path taken by tourists are less jagged and less sharp, but will only be passable to one or two people. During my first visit there, there was only a handful of tourists; when I returned two months later, the place was packed and there was a queue of people climbing. More adventurous guests may try the sharper but less crowded parts of the wall to avoid the queue. At the top of the rock ledge is a stunning view of the islands. At the bottom of the other side of the rock ledge is the lagoon where the two milkfish are. Visitors can get close to the lagoon but rocks at this side of the rock ledge are sharper and looser.
I do not recommend wearing rubber shoes for the climb as the bulky shoes may be difficult to fit in small crevices. Slippers would do fine. When I climbed the rock wall, I used aqua shoes and it worked great; it had good traction and the jagged edges of the rocks were not troublesome. The compactness of the aqua shoes enabled me to anchor my foot inside smaller holes and crevices.
The lake was clear and tranquil; despite numerous trees surrounding the area, the lagoon’s surface was unobstructed by fallen leaves, etc. My guide told me the story of how there were two milkfish that lived in the lake until a local caught one and fed it to his family; the enchanted milkfish allegedly cursed the fisherman causing his son to fall ill and die. Enchanted or not, the lagoon and the entire island deserves our respect. (It is sad to note that I had to pick up rubbish thrown along the rock ledge by previous guests; some of the rocks had vandalism, too.)
Written March 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aeroger211
16 contributions
Me and my Gf went here last april 24, our first stop for our bicol tour and our last stop for our caramoan island hopping and where we set camp for the night and cook our meals. The place is picturesque specially on the otherside of the beach front, turquoise to blue colored water with some cliffs on the background. Its like from the movie The Beach. Fine, powdery white sand and magnificent cliffs. The only badside of this island is where you'll setup camp. Yes it do have shades of trees around and only Matukad Beach have it but as you go around at the back of that spot, you'll see lots of trash. We saw paper plates, plastic cups and hell, we even saw Human crap!! Its not even covered at all! What's wrong with people nowadays? We didn't took the effort to take a picture since we don't wanna ruin the mystical island's rep. Yes it is mystical because of the infamous "Bangus" fish that swims in the lake within the island. There used to be 2 "Bangus" fish that swims in the lake they said they were lovers, but one of the locals catch the other and unfortunately, cook it. The fisherman who catches the fish dies a few days later as told by our guide, you know some local and mysterious stories alike. You have to climb a stiff, jaggedy edge and slippery cliff to the top just to have a glimpse. And by the way, since its the pacific coast, better bring those water resistant tents or big trash bags so as to cover the topside of the tent when it rains. We were awaken in the middle of the night with soaked shorts and shirts and a pool of water in our tent, plus add up the inconsistent strong wind blows. I definitely had the chills. Dont' be discouraged by the weather. At dawn, sunrise finally greeted us and what's else to do but to swim and Selfies 😊 We took a Groupfie, our superb hospitable guide Kuya Ramil and his wife Ate Myrna Cruel, Me and The Gf. Just don't be fooled by their surnames haha. They are actually super very nice people. They actually have a home stay near their house and a sari sari store. Kuya Ramil's charge for our 4 island tour cost us 2,000 for the 2 of us.That includes the morning pick up in matukad. If you want to visit, contact kuya Ramil 0907 435 1962, though you can read about him in many blogs. We drove all the way to caramoan, to paniman beach. We parked our car near Kuya Ramil's house. Its possible to bring your own car since the starting point of island hopping is in paniman beach which can be reach by land. Most of the roads are cemented and pave but you can still pass on some rough roads. I suggest bring a bigger vehicle with high ground clearance. Though cars are fine except for the rough roads. By the way, our way back to the pan philippine highway going to Albay, since it rained the night before, these rough roads are like a trap, slimmy, and sticky mud will surely be a problem. Your car might be drifting on mud, just like what we experience so take a little extra care while driving. All in, just experience and enjoy the coastal roads, fresh breeze, and the nature as you travel on your way to paniman beach. Took us 2 1/2 hrs from naga to caramoan. Google maps is kinda accurate though, you can gps your way there just be sure to save it as offline map. Type "ok maps" on google map status bar and it will save the specified area or the covered area by the map without data connection since cellular signals are weak. Are We Coming back? Definitely. For those who will visit, give my regards to kuya Ramil and Ate Myrna 😊
Written May 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny Q
paranaque64 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
We went to this magnificent island and was really amazed with the powdery and fine white sand. No stones. Walking barefoot was fun. The water was so clear and clean. Was just disappointed that a few people still leave their trash and cigarette butts on that beautiful sand.
Written June 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nino J D
Ormoc, Philippines258 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
8 of us from Leyte hit the road to get to camsur where we intended to explore caramoan. We availed of the 3 days n 2 nights package tour through Mr. Emilio Victor Avila III and assigned a tourguide to us -Mr. Welven Jallores 09982800158. The package includes transport from guijalo port to our accomodation, boat for island hopping and sumptuous food, mostly sea food and unlimited rice.
Positive common: affordable food, souvenir items, has atm at caramoan proper
Negative comments-difficult transfer from sabang port of san jose to guijalo port of caramoan.
Tip: be early at sabang port, be friendly to locals, bring card, board games because its boring during night time, no nightlife. Less ammenities at the accomodations. Due to fullybooked accomodations, some tourists are staying at houses, some pitched tents at the lawn of some houses. No signal for globe network. The bigger the group, the cheaoer the package price. We were 8, we paid 2,400 pesos each. If there are only 2 of you, you pay 4,500 each!!!
Positive common: affordable food, souvenir items, has atm at caramoan proper
Negative comments-difficult transfer from sabang port of san jose to guijalo port of caramoan.
Tip: be early at sabang port, be friendly to locals, bring card, board games because its boring during night time, no nightlife. Less ammenities at the accomodations. Due to fullybooked accomodations, some tourists are staying at houses, some pitched tents at the lawn of some houses. No signal for globe network. The bigger the group, the cheaoer the package price. We were 8, we paid 2,400 pesos each. If there are only 2 of you, you pay 4,500 each!!!
Written May 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anne_rainne
Taguig City, Philippines216 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
I read on blogs that it's easier to go to Caramoan via Virac airport so that's what we did. From the airport, we walked out to the main road since we don't want to be ripped off by the trikes waiting at the airport. There was this trike that kept on following us and even waited for us to finish eating breakfast offering us a ride to our destination. It was scary in a way.
since we still had our heavy backpacks we decided to go to town and reserve a room at Rhaj Apartelle and Executive Inn (very affordable). from the Inn we walk to the stations of jeepneys- the local transportation. Pay P25.00 and ask them to drop you off San Andres Port. From the port, ride a trike, P50.00/each to Codon Port where you can ride boats for Island hopping.
Another way is to ride the trike from town of virac to codon port, it will cost P600.00 (one way trip) for the special trip.
Contact our boatman 09217135668/09462796122 Kuya Jesi (kuya is older brother) he let us rent a boat good for 8 for only P3000.00 since we were just three in our group. He knows the island well. Ask him to take you to Lake Tayak, too. He can also prepare your pack lunches just send him a message in advance. We felt safe even though the waves were strong because he really knows what he's doing.
Matukad Island is the second island we went to. We wanted to see the mystical lake where one milk fish lives. A story has been passing around that there were supposed to be 2 of them there but a fisherman caught one and brought home for dinner. The family ate the fish and all died except the fisherman himself who did not eat it.
since we still had our heavy backpacks we decided to go to town and reserve a room at Rhaj Apartelle and Executive Inn (very affordable). from the Inn we walk to the stations of jeepneys- the local transportation. Pay P25.00 and ask them to drop you off San Andres Port. From the port, ride a trike, P50.00/each to Codon Port where you can ride boats for Island hopping.
Another way is to ride the trike from town of virac to codon port, it will cost P600.00 (one way trip) for the special trip.
Contact our boatman 09217135668/09462796122 Kuya Jesi (kuya is older brother) he let us rent a boat good for 8 for only P3000.00 since we were just three in our group. He knows the island well. Ask him to take you to Lake Tayak, too. He can also prepare your pack lunches just send him a message in advance. We felt safe even though the waves were strong because he really knows what he's doing.
Matukad Island is the second island we went to. We wanted to see the mystical lake where one milk fish lives. A story has been passing around that there were supposed to be 2 of them there but a fisherman caught one and brought home for dinner. The family ate the fish and all died except the fisherman himself who did not eat it.
Written February 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eltravs
Ormoc, Philippines63 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
We did island hopping to several island's in caramoan but we stayed longer in matukad and enjoyed swimming the clear blue waters and feel the coarse sand beneath my feet.
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sealfixation
Manila, Philippines57 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
The place is absolutely one of the best in Caramoan. For people who aren't really accustomed to wading in rough seas this isn't the best place for you. But for those that don't care about the big waves this is a sure haven. The beach though is perfect for everyone. The sand is so fine and there are trees that serve as shades for visitors. The place is every angle picturesque and is a perfect place to laze the day away. Bring a picnic mat or beach towels to lay on and books to kill time. You should not miss the opportunity in enjoying the beach as it does have the best sand in the entire province although it's not a long stretch of pure-white sand. There is also a lake viewable by climbing a cliff which isn't really safe for non-climbers and for people who fear heights. I personally attempted to get on the deck but after reaching around 3 meters from the ground I felt overwhelmed and woozy so I backed out. It seemed too high a climb and scared the heck out of me. My roomie managed to get atop but was shaking upon descend. We visited first thing around 9 AM and we were just with one other group on the island. The place felt so secluded and we loved the idea of having a picnic on the island but since there were more stops we just took pictures and went on with the remainder of the tour. Our next stop was supposed to be Lahos but since the water was so rough and we saw boats in the bank splashed with huge waves we decided to go to Cagbalinad. Well, our boatman did the best decision in doing so as we totally fell in love with the island. After spending a few hours on Cagbanilad we moved on to the island across, Hugnongan. We were scheduled to go to Gota as the last leg of our tour but the wave was worse so we ended up returning to Matukad. To our surprise there were a lot of people on the island. Perhaps everyone's tour was concluded at this island. The water was more shallow and was more swimmable that time. The rock formation looked more magnificent under the very bright sun. We went into the woods and we couldn't think of words to describe the panoramic view from our vantage point which looked prettier than it did in the morning. The sand felt finer having been exposed to heat. It was comparable to Boracay's. We wanted to stay longer but since we were already tired and were scared of the thoughts of bigger waves we bode goodbye to the island. Unfortunately we arrived at the hotel too early.
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alex26es
Iloilo City, Philippines17 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
It was my 25th birthday. so I guess that was last year! lol. Well, there are 3 ways to reach Caramoan but we had chosen this option: we take Penafrancia Bus on a delux cabin from Cubao Terminal that leaves around 8 pm and goes directly to Sabang Port for 700-800.00 php fare. land travel takes 9 hours. just make sure to arrive in Sabang Port in the morning cause they don't have schedule after 11 am. boat ride takes 2 hours for 120-150.00 php boat fare. when we arrived in Caramoan Port we took a 45 minutes trike travel to the town of Caramoan for 50.00 php per person.. you can stay in the town or you may opt to stay in the beach. there are a lot of inns and lodges around the town. you may also packed your tent and stay in this Matukad Island. we stayed in Villa Julianna Inn on our first day for 800.00 php good 3 pax with 3 beds and shower! we stayed in La Playa Beach Resort in our second day for the same price. island ride is P1,500.00 good for 3-5 persons. and then everything is beautiful. you must see it for yourself!
Written June 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can we bring private car to caramoan? or we can park it in a private car park somewhere else near a port to the island?
thanks in advance
Written February 29, 2020
You can't bring a car to caramoan since the boat that you will ride is just a small boat that they usually use to fish or do island hopping. But you can park your vehicle near the port.
Written September 14, 2020
Enjoy the island life for two nights, and embrace nature away from the buzzing city crowd and noise. Stay safe and sound always!
Sample Budget
Manila to Naga: P800
Naga to Sabang Port: P100
Sabang Port to Guijalo Port: P120
Food supplies: P350 (P1,000/3)
Mini boat ride: P25 (P50/2)
Environmental Fee: P30
Tricyle to Brgy. Paniman: P100 (P300/3)
Boat Rental: P2,000 (P6,000/3)
*Two days island-hopping
*Two nights camping
*Shower fee in homestay
*Paluto
Cotivas Island Entrance Fee: P50
Tricycle to terminal: P70 (P200/3)
Caramoan Bus to Naga: P230
Naga to Manila: P800
Estimated total expense/person: P4,675-5,000
Written October 25, 2018
Hello! How can I organize a trip there? I live in Makati. Should I go to some travel agencies?
Written July 12, 2016
Going to caramoan have 2 options: by land and air. If you have a budget u can go by air thru Pili airport. Or by bus in Pasay or Cubao via DLTB or philtranco or other bus company. Theres a lot of them. I think its more convenient by bus via Naga. Travel by night. Get an 8pm or 9pm schedule.travel time is 7-8 hours.fare nldepends on your choice of bus. Ordinary aircon is 600pesos 1 way. Then you have to transfer bus going to Caramoan. 1st trip is around 3:45am no need to hv reservation. From Naga to Caramoan is atounnd 4hours.fyi bus in naga is centralize.just ask people there where's the bus going to Caramoan. Aircon bus 1way is 200pesos.
Now for the stay in Caramoan and doing island hopping you must arrange a package tour. 3D/2N cost 3000pesos for 7 persons. Rent of boats, tour guides and food are icluded in the package. you can google caramoan islands.check my pics in the travel advisory so you will know the arrangement. Website are not allowed here.
Hope it helps.c Thanks
Written July 12, 2016
I heard camping in matukad beach is not allowed anymore. is this true? Which Island can we camp over night? Thank you!
Written November 13, 2015
Hi there, i havent heard that you can camp overnight in matukad, the island is just small, the only thing that you can enjoy is the hidden lagoon. But the beach is phenomenal.
Written July 26, 2016
Hi I am planning to go there w my family this April 2015 Can we still camp in Matukad island for overnight and is it free or do we have to pay ? is it also safe ? Many Thanks
Written March 3, 2015
Hi Marian,
You cant camp there, normally there are tour guides that will take you there but its usually day trip only..
Written October 14, 2015
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